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Shayna Baszler

Shayna Andrea Baszler is an American professional wrestler and former mixed martial artist.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Shayna Andrea Baszler is an American professional wrestler and former mixed martial artist. She is best known for her work in WWE and for her earlier MMA career, where she helped popularize women’s submission grappling. She is nicknamed "The Queen of Spades."

Early life and combat-sports background

Baszler was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and built her reputation in mixed martial arts before entering professional wrestling. Sources describe her as having trained in catch wrestling and under Josh Barnett and Billy Robinson.

Mixed martial arts career

Baszler competed in MMA and is credited with helping establish visibility for women in the sport. ESPN lists her as a women’s bantamweight fighter, and Fox Sports notes appearances in promotions including EliteXC, Strikeforce, Invicta FC, and The Ultimate Fighter.

Professional wrestling career

Baszler later moved into professional wrestling and became known in WWE for her technical style and submission offense. WWE highlights her NXT Women’s Championship reigns and tag-team success on the main roster.

Championships and achievements

Her best-known wrestling accomplishments include winning the NXT Women’s Championship twice and the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship. WWE also notes that she held the record for the longest combined NXT Women’s Championship reign.

Key facts

  • Baszler began her combat-sports career in mixed martial arts before becoming a professional wrestler.
  • WWE lists her as a two-time NXT Women’s Champion and a WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion.
  • She was a member of the MMA Four Horsewomen alongside Ronda Rousey and others.
  • WWE describes her as a pioneer of women’s MMA and notes training under Josh Barnett and Billy Robinson.
  • Her signature submission in WWE is the Kirifuda Clutch.
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Canadian context

Baszler is relevant to Canadian readers through WWE’s international wrestling audience and the broader North American combat-sports scene, where Canadian fans follow both women’s wrestling and MMA.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Shayna Baszler?
She is an American professional wrestler and former mixed martial artist known for WWE and for her earlier MMA career.
What is Shayna Baszler’s nickname?
Her nickname is "The Queen of Spades."
What is Shayna Baszler’s signature move?
Her signature WWE submission is the Kirifuda Clutch.
What titles has Shayna Baszler won?
WWE lists her as a two-time NXT Women’s Champion and a WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion.
What is Shayna Baszler’s hometown?
WWE lists her hometown as Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Did Shayna Baszler compete in MMA before wrestling?
Yes. Her career began in mixed martial arts before she transitioned to professional wrestling.

References

  1. WWE — https://www.wwe.com/superstars/shayna-baszler
    Supports: Biographical details, hometown, height, signature move, MMA Four Horsewomen, training background, and WWE accomplishments.
  2. ESPN — https://www.espn.com/mma/fighter/bio/_/id/2354567/shayna-baszler
    Supports: Birth date, nickname, MMA weight class, and career information.
  3. FOX Sports — https://www.foxsports.com/stories/wwe/who-is-shayna-baszler
    Supports: MMA promotions, The Ultimate Fighter appearance, and transition context.