Picture this: You're a rising star in the world of professional wrestling, gearing up for the ultimate spotlight in a massive event like the Royal Rumble, only to get a shocking phone call two days before the show telling you you're out – not because of a mistake, but because the bosses decided you weren't going to win anyway. That's the dramatic rollercoaster Shayna Baszler experienced back in 2020, and it's a story full of twists that highlights the unpredictable nature of WWE's creative decisions. But here's where it gets controversial: Was pulling a talented athlete like Baszler from the match simply about strategic planning, or something more personal? Let's dive in and unpack this fascinating behind-the-scenes tale, step by step, so even if you're new to wrestling, you can follow along easily.
In an interview on the popular podcast Insight with Chris Van Vliet, Baszler shared the hilarious yet frustrating details. She was initially hyped up about her role in the women's Royal Rumble match – for those just getting into WWE, the Royal Rumble is an annual event where wrestlers from around the world compete in a chaotic battle royale style showdown, entering the ring one by one to eliminate opponents by tossing them over the ropes. Baszler recounted how she thought she was on track to be a standout performer, possibly even winning the whole thing. But then, out of nowhere, Paul Heyman – who was a key figure in WWE's creative team at the time – called her up.
Heyman explained that the plans had shifted: Baszler wasn't going to participate at all. It wasn't due to any lack of belief in her abilities, he said, but because they'd decided she wouldn't be the one taking home the victory, and they didn't want to 'waste the opportunity' on her. In simpler terms, WWE wanted to build hype around a specific winner, and Baszler wasn't part of that storyline anymore. She took it in stride, accepting the change and focusing on her work at an NXT premium live event (PLE) that Saturday – NXT is WWE's developmental brand where up-and-coming stars like Baszler hone their skills before hitting the main roster.
As the NXT show wrapped up and everyone was packing to head to Royal Rumble rehearsals, the plot thickened dramatically. A talent relations representative (often called a 'TR' in wrestling lingo) approached Baszler and asked if she had her wrestling gear ready. Could she jump into a ring right then for a rehearsal? She said yes, and just like that, she was back in – not out. This sudden reversal suggests that someone high up had a change of heart, and Baszler credits Triple H, WWE's former COO and a wrestling legend himself, for stepping in.
Baszler believes Triple H intervened to keep her in the match, especially to dodge potential fan outrage over the number 30 entry spot. For context, being number 30 in the Rumble is a coveted position because it gives you more time in the ring, often leading to big moments or even victories – think of it as the 'hero's entry' that builds excitement. Originally, that spot was eyed for Santino Marella, a comedic wrestler known more for his fun personality than his in-ring prowess. Putting him at 30 could have felt like a letdown to fans expecting a powerhouse like the NXT champion (which Baszler was at the time) to make a grand entrance. Triple H, she thinks, fought for her inclusion, arguing that if Baszler was benched and Santino took her place, the crowd's disappointment would be huge. In the end, Baszler entered at number 30, racked up eight eliminations, and left her mark on the event.
And this is the part most people miss: Creative decisions like this can make or break careers in wrestling. Was it fair to shuffle Baszler around based on storyline needs, potentially undermining her momentum? Or was it a smart business move to protect fan expectations? Wrestling purists might argue it keeps the drama alive, but others could see it as unfair treatment of female athletes in a male-dominated industry. What do you think – should WWE prioritize storylines over individual performers, or find a balance? Share your thoughts in the comments below; I'd love to hear if you agree, disagree, or have your own wrestling tales!
For a deeper listen, check out the full interview on Insight with Chris Van Vliet, available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube. A hat tip to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.
Andrew Ravens (https://wrestlingnews.co/author/andrewravens/)
Andrew Ravens serves as a dedicated reporter at WrestlingNews.co, keeping fans in the loop on all the latest buzz in professional wrestling. Hailing from Tulsa, Oklahoma, he specializes in daily wrestling news, with a keen eye on WWE and AEW happenings. Since starting his coverage in 2013, Andrew has built a wealth of expertise in the field. Beyond just reporting the headlines, he's a beat writer who dives deep into company storylines and provides ongoing analysis. His talents extend to live event coverage, including detailed play-by-play recaps for big shows like WWE's Monday Night Raw and SmackDown, as well as AEW Dynamite, so fans missing the action still feel immersed. He also excels at transcribing interviews and press events for accuracy. If you've got news tips or just want to chat wrestling, reach out to Andrew at ravenstarmedia21@gmail.com.
