There is so much talent in the NXT Womens division, that it can be hard to get noticed. Even someone like Shotzi Blackheart who you would never lose in a crowd has had a hard time getting her time in the spotlight. She earned her spot when she was able to eliminate Shayna Baszler from the Number One Contenders Battle Royal last week, halting the dreams of ‘Shayna Three Time’ from becoming reality.
Blackheart Falls To Baszler
Blackheart proved she is tenacious and hard to kill, as she would take the former dominant champion to her limits. She was able to get the Full Sail University crowd behind her, but that would not be enough. She would miss a diving senton from the top rope, and would find herself in a position many have fallen in. Shayna Bazler would sink in her rear naked choke, and while Shotzi would fight hard to escape, it wouldn’t be enough. Her options would become simple: tap, snap, or nap. She chose to tap. Shayna would deny that choice, keep the hold cinched in for long enough to put her opponent to sleep.
Shotzi Blackheart & Her Potential
While she did not leave the victor, Shotzi would get a chance to show her skills in her first major match since coming to NXT. A well traveled wrestler, she was able to show the skills that got her to the company, and such a close performance against one of the best to ever enter the NXT ring shows that they have big plans for her. With her punk rock inspired look, she has drawn many comparisons to Ruby Riott. Riott never really found her footing in NXT, despite some fantastic performances. We can only hope that Shotzi Blackheart is able to reach her full potential in the Black & Gold brand of NXT.
What Is Next For Shayna Baszler?
While she is determined to be the first ever three time holder of the NXT Womens Championship, there is a bigger opportunity on the horizon for the submission magician. The womens Royal Rumble is this Sunday, and Shayna is a major contender for a suprise winner. She already proved she is better than both Bayley & Becky Lynch at Survivor Series, and she would be a prime contender to be able to beat either at Wrestlemania. She has become iconic to the NXT brand, and while a run on RAW or Smackdown would be nice, it would be like Johnny Gargano going to another brand. She very well could be NXT for life.
Do you think Shotzi Blackheart has potential to rise high in NXT? Do you think Shayna will stay in NXT? Let us know what you think in the comment section down below, and stay tuned for more NXT results, rumors and news on The Overtimer.