4 Reasons why Shayna Baszler is best positioned to win the Women's Royal Rumble Match

While WWE is gearing up for the annual Royal Rumble pay-per-view, the internet is abuzz with all types of predictions and rumors about possible Royal Rumble winners.

The betting odds are out and even the best prognosticators must admit that the possible winners of the Women’s Royal Rumble Match are much more limited compared to the Men’s Royal Rumble. This is due in large part to a comparatively smaller roster, injuries to major Superstars like Ember Moon and Nia Jax, and a limited number of interesting long term storylines in progression.

While the possibility of a surprise entrant, like Ronda Rousey, winning the match cannot be ruled out, there is one female Superstar who is, at present, best positioned to win the match – Shayna Baszler.

The name Shayna Baszler might not have rung a bell for regular followers of RAW and SmackDown just a few months ago - before the Survivor Series build anyway. NXT fans, however, have known of 'The Queen of Spades' for quite some time.

Shayna Baszler, who hails from a mixed martial arts background, held the NXT women’s championship for a total of 548 days over two reigns and dominated her opposition throughout her time in NXT.

What makes her the top contender for winning the women’s Royal Rumble match? Here are four reasons why the former NXT Women's Champion is best positioned to win the Women's Royal Rumble Match.

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#4 Recently lost the NXT championship

Shayna Baszler recently lost the NXT Women Championship to Rhea Ripley

Shayna Baszler lost the NXT Women’s Championship to Rhea Ripley in a highly competitive match, which brought her 441 days long second title reign to an end. One might wonder, how does losing a title match help make someone a Royal Rumble favorite? There is more to Baszler's recent loss than meets the eye.

First, there was nothing left for Baszler to accomplish while in NXT. Baszler had already beaten everyone on the NXT roster one on one – all, except Rhea Ripley. Ripley, who was her equal when it came to domination, was built strong enough to take the reins from Baszler. No loss of credibility comes from losing a well-fought battle to someone as talented as Ripley.

Second, this title change might have freed Baszler from her duties in NXT, which if true, effectively makes her free to switch brands, if she wins the Rumble. Her next televised appearance will likely be at the Royal Rumble pay-per-view and if she wins, Baszler will likely head over to RAW where a particular champion with whom she has history awaits.

#3 No Better Opponent for Becky Lynch at WrestleMania

Becky vs Asuka is already scheduled for Royal Rumble 2020

Becky Lynch has been well protected throughout her championship reign. WWE has almost exhausted its list of possible challengers for the RAW Women’s Championship. There are only a few names on RAW, like Asuka and Charlotte, who believably pose a real threat to Lynch's championship reign.

Becky is already scheduled to face Asuka at the Royal Rumble for the WWE RAW Women’s Championship, a match she will most likely win (though there is always an if), as WWE would be foolish to take the title off its biggest star just before WrestleMania.

And Charlotte vs Becky Lynch, although always a great match, has already been done too many times to be of any serious interest to a majority of fans.

Shayna Baszler, just like Becky Lynch, is also one of the most protected wrestlers in WWE. Only a few women in NXT can claim to have defeated 'The Queen of Spades,' as she has always been depicted as a force to be reckoned with.

Therefore, Baszler is an ideal opponent for Becky Lynch at WrestleMania and a championship match between the two would serve to rejuvenate the title picture.

#2 Storyline perspective

Shayna Baszler pinned Bayley to win the Triple Threat Match at Survivor Series

During the build to Survivor Series, the NXT roster dominated both RAW and SmackDown with regular takeovers and beatdowns delivered to main roster stars.

Shayna Baszler always played a key role in the invading NXT forces, often interfering in Becky Lynch's matches on RAW and Bayley's matches on SmackDown. Although Becky and Bayley retaliated, most of the time Baszler got the best of them both.

The same level of domination was displayed by NXT at the pay-per-view and the Black & Gold Brand left the event the clear victor.

One of those victories belonged to Shayna Baszler, who defeated both Bayley and Becky Lynch in a Triple Threat Threat Match. It is important to note, however, that Baszler made Bayley tap - not Lynch.

In an interview weeks before their pay per view match, Becky Lynch was confronted by Shayna Baszler, and the two teased a future singles match. The segment was red hot and the chemistry between the two Superstars was unparalleled, which made it clear that the Triple Threat Match will just be the first of several future encounters.

Given the fact that Baszler didn't pin Becky Lynch at Survivor Series, it is clear that still have unsolved business with each other, especially with Lynch's post-match reaction. This will only add to the overall heat of their possible confrontation at Wrestlemania.

There is a strong long-term storyline behind this match, something which is rare these days in WWE.

#1 A WrestleMania singles match will allow both competitors to shine on the biggest stage

Becky vs Baszler might headline WrestleMania 36

We might have already witnessed a Triple Threat Match between Becky Lynch, Shayna Baszler, and Bayley at Survivor series, but the dynamics of a Triple Threat Match are vastly different from a one on one encounter. Fan expectations will also certainly change, if this match is booked for WrestleMania 36.

A Triple Threat Match does not allow for disqualifications and competitors are free to do whatever they want, which often takes away the focus from the technical aspect of wrestling. Also, due to the three different Superstars involved, it is always difficult to focus on any two at a given point of time. These are not true for a normal singles bout, which focuses more on in-ring capabilities and allows for both competitors to be the central focus of the bout. All eyes would be on Lynch and Baszler, especially at WrestleMania.

As previously mentioned, the mere confrontation between Shayna Baszler and Becky Lynch, over an interview on an episode of RAW during the build to Survivor series, left fans salivating for a singles match. It was similar to how fans craved for a singles match between Becky Lynch and Ronda Rousey at WrestleMania – a match which disappointingly never took place.

Both Becky Lynch and Shayna Baszler have different styles of wrestling and both are at the very top of their game. A match between the two is bound to be a match of the night contender on any show and made all the more significant under the bright lights of WrestleMania.

WWE won't let this opportunity slip away.