BROWN'S FAVE FIVE AT 5 / Shayna Baszler's Greatest Hits

The Great Brown Hope
May 12
12 min read

I am Shayna "The Queen of Spades" Bazsler. I fought in Mixed Martial Arts for sixteen years. Over a decade of those, I was ranked in the Top 10 in the World.

Welcome everyone to a very special edition of Storee Time with The Great Brown Hope. This will be my 50th entry with the Main Event Wrestling Network. And there is only One Superstar truly worthy of the honor!

Anyone who knows me knows I've been a supporter, admirer, and fan, of the greatness that is the Legend of Shayna Baszler. Hearing of her release really hurts close to home for me as I've always been a fan of her work and a loyal witness to all the work she has put in for the betterment of the Women's Division. As skilled as she is mean, Shayna Baszler was, is, and will always be a dangerous force not to be reckoned with. Tough with the kicks and sick with the graps, Shayna Baszler was the perfect combat athlete slash wrestler that could fit and adapt to every environment she stepped into.

I watched her beginnings, her rise, and everything after and in between. Moments where I felt she was gonna get THAT win to Moments where it felt like this is it, this where she will get her due! Moments of glory, Moments of triumph, Moments that felt like she was on her way to tear through the division, again. No matter the situation, win or lose, fans like myself weren't giving up on Baszler. If Shayna Baszler doesn't tap out, neither will I.

From being a two time NXT Women's Champion to capturing four Women's Tag Team Championships, Shayna Baszler is a decorated Superstar with a storee that will never be duplicated or paralleled.

From being the favorite to win the Inaugural Mae Young Classic to what should have been a resurgence in the earlier days of the Pure Fusion Collective, Shayna Baszler's background and experience spoke for itself.

From her in-ring savvy to her competiveness, Baszler was possibly the most credible athlete in the WWE Women's Division for what feels like a decade.

And in era that was taking the Women's Division to new heights, Shayna Baszler had all the tools, and more, to add plenty of credibility to the division. Stars like Sasha Banks, Bayley, Becky Lynch, and Charlotte, were already on the main roster and with more on their way up as well, NXT was in need of talent to replinish the NXT Women's roster. And on July 13, 2017, Shayna Baszler would enter the Inaugural Mae You Classic, and the rest was HERstoree.

Shayna Baszler would sign with the fed after the tournament, and would arrive in NXT ready to compete and make an even bigger name for herself in the squared circle. Baszler made her televised debut on January 4, 2018 and would win her first NXT Women's Championship just three months later.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for everything, our Queen of Spades. The Great Brown Hope loves and appreciates you and will always ride with you til the very end.

Shayna Baszler, these flowers are for you.

LET'S GET TO IT Y'ALL!!

HONORABLE MENTION:

Shayna Baszler Makes Kairi Sane Immortal

Mae Young Classic Finals

Shayna Baszler vs. Kairi Sane

In 2017, WWE held the Inaugural Mae Young Classic which featured a wide variety of established talent, combat veterans, experienced wrestlers, and an array of new stars looking to make a name for themselves. Shayna Baszler would be the standout athlete in this tournament after winning her matches via submission against credible opponents Zeda, Mia Yim, Candice LeRae, and Mercedes Martinez. This type of dominance is very rare in a tournament like this and Shayna Baszler fit the mold to fill that role. Though a former UFC fighter, Shayna Baszler is also a wrestler and has everything it takes to hang with the best of the best and everyone else. Baszler would take Sane to the limit with Sane having to dig deep to hang with the bigger and stronger Baszler. But even Sane's quickness was no match for Baszler's faster, harder kicks. Baszler would target Sane's right arm, taking aim at removing Sane's Insane Elbow finisher from the equation. Sane's resilience would not allow her to stay grounded, using the crowd's support to her advantage. Sane would take the fight back to Baszler and was able to weaken her just enough to slow her down, even if for a short moment. Sane targeted Shayna's ribs, which would prove a pivotal strategy when Sane hit Baszler's weakened ribs to escape Shayna's tournament dominating Kirifuda Clutch. Baszler would lock in a Double Wrist Lock on Sane while both on the top turnbuckle but Sane was able to fight herself out. Sane hits a running forearm on Shayna's bruised ribs, and followed it up with the Insane Elbow on a winded Baszler for the win and the trophy. Baszler and Sane would close the Inaugural Mae Young Classic with a warm embrace to the approval of the masses.

Shayna Baszler and Kairi Sane had made it.

NUMBER 5:

Shayna Baszler Debuts on NXT

Shayna Baszler vs. Dakota Kai

Shayna Baszler would officially sign with WWE and make her way to the WWE Performance Center, making her presence known immediately. A series of videos aired of Shayna arriving, putting Jessi Kamea and Reina Gonzalez in choke holds prior to her coming NXT debut against Dakota Kai.

What's Shayna's problem you ask? She's there to fix the problem!

After going 8-0 in singles competition at NXT Live events, it was now time to bring Shayna Baszler to NXT TV. The Queen of Spades would face off with Dakota Kai, another entrant from the Inaugural Mae Young Classic, one on one. With the fans chanting "Shayna's Gonna Kill You!", Baszler instantly smelled the scent of blood, and fear, and attacked her prey. After choosing Kai's left arm as the limb she would take home with her, Baszler went to work bending, stretching, twisting, and dismantling her opponent. In less than two minutes, Shayna Baszler proved she was not to be underestimated. And thanks to referee stoppage, Dakota Kai escaped with her left arm still in tact while Baszler's arm was lifted in victory.

NUMBER 4:

The Queen of Spades Takes the Throne

NXT TakeOver: New Orleans

NXT Women's Championship Match

Shayna Baszler vs Ember Moon(c)

After an electric entrance by Ember Moon, The Submission Magician's music hit and now play time was over. With NXT Gold in her focused sights, Shayna Baszler marched to the ring ready to take home a title and one of Ember Moon's limbs.

Adding hype to the aura of Shayna Baszler, Percy Watson mentions that out of her 15 MMA wins, 13 of them were by submission. The competitors are announced, and Shayna Baszler would lock in staring down Ember Moon without blinking an eye. Shayna was here to win. Whilst a worthy champion in her own right, Ember Moon had to pull out all the stops to keep up with Baszler's hard hitting, all business offense. Catch Wrestling Specialist Baszler would stretch Moon beyond her body's limitations, weakening her prey. A stiff knee to the face almost takes out Moon but it's not enough for a three count. Moon had plenty of fight in her, finding her way out of Baszler's Kirifuda Clutch. With Baszler taking hits to her damage meter, every move Moon used only exhausted Moon more and kept Baszler the quicker of the two. Bringing an already tired crowd back to life, Moon and Shayna continued to exchange offense with Moon now targeting Baszler's left arm using the same foot lock and kick against her. But even using Baszler's own medicine against her wasn't enough to take out Baszler. Baszler would prove just how tough she is by putting her dislocated shoulder back in place by driving it into the turnbuckle. Ember Moon hits an Eclipse to the outside to massive approval from the crowd. Moon would escape another Kirifuda Clutch and used her power moves to escape other submissions attempts. And just when it seemed an Eclipse would get her the win, Baszler would apply one last Kirifuda Clutch that would lead to the fall of Moon. Via way of Submission Knock-Out Shayna Baszler is announced our NEW NXT WOMEN'S CHAMPION! The Queen of Spades was now The Queen of NXT.

NUMBER 3:

The Queen of Spades Reigns Supreme

Survivor Series 2019

Shayna Baszler vs. Becky Lynch vs. Bayley

In 2019, it was announced Survivor Series would include all three brands, RAW, SmackDown, and NXT, all fighting for brand supremacy. And with Survivor Series weeks away, on the November 1st episode of Smackdown, NXT would fire the first shot. Shayna Baszler would arrive and take out Sasha Banks, Nikki Cross, and Bayley with ease, asserting her dominance.

Baszler would then make her way to RAW and interrupt Becky Lynch's interview, setting the tone for the triple threat match that was coming. The three would brawl and get involved in each other's business leading up to this encounter that was set to feature three of the greatest Women's Champions of the last decade, and perhaps even beyond.

On November 24, 2019, one night removed from a Women's NXT War Games match, reigning and defending NXT Women's Champion Shayna 2 Time Baszler would make her official main roster debut.

Even with all of Bayley's and Becky's collective accolades, the favorite going into this match was indeed Shayna Baszler. Easily the deadliest, toughest, and strongest of the three, Baszler would have her work cut out for her with this one. Baszler and Lynch would stare each other down ready to scrap, already disregarding Bayley's involvement. All three would continue to dish the hard knocks against each other, with Lynch and Bayley keeping Baszler from utilizing her submission repertoire. Back and forth and back action ensues as all three tear each other to shreds with hopes of walking away with coveted bragging rights. Baszler would be momentarily neutralized, but would emerge again and re-enter the mix. Lynch would lock in the Disarm Her on Bayley with Shayna breaking the hold with a knee to Becky's face followed up by a gutwrench slam. And with Lynch dazed and out of the ring, we get to see Bayley and Baszler go at it with Baszler pummeling Bayley with stiff forearm strikes to the back. The match would follow the same formula with either Becky or Bayley aiming to face off with Baszler, leading to intervals of Baszler vs Becky and Baszler vs Bayley. This strategy would prove to be on Baszler's side as her opponents wasted energy fighting each other to get their hands on Baszler. Baszler would take out Lynch for good and now only had to take care of Bayley. Bayley would ground Baszler as she would attempt to hit a flying elbow, only for Baszler to catch her, lock her in the Kirifuda Clutch and force her to tap. Shayna Baszler won in the main event match of the night, defeating two of the Four Horsewomen in one match for the world to see. Baszler's victory would add another win to NXT's win counter for Survivor Series, as they won with a decisive 4 victories to RAW's 1 and SmackDown's 2.

Shayna Baszler had made it, again.

NUMBER 2:

Shayna Baszler Dominates at Elimination Chamber

Elimination Chamber 2020

Shayna Baszler vs. Natalya vs. Liv Morgan vs. Asuka vs. Ruby Riott vs Sarah Logan

After making a statement and eliminating eight Superstars in the 2020 Women's Royal Rumble Match, Baszler would compete in the 2020 Women's Elimination Chamber match. Ruby Riott and Natalya started the match, followed by Sarah Logan exiting her pod first. Once Shayna Baszler joined the fray(not the band), she would run amuck on the field using her trusty, deadly combination of a gutwrench slam, a knee to the face, and a Kirifuda Clutch, eliminating both Logan and Riott by submission. And with Natalya the only remaining entrant actively in the match, Baszler would destroy Natalya and force her to tap as well. And like a lion playing with his glorious keep, Baszler would taunt both Asuka and Liv Morgan, waiting for either one to enter the match.

With the odds not in her favor, Morgan would enter the match and attempt to take it to Baszler, succesfully delivering kicks to Baszler that barely even phased her. Baszler would throw Morgan against the steel cage, taunting Asuka with what would be a similar fate once she enters. Morgan would be quickly disposed of in the form of a hanging Kirifuda Clutch, choking her out in the process.

And now we were down to the final two. Asuka is released from her pod, finally entering match. Two of NXT's greatest Women's Champions and finest Graduates, Asuka and Baszler went neck and neck with each other pulling out every move in their extensive arsenal. But this elimination chamber was home court advantage for Shayna Baszler. Asuka would manage to lock in the Asuka Lock but Baszler would escape. Baszler would take control of the match and wore Asuka down with her powerful strikes. And with the edge of glory in sight, Shayna Baszler would choke out Asuka with her Kirifuda Clutch, setting the record as the ONLY Superstar to ever eliminate every competitor in an Elimination Chamber Match.

NUMBER 1:

Shayna Baszler Retires Ronda Rousey

SummerSlam 2023

Shayna Baszler vs Ronda Rousey

"The state is elevating as the hurt turns into hating, anticipating all those f*cked up feelings again"

Two days removed from Money in the Bank 2023 and after losing their Unified Women's Tag Team Championships, Rousey would arrive at RAW looking for an explanation. Before Rousey could say a word, Shayna Baszler made her entrance immediately cutting Rousey off to the approval of everyone in attendance. Baszler had enough of Rousey and was there to make a statement. Rousey would comment that Baszler threw away loyalty and years of support, to which Baszler responded with reminding Rousey that unlike her, Shayna had to work for her spot in the fed. The two would engage in a brawl that the entire WWE Universe has been waiting for since both Superstars were officially signed. And with a stiff running knee to Rousey, Baszler walked away standing tall.

On July 31, 2023, an interview would be released where Baszler would vent all her frustrations. Baszler would come to grips with the fact that she was being used by Rousey for Rousey's own benefit. She was the friend and supporter that Rousey always needed. But where was Ronda Rousey when Shayna Baszler needed Rousey in HER corner? Baszler knew Ronda Rousey isn't the baddest, cause the baddest is Shayna Bazsler. An emotional Shayna Baszler would add another layer to this storee, showing a more human side of Baszler. She stated that the only thing that hurts about this is that Ronda's daughter, Baszler's Goddaughter, would never forgive her for what she was about to do to Rousey.

The stage was now set, Ronda Rousey vs Shayna Baszler in an MMA Rules Match at Summerslam 2023. The rules of the match were simple, no pinfalls, no rope breaks, no count outs, the only way to win was via Knock Out or Submission. And in traditional MMA fashion, both competitors were given the choice to touch gloves before the match. Rousey, who had never offered to touch gloves before, put up her gloves as a sign of respect for Baszler, to which Baszler refused.

This is it. This one is for all the marbles. This one is for the title of who truly is the baddest in a WWE ring. The bell rings and we are off to the races. The two would exchange strikes and countering each other's hold attempts. This crowd was clearly behind Baszler, and rightfully, deservingly so. This was Shayna Baszler's night. And as soon as Rousey ran her mouth, Baszler shut her down quick with a kick to the face that sent Rousey to the outside. Baszler would target Rousey's legs with grounded holds to which Rousey used her power strikes to get herself free. Rousey hits a running knee to Baszler's face and she's momentarily dazed, but that wasn't enough to keep her down. Rousey would then hit Baszler's midsection with a combination of strikes. Baszler would take a breather in the corner while officials checked on her to make sure she can keep fighting, selling the effects of Rousey's strikes. To the displeasure of Rousey, Rousey would take out the officials tending to Baszler. The crowd errupts with Baszler chants as she Baszler comes alive and the two go at it again. Baszler would lock in a Kirifuda Clutch with Rousey attempting to counter with an arm bar that Baszler was all too prepared for. After more back and forth tussling, Baszler would lock in the decisive Kirifuda Clutch knocking out Ronda Rousey and securing sweet victory. Shayna Baszler once and for all showed the world she was the baddest and sent Ronda Rousey home in the process, to the approval of the masses.

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(this chapter of Storee Time with The Great Brown Hope has been brought to you by Four Loko. Drink Four Loko.)

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