As someone who has been keeping up with the wrestling world, you will remember that Shayna Baszler’s return to NXT on its Homecoming special rocked the wrestling community. The very appearance of her presence gave rise to the immediate speculation of a possible WWE comeback but just like most things in professional wrestling, there is much more than meets the eye to this particular story.
First Briefs: One Single Appearance.
One of the first to comment on the situation was Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. According to him, his NXT comeback was a mere cameo by Baszler. Meltzer states that WWE was more interested in WWE to get Baszler to take on an option of a behind-the-scenes position, either as a coach or a producer, instead of getting her to engage in an in-ring schedule that was a full-time job. Nothing is set, and it was simply a one-time event this week, as Meltzer explained.
This school of thought indicated that the focus of WWE could be on moving Baszler to a mentoring or developmental role instead of revitalizing her in-ring performance.
A Ticket Deeper: More than a Cameo?
Fightful Select soon gave a variant of this version after Meltzer. In their sources, Baszler has attended NXT backstage quite frequently. This fact alone is enough to shift the discussion. Although there is no formal deal done with a producer or coaching job, a WWE insider is quoted as saying the company was watching the result of things.
That phrase carries weight. It is an indication that WWE is creating an opening that allows them to play a larger part, both in-screen and backstage. In the past, this trial run approach has been common in the company, where the veterans can go ahead and test the waters first, before any long-term deals are concluded.
The WWE Playbook: Dipping a Toe into Test the Waters.
This strategy isn’t new. WWE also takes the form of reviving old stars on the basis of a few appearances or a background role and then settling on the new arrangement. To Baszler, whose position, in a technical sense, is that of a free agent, this type of gradual integration implies that she is still within the ecosystem that WWE has. She is either a performer or a mentor, but she will always be a part of their future strategy.
My Verdict: Where Baszler Belongs.
Strategically, Shayna Baszler is a rare commodity to WWE. The combat sports background, coupled with her powerful Queen of Spades character, gave her a rare credibility in wrestling. The question now presents itself as follows: how can WWE capitalize on her strengths?
Being an aggressive participant, Baszler is still capable of raising both NXT and the primary roster with his hard-hitting nature and the air of legitimacy. Nevertheless, she might have an even greater impact as a coach or producer. Sharing the same wisdom with younger wrestlers, particularly in the aspects of character building and punch-based psychology in the ring, would contribute to building the next generation of superstars.
The way Baszler changed to a behind-the-scenes position would not be retrogressive to me but will be a continuation of her legacy. Her sharpness, experience, and attention to detail might be of invaluable advice to the upcoming talent, as NXT still generates rounded, strong acts.
Final Thoughts
Shayna Baszler may not have been back to NXT with such clarity, but it certainly left the possibility of several things open. It remains yet to be seen whether she returns to the limelight as an in-ring performer or assumes a long-term role as a mentor and coach, but one thing is definite: Baszler still has a significant role to play in the future of WWE.
