Following NXT Takeover Stand & Deliver, a big question is if Io Shirai is main roster bound. Also, Britt Baker was struggling playing the role of babyface in the early days of AEW.
NXT Takeover Stand & Deliver has been broken-down into two nights. During the first evening, we saw some new champions crowned.
One of the new champions is Raquel Gonzalez, who defeated Io Shirai in the main event. With Shirai’s loss, that leads to the question of what is next.
During Wrestling Observer Live, Bryan Alvarez noted how the next logical step is the main roster. As of now, that has not been confirmed.
But, judging by the post-match reaction, that does seem to be the case. After the cameras stopped rolling, Shirai kissed the mat as fans chanted her name.
Afterwards, Triple H spoke to the media. He did not comment if Shirai was leaving NXT.
Triple H said the decision will be up to Shirai.
Typically, a superstar losing their title in NXT means the main roster is the next stop. With WrestleMania starting in a day, she could appear on RAW or SmackDown as early as this Monday.
Like many previous names, going from NXT to the main roster is usually not a smooth ride. While the wrestler starts with a push, they are quickly lost in the shuffle.
Britt Baker has already made history and many fans might not be aware. When putting AEW together, she was the first woman to be signed.
Of course, Brandi Rhodes was already signed as she joined in an executive role. But, Baker is the first full-time female wrestler under the AEW banner.
She debuted as a babyface, although within a year turned heel. While speaking to Wrestle Talk, Baker noted how she lacked confidence as a babyface.
“I didn’t really have a lot of confidence [as a babyface],” said Baker. “So, I was scared s—less.”
“I was brand new on TV as I got plucked off the indies in front of 100 people and then wrestling in front of millions of people on TV. Literally, I had no idea what I was doing.”
“I didn’t have a gimmick or a character or anything that I had a lot of faith in myself. It was just like, ‘Oh you’re the face of the women’s division. I’m like, ‘Okay but like, am I? I’m scared.’”
“But then being a heel, I literally just get to say and do and think out loud all the time and it’s so much fun. You have to get comfortable with being uncomfortable.”
Looking back, AEW did make an interesting choice in turning Baker heel. She is a dentist and therefore a role model to others.
Instead of going the easy way, AEW has turned her profession into the angle. So far, it has worked because Baker is good on the mic.
She is yet to claim any gold, but had a great feud with Thunder Rosa. Their program ended in a bloody and unforgettable unsanctioned lights out match, which has gotten plenty of attention.
Surely, at some point, she is likely to flip back to the face side. For now, let us see what she produces as a heel.
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