On a recent edition of the “Stories With Brisco & Bradshaw” podcast, Josh Barnett revealed the advice he gave Shayna Baszler as she transitioned from MMA to professional wrestling.
Barnett trained Baszler to wrestle when she quit MMA, and the rest is history.
You can check out some highlights from the podcast below:
On giving advice to Baszler early on: “But when she gets into the market, she starts having these promoters tell her to wear MMA gloves to the ring and do all this stuff. And I’m like, ‘Well, okay but everybody already knows you’re a shooter. You don’t have to wear gloves and you don’t have to do this. You don’t have to. They already know that if you’re wearing those gloves and you’re not punching people in the face and knocking them out, which, if you’re going to do that on out there, takes a lot more effort to learn how to do that it’s a little trickier and let alone, I don’t know if these girls are going to want you socking them in the face.”
On Baszler not needing to try and prove how tough she is: “But if you’re hitting them and they ain’t going down well, it just makes you look bad, and you don’t have to. You don’t have to try and get people to believe what you do, you grab that girl’s wrist, it has way more impact when you do it than when a lot of these other girls do.”
Shayna Baszler is a name that has become synonymous with both mixed martial arts (MMA) and professional wrestling. After a successful career in MMA, Baszler made the transition to the world of professional wrestling, where she has continued to make waves. In a recent podcast interview, Josh Barnett, a former MMA fighter and professional wrestler himself, revealed the advice he gave Baszler during her transition.
Barnett, who trained Baszler in wrestling after she quit MMA, shared some valuable insights on how she could establish herself in the wrestling industry without trying to prove how tough she is. One of the pieces of advice he gave her was to not wear MMA gloves to the ring, as some promoters had suggested. Barnett explained that wearing gloves would not add any value to her character since everyone already knew she was a skilled fighter. He also pointed out that if she were to punch her opponents while wearing gloves, it could potentially cause harm and make her look bad.
Instead, Barnett emphasized that Baszler’s strength lies in her ability to execute wrestling moves with precision and impact. He advised her to focus on showcasing her technical skills and the impact of her moves rather than trying to convince people of her toughness. Barnett highlighted the power and impact that Baszler could create simply by grabbing her opponent’s wrist, emphasizing that it would have a greater effect than many other wrestlers.
This advice from Barnett proved to be invaluable for Baszler as she embarked on her professional wrestling career. She quickly established herself as a dominant force in the industry, known for her technical prowess and submission holds. Baszler’s unique style and ability to seamlessly blend her MMA background with professional wrestling have made her a standout performer.
The podcast interview with Barnett sheds light on the importance of understanding one’s strengths and leveraging them effectively in any field. Baszler’s success serves as a testament to the value of embracing one’s unique skills and not feeling the need to prove oneself in ways that may not align with their true abilities.
As Baszler continues to make her mark in the wrestling world, her journey from MMA to professional wrestling serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and performers. It showcases the possibilities that exist when one is willing to step outside their comfort zone and explore new avenues. Baszler’s story also highlights the importance of seeking guidance and advice from experienced individuals who can provide valuable insights and help navigate the challenges of transitioning between different disciplines.
In conclusion, Josh Barnett’s advice to Shayna Baszler as she transitioned from MMA to professional wrestling proved to be instrumental in her success. By focusing on her technical skills and not feeling the need to prove her toughness, Baszler has become a formidable presence in the wrestling industry. Her story serves as a reminder of the importance of embracing one’s strengths and seeking guidance from experienced mentors when venturing into new territories.