ORLANDO, FL – Veteran WWE Superstar Shayna Baszler made a surprise appearance on Tuesday night’s “NXT,” signaling a potential shift in the landscape of the brand’s women’s division. Baszler, a former two-time NXT Women’s Champion, was shown working with Kelani Jordan in preparation for Jordan’s upcoming Underground match against Lola Vice at Vengeance Day this weekend. The unexpected training session highlights Baszler’s continued involvement with WWE, even after her contract concluded in July 2023.
The Underground match, a unique stipulation within NXT, has become a focal point of the rivalry between Jordan and Vice. Baszler herself previously fell victim to Vice under these same rules in 2024, adding a layer of personal investment to her mentorship of Jordan. The segment on Tuesday’s broadcast saw Baszler impart her experience to Jordan, emphasizing the toughness and comfort Vice displays within the Underground environment, focusing on grappling and striking techniques.
Baszler’s Advice: Striking vs. Gymnastics
Baszler’s training wasn’t without its challenges. Jordan expressed a desire to incorporate her gymnastics background into her fighting style, attempting a flip to escape a hold. Baszler quickly discouraged this approach, firmly stating that gymnastics wouldn’t be effective in the brutal setting of an Underground match. The segment culminated in Jordan delivering a side kick to Baszler’s face before walking away, showcasing a defiant spirit and a willingness to forge her own path.
Continued WWE Relationship
While Baszler departed from WWE at the finish of her contract last year, her connection to the company has remained strong. She has since taken on roles as a guest producer and a coach at the WWE Performance Center, as previously reported. Her appearance during the “Homecoming” episode in September further demonstrated her ongoing relationship, where she advised Sol Ruca and Zaria to improve their teamwork. This latest NXT appearance solidifies her position as a valuable resource for the next generation of WWE talent.
A Decorated Career
Baszler’s journey with WWE spans eight years, beginning with her impactful run in NXT. She captured the NXT Women’s Championship twice before being called up to the main roster in 2020. On Raw and SmackDown, she achieved success as a three-time Women’s Tag Team Champion. Her background as a professional mixed martial artist has always been a defining characteristic of her in-ring style, making her a credible presence in the Underground match format.
The Underground Match: A Rising Trend in NXT
The Underground match stipulation, which blends elements of MMA and professional wrestling, has gained prominence within NXT. It allows for a more physical and chaotic style of competition, appealing to fans who enjoy a grittier presentation. Lola Vice has quickly established herself as a dominant force within this environment, and her feud with Kelani Jordan has become a central storyline on the brand. The involvement of Shayna Baszler adds another layer of intrigue to the upcoming Vengeance Day showdown.
The image accompanying this report, captured by photographer Matt Winkelmeyer, shows Baszler during a WWE Raw premiere event. Winkelmeyer’s work has been featured in publications like Vogue, Vanity Fair, and Forbes, according to his website, Matt Winkelmeyer Photography. His portfolio includes extensive coverage of music, entertainment, and wedding photography.
Looking Ahead to Vengeance Day
With Vengeance Day rapidly approaching, all eyes are on Kelani Jordan as she prepares for her Underground match against Lola Vice. Shayna Baszler’s guidance will undoubtedly be crucial as Jordan attempts to overcome the challenges posed by this unique stipulation. The outcome of the match could significantly impact the trajectory of both competitors within the NXT women’s division. Vengeance Day will stream live on Peacock on Saturday, March 8th.
What do you think of Shayna Baszler’s return to NXT programming? Share your thoughts in the comments below and be sure to share this article with your fellow wrestling fans.
