Shayna Baszler responds to criticism over comments about Asuka’s 2021 injury
Shayna Baszler and Asuka have each published statements regarding the dental injury Asuka suffered in 2021.
During a recent interview with Chris Van Vliet, Baszler discussed the incident, which happened on the February 22, 2021 episode of WWE Raw. Baszler kicked Asuka in the face during a tag match, knocking a tooth loose. Asuka needed dental surgery and missed three weeks of action.
Baszler said in the interview:
“It was terrible. And she’s so badass, she came to the back afterwards and was kind of covering her mouth cause you know whatever, but she was like, ‘No pain. I don’t know why.'”
“Just soccer kicked her in the face and she was like, ‘Yeah, it’s fine. Doesn’t even hurt.'”
Early Wednesday morning, Asuka released the following statement in response to a clip of the interview:
“My tooth was fractured due to a mistake by Shayna Baszler. At the time I told her I was okay because I did not want her to carry the guilt. But I ended up needing surgery and of course I was not okay. I just did not want her to feel responsible knowing that these things happen in our line of work. I thought that if I just endured it then everything would be fine. Seeing people mocking me in the comments makes me realize once again how cruel the world is.”
“But I blame no one. I do not even wish misfortune upon those who lack kindness. In fact I am more cruel than these cruel people because I will be far happier than they are. While people spend their time mocking me I am savoring and embracing every bit of my happiness. My ideal life is already nearing its completion.”
“Thank you 🫰🤡”
An earlier version of Asuka’s post was published on Reddit. In that version she seems to express a belief that Baszler was making fun of her reaction to the incident. It contains the below two paragraphs not in the currently published version:
“I simply didn’t want her to feel responsible, knowing that these things happen in our line of work. Yet, she now mocks me by imitating my reaction from that moment, turning it into a joke. Is that what passes for common sense? Those who laugh along with her are just as cruel.”
“I still like her, but I’ve realized that’s just the kind of person she is.”
Baszler has since responded to Asuka’s post as well, writing:
“I told the story to illustrate how effing badass Asuka is. If anyone in the comments is making fun of her, they are stupid and should have their social media time monitored.”
Asuka’s injury occurred during the build up to WrestleMania 37. While she underwent surgery, she was back in time to drop the Raw Women’s Championship to Rhea Ripley on April 11.
Baszler and Asuka’s social media posts are below:
Ian Carey is a writer from Toronto, Ontario, Canada, whose work has been featured in NOW Magazine, The Huffington Post, and more. A lifelong wrestling aficionado born in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, he has covered the industry for a decade and a half. He joined the f4wonline.com team in 2019.