The crossover effect continues.
An interesting story has emerged from the WWE Performance Center this week. During a promo class, 32-year old Shadia Bseiso cut a promo in which she singled out some of the "shooters" in the NXT class, saying she could tap them out in a grappling match. Former UFC fighter and MMA Horsewomen member Jessamyn Duke took exception to the promo and replied with a dry "no you can't," and a challenge was made from both sides as a result
Fightful Select has learned there's been a push from several people in the class to see the shoot grappling challenge unfold at one of the WWE Performance Center's in-house events, which are held once every couple of months. The events are only for members of the roster, trainers, and the like.
Bseiso is a Brazilian-jiu jitsu blue belt who competed in the 2014 Abu Dhabi World Pro Championships where she'd earn a silver medal. Duke had nine professional MMA fights, not including two on the Ultimate Fighter reality series, another seven as an amateur and several muay thai bouts. As of 2013, she was a purple belt in jiu jitsu, and has trained alongside her fellow Horsewomen members Shayna Baszler, Ronda Rousey and Marina Shafir, in addition to training under Josh Barnett.
MMA influence within WWE is significantly higher these days, with numerous former UFC fighters under contract.
