Shayna Baszler is interested in adding tools to her toolbox and showing that she has range as a performer.
In recent weeks, Shayna Baszler has expanded into more of a character, working opposite Alexa Bliss as she has taken on the role of Bray Wyatt’s “Fiend” persona.
For the former NXT Women's Champion, she is glad that she is in a situation where she can show her range but she does understand why some may not be a fan of her doing comedy or over-the-top sports entertainment, as she explains in a new interview with Sports Illustrated.
“I need to show that I can be counted on to nail whatever it is I’m being asked to do,” Baszler says. “It’s easy to be a badass tyrant like I was in NXT. I can totally fit that role. After establishing myself as that, it’s important to show I can cover a wide range of what professional wrestling is today.
“It’s like music. Some people like country, some like heavy metal. Not everything is for everyone, so I understand why some people roll their eyes when I do comedy. But I’m established as what I am. All it takes is one sentence from a promo delivered properly. I am a legitimate badass; that’s always there for me. I’m glad I can be on Raw and show a wider range.”
For the last year, she has been teaming with Nia Jax, something that she says has helped her expand her professional wrestling range as well.
“Teaming with Nia has helped me expand my pro wrestling repertoire,” Baszler says. “Obviously coming from a fighting background, we don’t do tag teams in MMA. It’s not something I spent a lot of time concentrating on. But it’s a craft and so much more in-depth than people realize. It’s a great sort of Rubik’s cube to solve, and I love solving those puzzles. Nia’s also been a big help for me behind the scenes.”
She added, “I’m putting more tools in my toolbox,” Baszler says. “I worked for years to build this legitimacy. I walk through the curtain, and you know I can ruin someone. I won’t let people forget that.”
You can learn more about what Vince McMahon has told Shayna Baszler in the past about the difference between NXT and the main roster at this link.