It was a matter of time until the news broke, as Shayna Baszler really impressed during the Mae Young Classic Tournament and was a logic finalist of it. The former MMA member of the Four Horsewomen offically signed with WWE and made last week her first steps into the WWE Performance Center.

“The Queen of Spades” states in the WWE announcement: “I’m looking forward to getting out there and twisting limbs off and breaking bodies. I can’t wait.” Even if Baszler lost to tournament winner and NXT member Kairi Sane, her impressive grappling style and the support of her fellow MMA Horsewomen, Ronda Rousey, Marina Shafir and Jessamyn Duke offered a very special spot to her. Especially with the persistent rumours of a WWE Horsewomen (Bayley, Sasha Banks, Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair) vs. MMA Horsewomen match.

Trained in Muay Thai boxing and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, she trained in MMA with former UFC Heavyweight Champion Josh Barnett and the late UK legend Billy Robinson. After nearly 10 years in the MMA business, where she was considered as a creative “submission magician”, Baszler switched to wrestling 2 years ago and worked with SHIMMER, World Wonder Ring Stardom and a lot of indy promotions. Baszler took part of a WWE tryout last year and made her first steps with the company competing in the Mae Young Classic tournament.

She describes WWE as “the next step” in her progression as a combat athlete. “It’s very serious to me. Waving the banner of my coaches is a heavy flag to wield, so it’s something I take very serious. Because of that, I wanted to start at the beginning and show that I’m willing to start at the bottom and prove myself and work my way up, so there’s no excuse when I get here and I’m breaking these girls in half.”