5 things AEW can do with Paige VanZant

AEW might have a potential female star on their hands in Paige VanZant. The former UFC fighter first caught wrestling fans' attention during the storyline between The Inner Circle and American Top Team leading to Full Gear last year.

The 27-year-old fighter was a natural on the microphone and gained heat from the audience, with many comparing her to a young Stephanie McMahon.

Speaking with Alex McCarthy of talkSPORT, Chris Jericho heaped praise on Paige VanZant, saying she looks 'natural' portraying her character. He recalled asking the higher-ups to have the MMA fighter appear more often in his storyline with Dan Lambert:

“Paige is part of the story. I remember the first week she came out and I was like ‘we need Paige here next week.’ And they were like ‘you want her here?’ And I was, like, ‘she’s part of the story now.’ She’s a natural.”

She recently returned to Dynamite to face Brandi Rhodes. Now that the Rhodes Couple has left the company, what can Tony Khan do with PVZ? Here are five storyline possibilities for the MMA star:

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#5. Paige VanZant should go on an undefeated streak in AEW

If booked correctly, Paige VanZant could be AEW's Ronda Rousey. The MMA crossover star can hold her own in the wrestling ring. Paige should be a dominant force from the get-go.

Have her stack up victories against jobbers and lower card talents in the women's division to build a winning streak. This will help create an aura and mystique that fuels her to the top of the division when she eventually challenges established stars.

#4. Pair Paige VanZant with Dan Lambert as her permanent manager in AEW

AEW should continue with the pairing of Paige VanZant and Dan Lambert as her mouthpiece. It works as Lambert is a natural heat magnet, and the audience will be more inclined to boo Paige by association.

American Top Team owner can guide VanZant when it comes to mic skills, and engage in villainous tactics at ringside during her matches. The duo could mirror Paul Heyman and Madusa. We've seen female talents combining well with male managers, such as Jade Cargill & Mark Sterling. PVZ and Dan Lambert seem like potential box office duo.

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#3. Engage in an intense rivalry with Thunder Rosa

Thunder Rosa's willing to step up to Paige VanZant as the latter's first opponent in AEW, judging by her recent tweet. The MMA star is yet to have an official match.

A Twitter user recently asked who should be the first to wrestle VanZant in AEW. Thunder Rosa was quick to reply to the fan:

"Sign me up!!!!" tweeted Thunder Rosa.

A veteran like Thunder Rosa is the ideal opponent for Paige VanZant. The two can steal the show if they compete, given how both have a strike-based, aggressive offense.

#2. Paige VanZant should challenge Jade Cargill for the TBS Championship

If AEW wants to book VanZant in a prominent position, why not have her face one of the company's female champions? TBS Champion Jade Cargill could benefit from a feud with VanZant.

One of the reasons why this match-up likely didn't happen is because Cargill herself is still too green. She has less than 30 matches under her belt and only a year in wrestling. The 29-year-old might not cleanly transition Paige VanZant into wrestling.

However, her inexperience hasn't hindered her from becoming a champion. Cargill pulls off impressive matches regardless and will be a good challenge for VanZant.

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#1. Paige VanZant should challenge Britt Baker for the AEW Women's Championship

Britt Baker is the current AEW Women's Champion and one of the biggest stars on the roster. It will make far more sense to book Paige VanZant against her.

As the reigning women's champion, Baker needs to prove herself against the roster. Additionally, she has to defend the roster against outside threats, such as VanZant.

The D.M.D. will be the best opponent against Paige VanZant as she's also well-known outside AEW. Hopefully, Baker takes notice of the former MMA fighter trying to muscle her way onto the roster.