AEW is a new and exciting alternative to the WWE, but it’s had its share of growing pains. The latest involved Britt Baker’s weird heel turn.
She’s made a name for herself in a short amount of time, but it’s been rough for some fans. Originally a face, her turn was as sudden as it was strange.
What’s so strange about it has been her initial targets — Tony Schiavone and Jim Ross.
Room to grow
It’s been reported that her heel turn was Kenny Omega’s idea, but making fun of Schiavone’s barista job were Tony Kahn’s.
The problem here is what urged her to turn on Schiavone? As Jim Cornette pointed out, who’s she working against, who’s her rival?
It feels wrong that she focused so much on a commentator. Going back to Jim Cornette, it sounds like she was saying what’s expected of a heel, but why?
At the moment, it looks like it’s just a blind push to make her the top heel. Her actions of knocking opponent’s teeth out and going after the announcers is typical of that, it just depends on who her endgame focus is going to me. Most likely, it’ll be the women’s champion, Riho since their division is still growing and trying to establish itself.
The generic method makes it feel unimaginative in a promotion that’s innovative, but maybe that’s the purpose of it? Time will tell if Britt Baker’s weird heel turn will pay off or not.
Who is Britt Baker?
There’s no denying there’s room for her to grow both in the ring and on the mic, but that’ll come with experience. We have to keep in mind that she’s only been wrestling since 2014, when she joined the International Wrestling Cartel training academy in South Hills, Pennsylvania.
One reason to expect her to improve is she’s not afraid to work, as evidenced by her being a dentist.
There are reports that she said her schedule with AEW allows her to continue her dental work four days a week.
It’s the best of both worlds, but is it enough?
Sure, she’ll improve, but if she’s being pushed as the premier member of AEW’s women’s division, is three days enough? At some point something will have to give, but which one will it be?
The answer may come from her personal life, as she’s currently in a relationship with NXT’s Adam Cole.
Talk about a cross promotion rivalry.
Possible future move
This is pure speculation on my part, but given the WWE’s practice of keeping couples on the same brand, could her relationship with Adam Cole be used to lure her to the WWE at some point?
It wouldn’t be surprising given the recent decline in WWE ratings and stocks. They need to add something to their rosters to give them a boost. And if she improves to the point where McMahon and Triple H feel they can find a place for her, it’s game on for the bidding wars to start.
AEW has previously said they wouldn’t actively go after WWE talent, but that could chance if WWE starts targeting their talent.
Again, this is pure speculation, but imagine if the signing of Britt Baker really ignited the Wednesday Night Wars?
It sometimes only take one.
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