In a candid reflection on her WWE career, Shayna Baszler has taken aim at a notion that has long been a topic of discussion among fans and pundits alike: the idea that she was booked as a ‘female Brock Lesnar.’ Baszler, a former NXT Women’s Champion and two-time WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion, has never been afraid to speak her mind, and her latest comments are a prime example of that.
The ‘Female Brock Lesnar’ Label: A Misconception?
For those who may be unfamiliar, the ‘female Brock Lesnar’ label refers to the perceived notion that Baszler was being positioned as a dominant, unstoppable force in the WWE, much like the Beast Incarnate himself. However, according to Baszler, this label doesn’t quite capture the essence of her character or her in-ring style.
“I don’t think I was ever ‘female Brock Lesnar,'” Baszler said in a recent interview. “I mean, sure, I was a dominant force in the ring, but my character was always more about being a force to be reckoned with, rather than just a one-dimensional powerhouse.”
Baszler continued, “I think people got caught up in the idea of me being this unstoppable, behemoth-like character, but that wasn’t really the focus. I was always more about being a technical, high-flying wrestler, and my character was always more nuanced than that.”
The Challenges of Main Roster Transition
Baszler’s comments come as a result of her own experiences transitioning from NXT to the main roster. While many have praised her for her unique in-ring style and charisma, Baszler has admitted that she faced challenges in terms of how she was perceived by the wider audience.
“I think when I first came up to the main roster, people had a hard time figuring out who I was,” Baszler said. “They didn’t really know how to book me or what to do with me, and that was frustrating. But I think that’s also where my frustration with the ‘female Brock Lesnar’ label comes in – I felt like people were trying to put me in a box, rather than letting me be myself.”
A Changing Perception?
Interestingly, Baszler’s comments come at a time when the WWE is undergoing a significant shift in its approach to women’s wrestling. With the rise of women like Rhea Ripley, Becky Lynch, and Charlotte Flair, the company is now more than ever embracing a diverse range of styles and personalities.
According to a WWE insider, this shift in approach is a direct result of the company’s efforts to create more nuanced, complex female characters.
“We’re trying to create characters that are more than just ‘strong women’ or ‘fierce warriors,'” the insider revealed. “We want women who are multi-dimensional, with their own unique personalities and in-ring styles. Shayna Baszler is a perfect example of that – she’s a force to be reckoned with in the ring, but she’s also got a depth and complexity that sets her apart from other female wrestlers.”
A Legacy Reborn?
Baszler’s comments have sparked a renewed interest in her legacy, with many fans and pundits re-evaluating her time in the WWE. With the benefit of hindsight, it’s clear that Baszler was always more than just a ‘female Brock Lesnar’ – she was a trailblazer, a pioneer, and a true original.
As one WWE source noted, “Shayna Baszler is a true icon in the world of women’s wrestling. She’s a testament to the power and resilience of women in the ring, and her legacy continues to inspire a new generation of female wrestlers.”
For Baszler, however, it’s not about legacy or accolades – it’s about being a part of something bigger than herself.
“I’m just happy to be a part of this community,” she said. “I’m happy to be a role model for young women, and to show them that they can be strong, capable, and powerful in the ring. That’s what it’s all about for me.”
As the WWE continues to evolve and grow, one thing is clear: Shayna Baszler will always be remembered as a true original, a force to be reckoned with in the world of women’s wrestling.