Posts Tagged ‘Britt Baker’

Britt Baker has Big Plans for the Future of AEW

Since AEW launched in 2019, the company has been a hit with fans of professional wrestling.

Fans have appreciated that the promotion provides an alternative to WWE, with several top former Superstars starting over in the All-Elite company.

AEW is also host to homegrown talent, who regularly prove they are able to hang with their former WWE counterparts.

Big Plans

AEW has undoubtedly become a success in professional wrestling, but the promotion is still seen as second to WWE.

Not only has WWE been around for longer, but the Stephanie McMahon/Nick Khan company continues to have a more recognizable brand, both within the United States and internationally.

Appearing on the Absolute Geek Podcast, Britt Baker explained how she plans on AEW growing to the point that it is as mainstream as WWE (via Sportskeeda.)

“For most people in the world, WWE is the number one wrestling promotion. You can pick out anybody on the street, they know what WWE is. Not everybody knows what AEW is yet, and I wanna get to a point where it is super mainstream and we do more entertainment and mainstream crossovers so that they can see one of our stars and they go, ‘Oh, that person’s a wrestler from AEW,’ not just, ‘who is that person?”

“I wanna get to a point where it is super mainstream and we do more entertainment and mainstream crossovers.”

Britt Baker on future plans for All Elite Wrestling.

AEW has already had several partnerships, including with the American Heart Association and Diamond Select Toys.

Paige vs. Britt Baker Just Got One Big Step Closer to Happening

Former WWE star Paige has verbally agreed to a massive matchup with Britt Baker in All Elite Wrestling (AEW).

Paige recently took to Twitter to respond to an article that was shared, in which Britt Baker named Paige as her dream opponent. The former WWE Divas Champion seems game for the match, responding with “sign me up. I love me some @RealBrittBaker.”

https://twitter.com/RealPaigeWWE/status/1551597584954716160

The time for a potential matchup between Paige and Baker has never been more right. Recently, Paige, real name Saraya Bevis, wrapped up her time with WWE when her contract expired in June.

Paige & Her Injury History

For the past several years, Paige has been sidelined from in-ring competition due to an injury. During that time, WWE tried to use her as an on-screen authority figure, as well as a manager, however, she later was removed from WWE TV altogether.

As for Baker, she’s currently one of the biggest stars over in AEW, who is the favorite to sign Bevis now that she’s free of contractual obligations from WWE. Both Bevis and Baker have teased a potential showdown in the past.

Despite Bevis’ injury concerns, she has stated she fully intends on wrestling again. She hasn’t competed inside of the ring since 2017 after neck injuries caught up with her.

Which of WWE’s Four Horsewomen Does Britt Baker Want to Face Most?

Bitt Baker joined AEW in 2019 and has been one of the promotion’s most successful wrestlers.

At Double or Nothing 2021, Baker won the AEW Women’s World Championship, and held the title until March 16, this year, when she lost to Thunder Rosa.

During her time with AEW, Baker has faced some of the promotion’s biggest names including Hikaru Shida, Ruby Soho and Kris Statlander.

Baker and the Four Horsewomen

Britt Baker has spent years working for AEW, which means she has missed out on facing the women competing as WWE Superstars.

Arguably the four biggest names in WWE women’s division are the ‘Four Horsewomen’ the name given to Charlotte Flair, Sasha Banks, Becky Lynch and Bayley.

Speaking on the “Not Just Football” podcast with Cam Heyward, the former AEW Women’s Champion discussed watching the quartet when training as a wrestler, and which Superstar she wants to face most (via eWrestlingNews.)

“When I first started training, I studied every single night the Four Horsewomen, who are Bayley, Sasha Banks, Charlotte Flair, and Becky Lynch, and I always said any one of them would be a dream match for me. I always switched which one and why. Maybe right now I’ll say Bayley just because she had a really bad injury right now that she’s coming back from, and if it’s anything like me… I turned a new page, it was a new Britt Baker when I came back from my injury. I had a new energy, new everything. And if that’s what’s about to come out for her.”

“I’ll say Bayley just because she had a really bad injury right now that she’s coming back from.”

Britt Baker chooses Bayley as her dream opponent from WWE’s Four Horsewomen.

Bayley has been out with an injury since July 2021, having suffered a torn ACL during training ahead of the return of live fans.

“The Role Model” has been teasing a return in recent months.

Britt Baker Shares Injury Update On Adam Cole

Adam Cole is just one of the names on the AEW roster that have been bitten by the injury bug over the last few months, with the likes of CM Punk, Bryan Danielson, and Kenny Omega on the shelf while recovering. 

Cole last wrestled during the AEW x NJPW: Forbidden Door pay-per-view event for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, where he took the pinfall in a Fatal 4-Way match. He suffered a concussion in that bout. 

Before that, Cole had suffered a labrum injury as far back as his AEW World Title program with Hangman Page that he has been working through. 

Fellow AEW star and Cole’s girlfriend, Britt Baker, shared an update on his recovery while speaking with Riju Dasgupta of Sportskeeda.

“Well, he’s definitely recovering and healing, so I hope just like everybody else, that we get to see him back in the wrestling ring soon, but he definitely has to take some time to recover,” she said.

Cole and Baker were the inaugural winners of the Owen Hart Foundation Cup Tournaments amonth before Forbidden Door. For most of June, Cole was not getting physical on AEW television.

You can see our updated injury tracker with the full list of names.

H/T to Fightful for the transcription

Britt Baker Sticks up for WWE Talent

Britt Baker recently praised WWE’s Carmella on social media for being able to overcome adversity and booking decisions.

On Tuesday, Carmella took to Twitter where she listed all the WWE booking decisions that she has overcome ahead of her scheduled match at Money In The Bank this Saturday where she is slated to challenge Raw Women’s Champion against Bianca Belair.

The former SmackDown Women’s Champion wrote, “You can make me a manager, give me a guy without a chin, a dance break mid-match, change my character, have me wear a mask, be a last-minute replacement and I’m ALWAYS going to show up and show out. I rise to every occasion and you can’t take that away from me.”

Baker responded to that post by sharing a clapping hands emoji to support what Carmella had written. 

On Monday’s episode of Raw, there was some crossover between WWE and AEW as Bryan Danielson, Paul Wight, and Chris Jericho appeared on the broadcast to show their support for John Cena, who was celebrating the 20th anniversary of his main roster in-ring debut in 2002. 

The three AEW stars congratulated Cena on the 20-year anniversary of his WWE debut.

Possible Backstage Heat on Thunder Rosa

Thunder Rosa may have made herself some enemies and we’re not talking storylines.

Rosa is the reigning AEW Women’s Champion. Some haven’t been impressed by her title reign thus far. She had a well-received title defense against Serena Deeb at Double or Nothing but the build was lackluster.

She then had a match with Marina Shafir, which wasn’t very good but some have pinned the blame on Rosa for deliberately sabotaging the performance of her opponent.

Thunder Rosa’s Reputation

Twitter user @ericinsarasota, who happens to be Erick Stevens, a former ROH star, recently shared two interesting tweets on the Thunder Rosa vs. Marina Shafir match from the June 8 episode of Dynamite. The user believes that Rosa was blatantly “sandbagging” her opponent, making Shafir look weak in the process.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve seen a match where somebody so obviously tried to make themselves look better than their opponent by sandbagging and no selling, but I just saw a perfect example of it on Dynamite.

“It might just look like a bad match to the untrained eye but it’s pretty clear when somebody doesn’t want to play ball. Which sucks because it just makes you and your opponent look bad.”

One might think the tweets are from someone sharing a wild theory but there could be something to this.

Britt Baker, the biggest female star on the AEW roster, actually ended up liking the first tweet, while Marina Shafir liked both.

This isn’t the first time Thunder Rosa has had an incident in the ring with her opponent. Back in Sept. 2020, she had a match with Ivelisse that went off the rails. Ivelisse told Chris Van Vliet that Rosa forgot her spots and the match ended up turning into a shoot.

Renee Paquette says AEW Needs to Spread Out which Female Wrestlers they Push

Renee Paquette has said that AEW needs to “spread some of that love” among the women’s division following Double or Nothing 2022.

At the event, Dr. Britt Baker won the first Owen Hart Foundation Women’s Tournament, defeating Ruby Soho in the finals.

After the match, Baker was presented with a championship by Owen’s widow Dr. Martha Hart.

Many have criticized AEW’s decision to have Baker win, saying that the former AEW Women’s World Champion (who has the second-longest reign with the title) didn’t need the win.

Speaking on the latest episode of The Sessions, Paquette named some other stars who would benefit from AEW’s focus other than Baker.

“When Toni Storm didn’t go over Britt on their way to the tournament, and then to have Ruby also lose, it would be nice to have one of those women in that spot. Like I’m saying, Britt is f***ing great, there’s no denying that. I think she’s fantastic, I think she is head and shoulders at the top of that division, but to spread some of that love around as they’re bulking up that division, these women are stars. Toni Storm is a star, Ruby Soho is a star… she’s amazing. Kris Stantlander is on her way up as well.”

Soho and Storm teamed up to defeat Baker and Jamie Hayter on this week’s episode of AEW Dynamite.

Thanks to Wrestling Inc for the transcription.

Britt Baker Wins AEW Women’s Owen Hart Foundation Tournament

Ruby Soho vs.  Britt Baker battled it out in the finals of the Women’s Owen Hart Foundation tournament at the AEW Double Or Nothing pay-per-view event in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The match saw Baker dominate the majority of it. Baker with the stomp for 2. Ruby eventually fought her way back. Ruby with a head kick then went for the sharpshooter, but Baker got to the bottom rope. The finish saw Baker reverse a roll up with one of her own. Post-match, Martha Hart came out for a speech.

https://twitter.com/AEW/status/1531092067992092674

There were several qualifying matches to earn your way into the bracket including Toni Storm defeat The Bunny, Jamie Hayter beat Skye Blue, Hikaru Shida over Julia Hart, Red Velvet beat Willow Nightingale, Ruby Soho defeat Robyn Renegade, Dr. Britt Baker DMD defeated Danielle Kamela, and Riho over Yuka Sakzaki.

The opening round matches featured Toni Storm defeating Jamie Hayter on May 11, Ruby Soho defeating Riho on May 13, Dr. Britt Baker DMD beating Maki Itoh on May 18, and Kris Statlander defeating Red Velvet on May 20.

The semi-final matches saw Britt Baker defeated Toni Storm on May 25 and Ruby Soho vs Kris Statlander on May 27

What are your thoughts on Baker winning the Women’s Owen Hart Foundation Tournament? Was this the right call by AEW officials? Sound off in the comment section.

Britt Baker Gets Flak For Naming Sasha Banks Her Dream Opponent

Britt Baker got slammed by fans online when she said that Sasha Banks is her dream opponent.

In a recent interview, Baker was asked who she would like to face in the ring. Since Banks has been trending, Baker said she would love to face her.

“Since it’s a pretty hot topic right now, I’m going to say Sasha Banks.… I think she is one of the top draws in all of WWE. She’s such a superstar, she’s such a good wrestler. She’s definitely somebody that I would love to wrestle,” Baker said.

Speaking to KXST-AM The Playmakers, Baker revealed that she got a lot of criticism from fans for wanting to face Banks (as transcribed by SEScoops):

“I literally answered an interview question. I didn’t call Sasha Banks out, I didn’t say, ‘Hey, this match needs to happen.’ I was just asked a question and I gave an answer,” Baker explained.

“They said what’s a cool dream match that you would like to have and Sasha is one of my favorite wrestlers. It wasn’t me challenging her, or challenging WWE. All I did was just say ‘Hey this is a cool dream match.’

“Her fans and the WWE fans and even just some wrestling fans, in general, did not like that and I don’t even think they read the whole interview. They read the clickbait and they run with it. They create such a nasty narrative when they don’t even know what they’re talking about and it is so frustrating.

“Because in my position, I am not going to respond to @John515 that has 19 followers. But I want to respond to John with 19 followers and tell him to shut the hell up, you don’t even know what you’re talking about!” Baker clarified.

Ironically, in that same interview, Britt Baker talked about the rampant toxic negativity on social media. She spoke about the cyberbullying that celebrities have to face online, to the point where she believes that some people just go to Twitter so that they can say something nasty and mean.

“I think people just go on to Twitter just to be heard in a negative way. They just want to say something nasty and hateful and mean, so they will go on to Twitter for literally no [other] reason and they just say it and make sure they tag you in it, too,” Baker said.

Baker also talked about the impact this has on celebs and how it can have serious real-world consequences, like someone taking their life. You can read the excerpt here.

Britt Baker Speaks Up About Toxic Social Media Environment

Being a celebrity comes with many downsides. One such negative aspect is all the hateful comments and threats they receive online. Britt Baker believes there are people who just come online so they spread the negativity.

The former AEW women’s champion recently had an interview with Forbs. She talked about things such as Sasha Banks walking out of WWE and more.

Speaking about the negativity celebrities have to face online, Baker said that many people go to Twitter just so they can say something nasty and mean:

“I think people just go on to Twitter just to be heard in a negative way. They just want to say something nasty and hateful and mean, so they will go on to Twitter for literally no [other] reason and they just say it and make sure they tag you in it, too.”

‘It’s Really, Really Horrible’

Britt Baker recalled the suicide of Japanese wrestler Hana Kimura because of cyberbullying. She mentioned how the environment online can sometimes be really toxic:

“We’ve had people in the industry kill themselves over cyberbullying, and you’d think that that would be enough for people to wake up. Keep your mean thoughts to yourself,

You know, the body-shaming and telling me I should go kill myself because I beat so and so in a match, it’s just really, really horrible and toxic.”

Apart from this, Baker discussed her relationship with Adam Cole and how the two have not interacted much on-screen. She claimed that they are on the top of their respective divisions without being paired and this makes them a true power couple.

Britt Baker Sounds Off on Sasha Banks-WWE Controversy

Britt Baker and Sasha Banks would be on a collision course if the doctor had her way.

Sasha and Naomi have taken the wrestling world by storm following their recent actions. The two walked out of the May 16 episode of Monday Night Raw over creative differences.

They were the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions but placed their titles on the desk of John Laurinaitis and left the building. They had been booked for a six-pack challenge.

WWE has suspended Sasha Banks and Naomi indefinitely.

Britt Baker vs. Sasha Banks?

During an interview with Forbes, Britt Baker said she’s aware that Sasha has been trending and would have no problem sharing the ring with her.

“Since it’s a pretty hot topic right now, I’m going to say Sasha Banks.… I think she is one of the top draws in all of WWE. She’s such a superstar, she’s such a good wrestler,” Baker said.

“She’s definitely somebody that I would love to wrestle.”

– Britt Baker on Sasha Banks

It’s been said that the Sasha-Naomi situation with WWE is only going to get worse.

On WWE TV, the company has publicly blasted its former Women’s Tag Team Champions.

WWE has had both Michael Cole and Corey Graves call the duo “unprofessional” and say that they let down millions of fans.

Maki Itoh Returns To AEW For Owen Hart Cup

Maki Itoh has made her return to an AEW ring.

Britt Baker was set for action in a quarterfinal match in the Owen Hart Cup. Going into the May 18 episode of AEW Dynamite, Baker’s opponent was a mystery. She was to go one-on-one with the “Joker” entry.

That mystery opponent was Maki Itoh.

Itoh fell short in her efforts against Baker, tapping out to Lockjaw. After the match, Toni Storm made her way out. Storm will meet Baker in the semifinals.

Peep Itoh’s surprise return below:

Top AEW Stars Appearing on ‘Carpool Karaoke: The Series’ Soon

Stars from AEW are preparing to step out of the ring and into the car as part of the next season of Carpool Karaoke: The Series.

The Emmy Award-winning show, now entering its fifth season is based on the Carpool Karaoke segment from “The Late Late Show with James Corden.”

AEW stars appearing on the upcoming season include:

  • CM Punk
  • Bryan Danielson
  • Britt Baker
  • MJF
  • Christian Cage
  • Powerhouse Hobbs
  • Ruby Soho

Other celebrity guests appearing on this season include Zoey Deschanel (New Girl), Simu Liu (Shang-Chi), and Sydney Sweeney (The Handmaid’s Tale).

Carpool Karaoke: The Series’ fifth season will premiere on May 27.

Watch the Carpool Karaoke season 5 trailer here:

AEW’s burst into the mainstream

Nyla Rose Co-Writing New X-Men Comic on Thunderbird
AEW’s Nyla Rose teamed with MARVEL recently to co-write Giant-Size X-Men: Thunderbird #1.

While it’s not uncommon to see WWE Superstars and personalities appear on late-night interviews or other non-WWE programming, AEW has made a big splash in a relatively short amount of time.

Earlier this week, it was announced that Orange Cassidy, Chuck Taylor, and Kris Statlander will appear on the upcoming season of Netflix’s ‘Floor is Lava.’

The show features contestants trying to cross an obstacle course without falling into the ‘lava’ underneath.

AEW isn’t just making their presence felt in programming, as former Women’s World Champion Nyla Rose recently teamed with MARVEL, co-writing the ‘Giant-Size X-Men: Thunderbird #1 which hit shelves this month.

Adam Cole, Britt Baker To Appear On ‘Bar Rescue’

If you’re a fan of Bar Rescue, get ready for a little wrestling flare.

Adam Cole and Britt Baker are scheduled to appear on this Sunday’s episode of the hit show. The episode, which aires on Paramount, features the couple performing surveillance on a bar that host John Taffer looks to improve.

Friday night, the real-life couple tweeted about their appearance on the show.

“Tune into @BarRescue this Sunday at 10pm et on @paramountnet!” Baker wrote, accompanied by a screenshot from the episode.

Cole followed that up, writing, “We are gonna shut it down BayBay!”

Cole And Baker Look To Win Owen Hart Cup

Owen Hart Mens Foundation Tournament

Both Cole and Baker are participating in the Owen Hart Cup tournament, which recently finished qualifying matches on AEW television. Both the men’s and women’s tournament final matches will occur at the end of this month as part of the AEW Double Or Nothing PPV event in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Cole is scheduled to open the tournament by facing Dax Harwood in the quarterfinals of the men’s tournament, while Baker will face a surprise “Joker” entrant in the quarterfinals of the women’s tournament. The Cole vs. Harwood match is scheduled for this week’s AEW Dynamite broadcast.

Owen Women's Tournament Brackets

Make sure to check out the Top Rope Nation wrestling podcast for your weekly dose of pro wrestling talk featuring interviews, analysis and exclusive news: Apple – Spotify – YouTube. 

Stardom Reportedly Interested In Working With AEW

Much like NJPW, it appears Stardom has warmed up to the idea of working with AEW.

Dave Meltzer hopped on the Sunday Night’s Main Event podcast to discuss all things wrestling. During his appearance, he reported that Stardom is high on the idea of working with AEW. In particular, the company would like to bring in some big names for some of its more high-profile events.

Which AEW Talents Have Stardom’s Eye?

Stardom has certainly grown in popularity and served as a bright spot in Japanese wrestling during the pandemic. As the promotion gears up for some of its major events, eventually at full capacity with Japan starting to open up more, there is interest in top AEW talent.

Meltzer noted that Stardom wouldn’t hesitate to have the likes of AEW Women’s Champion Thunder Rosa and Britt Baker for some of its key shows.

The report may not come as a surprise to many. After all, Bushiroad owns both Stardom and NJPW. We’ve seen NJPW team up with AEW ever since Harold Meij was replaced by Takami Ohbari as the promotion’s president.

AEW and NJPW will be holding a joint PPV event dubbed, “Forbidden Door” on June 26. At this time, Stardom isn’t expected to participate. The promotion has its own event on that date.

Britt Baker Applies For “D.M.D.” Trademark

AEW star Dr. Britt Baker has filed a trademark application on the phrase “D.M.D.” to be used in pro wrestling.

D.M.D. stands for Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry. If you hadn’t heard, Baker is a dentist. Her office is located at Woodland Lakes Dental in Orlando, Florida.

According to the United States Patent and Trademark Office database, Michael E. Dockins applied for the trademark on April 19th.

The ‘usage description’ of the trademark is for, “Entertainment services, namely, wrestling exhibits and performances by a professional wrestler and entertainer.”

Baker is a former AEW Women’s World Champion. She lost the title to Thunder Rosa last month in a steel cage match on Dynamite.

On this week’s edition of AEW Dynamite, Baker qualified for the women’s Owen Hart Foundation Tournament by defeating Danielle Kamela. Later in the show, she stated her intention to win the tournament. The finals take place at Double or Nothing over Memorial Day weekend (late May).

In related news, Britt Baker turns 31 years old today, April 23rd.

Britt Baker Reacts to AEW Title Loss: “This Will Always Be My Division”

Britt Baker may have lost the AEW Women’s World Championship but she still believes she’s the gold standard of the division.

On the March 16 episode of Dynamite, Baker put the title on the line against Thunder Rosa in a steel cage match. The title match took place in San Antonio, Texas. Rosa was the overwhelming fan favorite due to her Mexican roots.

Ultimately, Thunder Rosa won the match and she has now entered her first run with the AEW Women’s World Title.

Britt Baker Speaks Out On Title Loss

While Britt Baker has seen her title reign come to a close, she’s still as cocky as ever. Here’s what she had to say on social media.

“While others relax & recover on their day off, I’m just now leaving the dental office for the day-bruised and cut up, on 2 hours of sleep after traveling halfway across the country. I might have lost, but I gave you all the best damn women’s championship reign that none of you undeserving idiots will appreciate until I’m champion again. This will always be my division. To all those I paved the way for, you’re welcome.”

Baker held the championship for 290 days. That is the second-longest reign in the title’s history only behind Hikaru Shida, who had a 372-day reign.

Britt Baker vs. Thunder Rosa Match Finish Was Changed Multiple Times Leading Up To AEW Revolution

Britt Baker retained her AEW Women’s Title over Thunder Rosa at Sunday’s AEW Revolution pay-per-view in Orlando, Florida. Baker also showed off the newly designed title belt. 

Fightful Select reported today that AEW officials changed the finish to Rosa vs. Baker match multiple times in the weeks leading up to Revolution. The finish ultimately saw interference from Rebel and Jamie Hayter, which led to Baker hitting her Stomp for the pin to retain.

It’s unclear why the promotion went back and forth on the finish, but based on the finish, it’s leading to a rematch between both stars during the St. Patrick’s Day Slam edition of AEW Dynamite on March 16 in San Antonio, Texas, which is the hometown of Rosa. 

All Elite Wrestling has already confirmed Rosa vs. Leyla Hirsch with the winner earning the next title shot from Baker will take place on Wednesday’s episode of Dynamite. 

The report also noted that the design for the title belt was produced by Belts By Dan, and it was completed in just three weeks. Dan’s quickest turnaround for a belt is a month. It was inspired by the Mid-South Wrestling North American Title. 

Britt Baker Retains Women’s Title At AEW Revolution

Thunder Rosa was the latest wrestler to step into the ring with the longest-reigning AEW Women’s Champion in the history of the promotion, Britt Baker, to challenge her for the strap. 

The match at the AEW Revolution pay-per-view event in Orlando, Florida featured Baker beating her down in the early going. It then turned into a back and forth match. Rosa with a superplex then hit a neck breaker. Rosa hit the tombstone, but Rebel distracted the referee. A clever near fall was when the referee was distracted and Baker with a curbstomp onto the title belt. Rosa with a spear through the ropes to Rebel. Baker with another curbstomp for the win. 

https://twitter.com/AEW/status/1500673204590944258

In recent weeks, the two stars had reignited their feud as Baker hired Mercedes Martinez to take out Rosa. Once Rosa beat Martinez in a No DQ Match last month on an episode of Dynamite, Baker, Jamie Hayter, and Rebel jumped Martinez and beat down both her and Rosa.

Rosa and Baker last wrestled each other last year in a bloody unsanctioned main event match on an episode of Dynamite, which was highly praised. 

Tony Khan stayed with his reported plans back in August of wanting to save the match for a major PPV or episode of Dynamite in early 2022, which is exactly what happened. 

Britt Baker on Her WWE Tryout & Dental School Leading Her to AEW

Britt Baker is one of the most successful women’s wrestlers in the world, but it was a long journey to the AEW Women’s World Championship.

If you haven’t heard, she’s also a dentist. Baker somehow maintains two successful careers. This is a testament to her work ethic and determination. As it turns out, her dental school education kept her from fulfilling her dream of joining WWE.

On the latest episode of the Talk is Jericho podcast, Baker spoke to Chris Jericho about her hopes of signing with WWE several years ago

Baker had a tryout with the company and was in the same class as Lacey Evans. She felt confident WWE would offer her a contract, but her dental school education knocked those plans off course.

At the time of her WWE tryout, Canyon Ceman was a top executive in the talent development division. Baker described him as “the gatekeeper” who brought independent wrestlers on board to the company’s developmental system.

“He pulled me aside at the end of the tryout,” Baker recalls. “And he was like, ‘You know, you’ve just started dental school. As a father, I have a hard time pulling you from a professional degree.’ My heart dropped.”

Baker says she would have left dental school in a heartbeat if it meant she could join WWE. Looking back, she owes Ceman “the world” for not offering her a contract at the time.

“I would have left dental school in a heartbeat to go to WWE,” she said. “Because I was young, dumb, and I was like, ‘I’m going to be NXT Women’s Champion,’ like that would have got me far, right? He stayed in touch with me every few months after that. Like, ‘Let me know when you finish dental school, send me your matches.’ He always kept up with me.”

Ceman was released by WWE last year after nearly a decade with the company.

Britt Baker went on to join All Elite Wrestling in 2019. She captured the AEW Women’s World Championship at last year at Double or Nothing and is considered one of the most popular stars in the indsutry.

Baker defends the AEW Women’s champion against Thunder Rosa next weekend at AEW Revolution.

Paige & Britt Baker Continue to Fuel Hopes for Potential Dream Match

WWE Superstar Paige and AEW Women’s World Champion Britt Baker continue to express mutual admiration for one another.

Paige vs. Britt Baker is not happening any time soon, but it’s not out of the realm of possibility.

Their latest Twitter interaction saw Paige professing her love for Baker. Pro wrestling’s most dangerous dentist replied that she loves Paige too and is a huge fan of hers.

Some fans told Paige that she should be careful tweeting about an AEW-contracted wrestler. She jokingly replied, “Oh no. Not me commenting on another wrestlers talent. Someone alert the church elders! Don’t tell Vince McMahon!”

Paige and Britt Baker

Britt Baker has expressed interest in working with Paige if she ever leaves WWE and gets medically cleared to wrestle again.

Going back to October 2020, Baker floated the idea of working with the former Divas Champion.

When Does Paige’s WWE Contract Expire?

Paige last competed in December 2017, when she was forced into retirement due to neck injuries. She has expressed interest in wrestling again, whether it be for WWE or elsewhere.

During a Twitch stream last summer, Paige clarified that her WWE contract expires in June 2022.

“Who knows if they would want to give me a new contract? Who’s to say they would want to? If they did, I’d love to have Twitch as a part of the contract.”

As seen in the tweet embedded above, she wrote:

“My neck feels wonderful. Can you let me in yet coach?”

– Paige

Watch: Britt Baker Applies The Lockjaw to Nick Cannon

Britt Baker appears on Friday’s episode of the Nick Cannon show.

As seen below, things got physical when the AEW Women’s World Champion locked her Lockjaw submission hold on the TV host.

Watch Britt Baker’s “sneaky freaky” appearance on the Nick Cannon Show:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdA9Mbycd9I

Here are some additional photos, courtesy of Britt Bakers:

The Interesting History of the Lockjaw/Mandible Claw

Interestingly enough, Dr. Britt Baker DMD is not the first doctor to use this move in wrestling. The move is a variation of “The Mandibular Nerve Pinch” used by osteopathic physician-turned-wrestler Sam Sheppard in the 1960s. Sheppard was the subject of the 1993 movie “The Fugitive”. He was accused and later exonerated of having murdered his wife in a high-profile case. Sheppard later capitalized on the publicity of his case and became a professional wrestler.

As he was a doctor, he used the Mandibular Nerve Pinch and the claim was that his medical knowledge allowed him to know all the sensitive nerves in the mouth. Perhaps it is Britt Baker’s dentistry knowledge that allows her to effectively deliver the move as well.

Mick Foley would later adopt and popularize the move when he became Mankind in WWE.

Britt Baker would later speak to Chris Van Vliet about what led to her using the move.

“It was in the [Casino Battle Royale] where I had the idea of eliminating, I think Shazza [McKenzie], with the Mandible Claw over the top. I remember asking Tony [Khan] and he’s like, ‘Why wouldn’t you use the Mandible Claw? You’re a dentist. That’s great.’ Then I had the idea of using the modified Rings of Saturn while grabbing on. It was Excalibur who came up with the name. I started doing it and everyone’s first instinct are the buzzword dental words like root canal.”

Britt Baker Wants To Host Open Challenge For AEW Women’s Title

Britt Baker knows there’s a slew of free-agent talent out there and she isn’t opposed to issuing an open challenge.

Baker is the reigning AEW Women’s Champion. She’s held the gold since May 2021 when she defeated the longest reigning AEW Women’s Titleholder Hikaru Shida.

Britt Baker’s Open Challenge?

Britt Baker was a guest on Barstool Rasslin’ and she said that with all of the female talent available on the market, she’d like to give some of them a crack at her AEW gold.

“I think an open challenge would be really fun. There are a lot of free-agent women right now that I would love to wrestle and I think an open challenge would be great.”

We’ve seen the likes of Toni Storm, Rok-C, and Nixon Newell enter free agency. Time will tell if Baker’s open challenge will ever materialize.

Brushing Off Jade Cargill?

Jade Cargill has emerged as a dominant force in AEW’s women’s division. She is undefeated in singles competition and recently captured the TBS Championship after winning a tournament.

There’s been a lot of buzz surrounding Jade but Britt doesn’t sound too impressed.

“I’m not concerned with her at all.”

Feud With Kris Statlander Renewed

Britt has found herself once again feuding with Kris Statlander. The two had a highly-praised match at the All Out PPV back in September. During the interview with Barstool, Britt questioned Statlander’s mental capacity.

Britt and Statlander have renewed their beef after the Jan. 12 episode of Dynamite. Statlander got in Adam Cole’s face after he, reDRagon, and The Elite attacked Orange Cassidy. Britt ambushed Statlander and nailed her with the Curb Stomp.

Time will tell if Statlander will make Britt eat her words.

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Britt Baker Wants To Win Dancing With The Stars

Britt Baker is the latest wrestler to express interest in joining Dancing With The Stars.

Wrestlers are no strangers to Dancing With The Stars. We’ve seen the likes of Chris Jericho, Nikki Bella, and Stacy Keibler try their hand on the show. The most recent wrestler to do so was The Miz on season 30.

For Baker, it isn’t enough to be a dentist and the AEW Women’s Champion. She wants to take the crown as far as celebrity dancing is concerned.

Britt Baker Destined For DWTS?

Appearing on Barstool Rasslin’, Britt Baker expressed her desire to not only compete on the Dancing With the Stars show, but to win it.


“But my favorite talent winning show is absolutely Dancing with the Stars and I’m manifesting my — I’m gonna be on it, yeah.”

Britt said she hasn’t been cast as of now but it’s a goal of hers and one she sees coming to fruition.

“Well, I’m not cast for it yet, but I’m manifesting it. I’m gonna win the Mirrorball Trophy. I’m gonna be the first-ever professional wrestler to be both a champion and a Mirrorball Trophy champion.”

When asked if Britt has prior dance experience or if she’d learn on the fly, the AEW Women’s Champion said it’s a mixed bag.

“I think both. I don’t think anybody really knows ballroom dancing when you go on the show. You like have rhythm or you don’t. And I think you need to get paired with the right partner and you will..”

At this point, Barstool’s Brandon Walker asked Britt if she’d be riding her dance partner’s coattails in case she misses a step or two. Britt said it takes two to tango.

“I mean essentially, it’s give and take because they’re riding your coattails too.”

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Lita Was In Talks With AEW For A Huge Match Prior to WWE Return

Lita made her first appearance on WWE SmackDown in nearly 20 years on Friday night as part of the build to her in-ring return at the Royal Rumble in two weeks. However, Lita’s return to the ring was close to happening in a different wrestling company entirely.

Lita had conversations with AEW about a return to the ring in 2021, according to Fightful. However, the two sides were obviously unable to come to a deal.

The report notes that AEW laid out a story where Lita would feud with AEW Women’s World Champion Britt Baker. That feud would culminate in a match between the two at AEW All Out 2021 this past September in Chicago. However, Baker ended up working a match against Kris Statlander at that show when negotiations with Lita broke down.

Despite no deal being reached, Fightful reports that the negotiations between Lita and AEW were amicable and there’s a possibility of the two doing business in the future.

Lita has been cleared to work for WWE for over four years now. She has not been on their “no contact” list according to Fightful.

Lita’s last match was in October 2018. That was a 10-woman tag team match on WWE Monday Night Raw that saw Lita, Trish Stratus, Sasha BanksBayley and Natalya defeat The Riott Squad (Ruby Riott, Liv Morgan, Sarah Logan), Alicia Foxx and Mickie James.

As mentioned, Lita was recently announced as a participant in this year’s 30-woman WWE Royal Rumble match which will take place two weeks from this Saturday in St. Louis, Missouri. There’s a feeling that this may not be a one-off, and WWE leaned into that during Friday night’s SmackDown broadcast as Lita had a confrontation with Charlotte Flair.

If Lita sticks around after the Royal Rumble, who would you like to see her work against? Let us know in the comments section below!

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