The world of professional wrestling is a dynamic tapestry woven with thrilling in-ring action, captivating storylines, and, often, intriguing behind-the-scenes developments. As discussed in the video above, one of the most talked-about mysteries in AEW recently has been the prolonged absence of former Women’s World Champion, Dr. Britt Baker D.M.D. Her disappearance from television since last November has sparked widespread speculation among fans and pundits alike.
For months, the AEW fanbase has pondered the reasons behind Britt Baker’s vanishing act. The issue intensified when she wasn’t utilized even when AEW was in her hometown of Pittsburgh. While official statements remained scarce, a recent report from Fightful Select, often a reliable source for backstage wrestling news, has shed significant light on the situation, providing a potential solution to this puzzling enigma.
Unpacking Britt Baker’s AEW Vanishing Act
Britt Baker, once heralded as a foundational “pillar” of AEW’s women’s division, has been notably absent from All Elite Wrestling programming for an extended period, leading to considerable fan concern and speculation. Her last on-screen appearance in November involved a confrontation with Serena Deeb, where Baker famously quipped, “Nobody cares,” seemingly burying a potential feud before it even began. This moment, as pointed out in the video, was later ironically capitalized on by Deeb herself, who wore a T-shirt featuring the phrase.
The Fightful Select report, as highlighted by wrestling journalists, suggests a confluence of factors contributing to Britt Baker’s hiatus. It appears her time away from the spotlight might be linked to a series of backstage incidents and perceived performance issues that, collectively, proved “too much for AEW at the moment.”
Behind the Scenes: A Confluence of Factors for Britt Baker’s Absence
Several key events reportedly played a role in the decision to sideline Britt Baker:
- **The MJF Altercation:** There was a highly publicized backstage argument between Britt Baker and MJF. While details remain sparse, such altercations can often lead to disciplinary action or a period of cooling off for those involved, impacting their on-screen presence.
- **The Mercedes Mone Match:** Baker was involved in a significant match with Mercedes Mone (formerly Sasha Banks). The reported perception was that the match “wasn’t good,” failing to meet the high expectations set for such a high-profile encounter. In professional wrestling, match quality and in-ring performance are paramount, and a perceived underperformance in a major spot can lead to talent reassessments.
- **The Serena Deeb Incident:** Her unenthusiastic “nobody cares” comment towards Serena Deeb, caught on camera, could be interpreted in various ways. While potentially a heelish tactic, it could also be seen as unprofessional or detrimental to the company’s efforts to build new feuds and stars. Such comments, particularly from a top star, can undermine storylines and negatively affect the perception of other talent.
- **Working Through Injuries:** It’s crucial not to overlook the physical and mental toll wrestling takes. Britt Baker has openly discussed having a “career-threatening absence” in the past, battling through major injuries. This aspect often gets lost in public discourse, but it’s a critical factor. Wrestlers pushing through injuries can sometimes affect their performance, and a break might be necessary for full recovery and to prevent further damage.
These incidents, combined with her strenuous physical and mental journey through injury, created a challenging situation for AEW. The decision to step away, or to be stepped away from TV, was likely complex, aimed at allowing for recovery, re-evaluation, and a potential reset for one of its most recognizable stars.
The Evolving Landscape of the AEW Women’s Division
Britt Baker was undoubtedly one of the foundational figures of the AEW women’s division. Her rise as a compelling heel, particularly with her “D.M.D.” persona and memorable segments with Rebel, solidified her status as a top star. Her feuds were pivotal, and her connection with the Pittsburgh crowd was legendary. The video accurately points out that at one stage, she was effectively a pillar of the entire company, not just the women’s division.
However, the AEW women’s division has grown significantly in her absence. The roster now boasts an “embarrassment of riches,” with talents like Toni Storm, Chris Statlander, Jamie Hayter, Mercedes Mone, Alex Windsor, Tekla, and Willow Nightingale regularly delivering high-quality matches and engaging storylines. While Baker’s unique personality and ability to connect with the audience are undeniable assets, the in-ring prowess of many current top talents, such as Statlander or Hayter, often draws critical acclaim. This deeper pool of talent means AEW is less reliant on any single individual, creating a more competitive environment for screen time.
The question remains whether there’s a clear path for Britt Baker’s return. Her value as a personality who “has the ability to get over and has connected with the audience before” is immense. A sit-down conversation between Baker and AEW management, as suggested in the video, seems like a logical step to address personal relationships and creative direction. Without a resolution, the potential for her to seek opportunities elsewhere, possibly with WWE, becomes a significant consideration, especially given her past prominence and star power.
WWE’s “Showdown”: A Name Change with Significant Implications
Shifting gears from AEW to WWE, another major development discussed in the video was the renaming of an upcoming NXT special from “Invasion” to “Showdown.” This change, while seemingly minor, carries profound implications rooted in geopolitical sensitivities.
Originally, WWE had planned to use the name “Invasion,” a callback to their iconic 2001 pay-per-view that capitalized on the WWE vs. WCW storyline. That original “Invasion” pay-per-view remains a historical benchmark, standing as the most successful non-WrestleMania pay-per-view of all time in terms of buys, highlighting the immense anticipation it generated. However, the modern context proved far more complex.
Sensitivity and Public Relations: The October 7th Factor
The scheduled date for the NXT special, October 7th, coincided with a deeply somber anniversary for Israel. This date marks the anniversary of the Hamas terrorist attacks in 2023, an event that tragically resulted in the deaths of over a thousand people and the taking of hostages. An online publication, Israel Hayom, reported that WWE’s choice of the name “Invasion” on this specific day was viewed as “extreme insensitivity” by many, sparking a negative reaction, particularly after Sky News Arabia reported the controversy.
While it’s highly improbable that WWE intentionally sought to cause offense, assuming they were merely reusing an old, thematically appropriate wrestling brand, the optics were undeniably poor. The company swiftly responded by changing the name to “Showdown.” This decision reflects a pragmatic approach to avoid controversy and respect global sensitivities. It underscores the challenges faced by global entertainment companies in navigating cultural and political landscapes, where historical references can inadvertently clash with contemporary tragedies.
The Randy Orton “Underused” Debate and Anticipated Heel Turn
The discussion around “underused” WWE talent is a perennial topic among wrestling fans. The video brings up a surprising contender for this label: Randy Orton. Mark Henry, a respected veteran, stated on his show “Inside the Ring,” “Some people think Randy Orton’s being underused right now. I’m one of those people.”
This perspective initially raises eyebrows, given Orton’s legendary career, which includes an impressive 13 or 14 world titles—surpassing even John Cena’s record in recent months—and his consistent presence in major storylines when healthy. However, Henry’s argument pivots not on Orton’s overall prominence, but on his current alignment. Henry believes Orton is best suited as a heel, yearning for the “Let Randy be Randy” era of punting, RKOing grandmothers, and relentless stomping.
A Slow-Burn Masterpiece: Orton’s Impending Villainous Shift
The good news for fans of “The Viper’s” darker side is that a heel turn for Randy Orton appears to be in the works. WWE has been meticulously slow-burning this storyline for nearly a year. Orton has consistently stood by Cody Rhodes, often taking physical punishment for him, creating a narrative where his eventual betrayal will feel justified from his character’s perspective. He could convincingly argue, “Do you know how many aspirin I got from the likes of Drew McIntyre for you? And yet, you’ve completely overlooked me.”
This patient booking aligns with WWE’s current strategy of building long-term narratives rather than catering to “goldfish attention spans.” While Orton likely won’t immediately enter the world title picture, facing him is a huge deal in itself. The impending RKO “out of nowhere” – or rather, “out of everywhere,” given the clear build-up – is expected to be a major winter program, potentially unfolding either during or immediately after high-profile events like Crown Jewel, adding a new layer of drama to Cody Rhodes’s journey.
The Evolving Landscape of NXT Call-Ups
The final significant topic explored in the video concerns fundamental changes in how WWE handles NXT call-ups to the main roster, Raw and SmackDown. According to further reporting from Fightful, the internal process has “significantly changed” over the last year, leading to a much smoother and more logical transition for talent.
Historically, an NXT call-up often meant an abrupt halt to any ongoing storylines, sometimes leaving fans with unresolved blood feuds. The new approach, however, offers a much more streamlined and beneficial system:
- **Closer-to-the-Vest Call-Ups:** The process is now kept much more confidential, reducing leaks and allowing for more impactful surprises.
- **Flexible Scheduling:** Talent called up to the main roster can now often finish their ongoing storylines on NXT TV. This allows for proper conclusions, maintaining narrative integrity and respecting the investment fans have in NXT programming. Examples like Stephanie Vaquera, who was “really over from the first minute she appeared,” show how a gradual transition can lead to immediate main roster success and even championship wins.
- **Veteran Presence in NXT:** WWE now recognizes the importance of having “veteran wrestling presences” within NXT, both at the Performance Center and on the show itself. This explains why established stars like Becky Lynch or Ethan Page might drop down to NXT for programs, providing invaluable experience and mentorship to the developing talent.
- **Intentional NXT Runs:** Not every talent brought into NXT is immediately destined for the main roster. For some, a full NXT run is the explicit intent, allowing them to hone their craft and build their character without the pressure of an immediate main roster debut. This fosters a more organic development process.
This evolution in the call-up system represents a vast improvement for WWE. It prevents the awkward scenario of wrestlers being yanked mid-storyline or being forced into hastily contrived tag teams. While some transitions might still be “rougher,” as seen with talent like Julia or Carmelo Hayes, the overall system is “much better” at preserving storylines and developing talent organically. The focus on allowing NXT to thrive as a week-to-week product, while also serving as an effective developmental system, benefits both the talent and the audience.
