Britt Baker Hits Back At Criticism Of AEW Hardcore Women’s Matches

While they may not be fun, Britt Baker believes hardcore matches have a place in the AEW women’s division.

Britt Baker is no stranger to hardcore matches, having taken part in a number of them throughout her career. In fact, her smiling through a face full of blood following a 2021 Unsanctioned Lights Out Match has become an iconic image, adorning merchandise and helping propel Baker to the next level of superstardom.

Some fans have criticized AEW for its use of blood in matches, particularly when it comes to the women’s division. Speaking in a recent interview with Simon Miller of WhatCulture, Britt Baker spoke about the company’s use of hardcore matches and explained that while the style of wrestling might not be for everyone, fans shouldn’t treat women’s matches any differently than those featuring male performers.

“I think at the end of the day, people like what they like, and they hate what they hate, but you can’t put women in a box and not let them break out of it. If you like hardcore matches, then you should like hardcore matches. It shouldn’t matter who’s in the ring. If it’s a good match, it’s a good match, no matter who’s on either side of the ring. That’s kind of what I feel about it.”

When asked about whether or not she enjoys competing in hardcore matches, Britt Baker said the bouts are not fun and hurt for a long time. Still, she’s proud of what she’s accomplished and the pain is worth it.

“It’s definitely not fun. It hurts. For a long time, too, it does hurt. But I wouldn’t take back anything that I’ve done. I’m proud of it. I’m proud of what it did for AEW, for myself, and for women’s wrestling.”

Baker was recently the subject of heavy criticism after releasing merchandise that showed her with a black eye as the result of an attack from The Outcasts. She defended the choice and explained why she was surprised by the criticism.

h/t Fightful