Are Ronda Rousey and Shayna Baszler Friends? Is Shayna Baszler Related to Ronda Rousey?
by Sharmila | Updated Aug 01, 2023
Are Ronda Rousey and Shayna Baszler Friends?
Yes, Ronda Rousey and Shayna Baszler are longtime friends. Their friendship dates back to their time together as training partners at the Glendale Fighting Club MMA gym during their careers in mixed martial arts (MMA). Over the years, their bond has grown stronger, and they have continued to support each other both inside and outside the wrestling ring.
Shayna Baszler and Ronda Rousey's friendship was further strengthened when they became part of the notable Four Horsewomen, a group that also included Marina Shafir and Jessamyn Duke. This close-knit group has been a significant part of their journey in combat sports and professional wrestling.
As friends, they have always had each other's backs, and their camaraderie has been evident in their in-ring chemistry and performances. Their shared history as training partners and fellow athletes has created a deep level of mutual respect and understanding between them.
In WWE, both Rousey and Baszler have achieved success in their respective careers. While Rousey initially received a positive reception from the WWE Universe when she joined the roster in early 2018, her relationship with the fans became more complicated over time. Despite being presented as a babyface, she started receiving boos from the audience.
Throughout these changes in fan reactions, Shayna Baszler has been a constant supporter of Ronda Rousey. Baszler has observed the shifts in the way Rousey interacts with the WWE Universe. According to Baszler's theory, Rousey has reached a point where she doesn't concern herself with whether fans cheer or boo her. Instead, she is focused on being true to herself and her character. This authenticity has seemingly garnered her more support from the fans, as they appreciate her genuine approach to her role in WWE.
Despite being on different paths in their wrestling careers, Rousey and Baszler have maintained a strong friendship. They continue to be each other's confidantes and have shared the journey of becoming top stars in WWE's women's division. Their friendship has added depth and authenticity to their on-screen performances as a tag team.
As both Ronda Rousey and Shayna Baszler continue to excel in WWE and build their legacies as dominant competitors, their friendship remains a constant source of support and camaraderie. Fans can expect to see more of their dynamic partnership and the impact it has on their performances in the future.
Is Shayna Baszler Related to Ronda Rousey?
No, Shayna Baszler is not related to Ronda Rousey. Despite their close friendship and in-ring chemistry as a tag team in WWE's women's division, they are not bound by blood or family ties. Shayna Baszler and Ronda Rousey have a longstanding friendship that dates back to their time together in MMA.
Their friendship began when they were training partners at the Glendale Fighting Club gym during their MMA careers. Both Rousey and Baszler were part of the notable Four Horsewomen alongside Marina Shafir and Jessamyn Duke, which further strengthened their bond.
While Ronda Rousey found tremendous success in UFC, becoming a trailblazer and achieving great heights in the sport, Shayna Baszler found her success in the world of professional wrestling. Baszler became a dominant star in WWE, making her mark in NXT and eventually transitioning to the main roster.
Their paths in combat sports have been different, but their friendship has remained strong. This friendship led them to team up as a tag team in WWE, and on the May 29, 2023, episode of Monday Night RAW, they captured the Women's Tag Team Championships.
Ronda Rousey's demand to become a tag team with Shayna Baszler is something that both athletes embraced, as they were set on sharing the spotlight together and showcasing their skills as a cohesive unit.
While they may not be related, the bond between Ronda Rousey and Shayna Baszler has proven to be a driving force behind their success as a tag team in WWE. As they continue their run as Women's Tag Team Champions, fans can look forward to witnessing their combined talents and determination to excel in the wrestling world.
Who is Ronda Rousey?
Ronda Jean Rousey, born on February 1, 1987, is an accomplished American professional wrestler, actress, former judoka, and mixed martial artist. She is currently associated with WWE, performing on the Raw brand. Before her WWE career, she gained fame for her time in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Ronda earned the nickname "Rowdy" with the permission of professional wrestler Roddy Piper.
Ronda Rousey's journey to success began with her impressive achievements in judo. She became the first American woman to win an Olympic medal in judo, securing a bronze medal at the 2008 Summer Olympics. Following her judo career, she ventured into mixed martial arts (MMA) and made her debut with King of the Cage in 2011. Her skills led her to join Strikeforce, where she became the last Women's Bantamweight Champion before UFC's acquisition of the organization.
At UFC 157, Ronda Rousey was part of the company's first-ever female fight and became the inaugural Women's Bantamweight Champion. During her time in UFC, she set the record for the most UFC title defenses (6) by a female fighter, a record that was later surpassed by Valentina Shevchenko in 2022. In 2016, Rousey decided to retire from MMA, and in 2018, she became the first female fighter to be inducted into the prestigious UFC Hall of Fame.
Ronda's journey took an exciting turn in 2018 when she made her debut in professional wrestling with WWE. She signed with WWE and had her debut match at WrestleMania 34. In a short time, she became the Raw Women's Champion at SummerSlam that same year and headlined WWE's all-women's pay-per-view event, Evolution. Rousey also participated in the historic first-ever women's main event at WrestleMania 35.
Throughout her wrestling career, Rousey achieved remarkable success, winning the women's Royal Rumble match at the 2022 Royal Rumble event. She won the SmackDown Women's Championship twice, becoming an overall three-time women's world champion in WWE. Furthermore, she made history by becoming the eight Women's Triple Crown Champion when she won the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship with Shayna Baszler. Together, they unified the WWE and NXT Women's Tag Team Championships.
Ronda Rousey's impact on both UFC and WWE is unparalleled. She stands as the only woman to have been a champion in both organizations and the sole female athlete to headline pay-per-view events in both companies. Her contributions have been widely recognized, with fans voting her as the best female athlete of all time in a 2015 ESPN poll. Media outlets, including Fox Sports, have hailed her as "one of the defining athletes of the 21st century."
Beyond sports, Ronda Rousey has made appearances in films like The Expendables 3 (2014), Furious 7 (2015), and Mile 22 (2018). She has also penned an autobiography titled "My Fight / Your Fight," published in 2015.
Overall, Ronda Rousey's journey is marked by incredible achievements and trailblazing moments in both judo, MMA, and professional wrestling. She has left an indelible mark in sports history and remains an iconic figure in the world of combat sports and entertainment.
Who is Shayna Baszler?
Shayna Andrea Baszler, born on August 8, 1980, is a highly talented American professional wrestler, kickboxer, and former mixed martial artist. Currently signed to WWE and performing on the Raw brand, Baszler has made a significant impact in the world of sports entertainment.
Baszler's journey began in the realm of mixed martial arts (MMA), where she honed her skills under the guidance of former UFC fighter Josh Barnett and catch wrestling expert Billy Robinson. She made her professional MMA debut in 2006 and quickly gained recognition for her unique hammerlock submission set-up, a technique she used effectively from her back to submit numerous opponents, including notable fighters like Roxanne Modafferi. In an audio interview, she humorously named this submission "Shwing," a name she coined during training.
Her impressive MMA skills led to a career-defining opportunity in 2013 when she was signed by the UFC to compete in their reality television series, The Ultimate Fighter. Although her stint in the UFC resulted in two professional bouts, with no wins, she showcased her technical abilities and tenacity inside the cage.
After her UFC journey, Baszler transitioned to professional wrestling in 2015, where she would later become a prominent figure in WWE. Again, she received training from her former MMA mentor, Josh Barnett. Her background in MMA brought a unique and formidable fighting style to the world of professional wrestling, setting her apart from other competitors.
In WWE's developmental territory, NXT, Shayna Baszler quickly rose through the ranks and achieved numerous accolades. She became a two-time NXT Women's Champion, boasting the longest combined reigns in the championship's history. Her dominant presence and fierce in-ring skills earned her the reputation as one of the most intimidating and respected competitors in the women's division.
Moreover, Baszler achieved further success in WWE's tag team division. She is a record-tying three-time WWE Women's Tag Team Champion, showcasing her versatility and adaptability as both a singles competitor and a formidable tag team partner.
Baszler's success in professional wrestling is a testament to her dedication, perseverance, and adaptability as an athlete. Her background in MMA provided a solid foundation for her wrestling career, and she seamlessly transitioned her combat skills into the world of sports entertainment. Her aggressive and unyielding in-ring persona, coupled with her technical prowess, has made her a force to be reckoned with in WWE.
Outside of wrestling, Shayna Baszler holds an impressive overall MMA record, with 15 wins and 11 losses, 13 of those wins achieved via submission. This further cements her legacy as a skilled and well-rounded martial artist.
In summary, Shayna Baszler is a multifaceted athlete who has excelled in the realms of MMA and professional wrestling. Her journey from the world of MMA to becoming a dominant force in WWE showcases her determination, versatility, and passion for combat sports. As she continues to compete in WWE, fans can expect to witness her relentless pursuit of excellence and her unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional performances inside the squared circle.
Ronda Rousey And Shayna Baszler - FAQs
Yes, Ronda Rousey and Shayna Baszler are longtime friends. They developed their friendship during their time as training partners at the Glendale Fighting Club MMA gym and have continued to support each other both in and outside the wrestling ring.
No, Ronda Rousey and Shayna Baszler are not related by blood. Despite their close friendship and in-ring chemistry, they do not share any familial ties.
The Four Horsewomen, a group that also includes Marina Shafir and Jessamyn Duke, played a crucial role in strengthening the bond between Ronda Rousey and Shayna Baszler. Being part of this tight-knit group added to their camaraderie and shared experiences in combat sports and professional wrestling.
Initially, Ronda Rousey was warmly embraced by the WWE Universe when she joined WWE in 2018. However, her relationship with fans became more complicated as time went on, leading to mixed reactions and occasional boos. Despite this, her friendship with Shayna Baszler remained steadfast.
Ronda Rousey demanded to be a tag team with Shayna Baszler, and the latter appreciated the gesture. They were eager to share the spotlight together and showcase their skills as a cohesive unit. As a result, they teamed up and captured the Women's Tag Team Championships on the May 29, 2023, episode of Monday Night RAW.