While WrestleMania XL takes center stage, WWE star Shayna Baszler has been making waves in a different arena altogether. Despite not being on the WrestleMania card, Baszler’s debut at Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport X event on April 4 stole the spotlight as she triumphed over TNA star Masha Slamovich. Bloodsport, known for its blend of wrestling and mixed martial arts, provided the perfect platform for Baszler to showcase her prowess.
Baszler’s seamless transition between the worlds of professional wrestling and MMA was on full display as she delivered a dominant performance, utilizing her signature submission holds and grappling techniques to secure victory. Her success at Bloodsport X underscores her versatility as an athlete and her ability to excel in diverse combat sports environments.
As Baszler continues to carve her path in the wrestling world, her appearance at Bloodsport X serves as a testament to her dedication and skill. While her absence from WrestleMania XL may have surprised some fans, her impactful debut at Bloodsport X reaffirms her status as a force to be reckoned with both inside and outside the squared circle.
In an exclusive interview, Baszler shed light on how her participation in Bloodsport came to be. Rumors of WWE performers being considered for the event had circulated, but Baszler initially believed it would involve younger talents from WWE NXT.
However, when the opportunity arose for her to compete at Bloodsport X, Baszler seized the chance to showcase her skills in a unique setting. Known for her background in MMA and submission grappling, Baszler saw Bloodsport as the perfect platform to demonstrate her technical prowess and test herself against top-tier competition outside of the traditional wrestling ring.
Baszler’s decision to participate in Bloodsport reflects her willingness to push boundaries and explore new avenues in her wrestling career. By stepping into the world of shoot-style wrestling, Baszler not only expands her repertoire as a performer but also opens doors for future crossover opportunities in the dynamic landscape of combat sports.
To her surprise, she was approached directly. Recounting the moment, Baszler shared, “I get pulled in the office, and they’re like, ‘Would you like to wrestle on Josh’s Bloodsport?’ I’m like yeah, is everything cool? They’re like yeah, he was just looking for people, and there’s only a few wrestlers that we have that know how to wrestle that style, and you’re one of them, so are you interested? I said yes, 100 percent. It was a complete surprise on my end.”
For Baszler, the match with Slamovich held deeper significance, marking a full circle moment in her journey. Barnett, who trained Baszler in wrestling, played a pivotal role in her development, making the experience all the more meaningful. She urged fans unfamiliar with Bloodsport to give it a chance, likening it to the gritty martial arts style of old-school Pancrase and RINGS. “If everything is done right, you should watch it and go, ‘Holy smokes.’ Understand, back in the old PRIDE days, those guys would claim pro wrestling as their martial art when they were fighting in PRIDE,” Baszler emphasized.
Baszler’s venture into Bloodsport not only highlights her versatility as a performer but also underscores the symbiotic relationship between wrestling and mixed martial arts. As she continues to break boundaries, Baszler’s presence in the ring transcends traditional boundaries, cementing her status as a force to be reckoned with in both worlds.
