5 AEW stars who should be Paige VanZant's first opponent, instead of Brandi Rhodes

Paige VanZant made her first appearance in AEW alongside Dan Lambert and American Top Team. The 27-year-old is a bareknuckle fighter who once fought in the UFC. After her encounter with Brandi Rhodes on AEW Dynamite, it's clear that she'll be transitioning into wrestling.

Unlike WWE, AEW doesn't have female fighters like Shayna Baszler or Ronda Rousey who could take on VanZant on her own terms. However, Brandi Rhodes might not be the best first opponent.

The roster has many more accomplished women who could out-wrestle Rhodes and would benefit from a high-profile fight. It would make for a higher profile match to put Paige VanZant up against one of the two champions, or a more experienced wrestler instead.

While this article isn't meant to take a knock at Brandi and her importance, it does pose a question about AEW's booking. Rhodes is also not in the most favorable place with the AEW audience right now and VanZant's appearances have always been heel thus far.

This list will dive into wrestlers on the women's roster who should instead be Paige VanZant's first opponent.

5. Jade Cargill is a champion, and should face Paige VanZant

It's puzzling that AEW didn't book VanZant to instead begin feuding with a champion. The TBS Champion Jade Cargill could have benefitted from a feud with VanZant instead.

One of the strongest 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 have been able to cleanly transition Paige VanZant into wrestling.

However, her inexperience has not hindered her in becoming a champion. Cargill still pulls off impressive matches regardless and would've been a good challenge for VanZant.

4. Thunder Rosa is a trained MMA fighter

If AEW wanted to find a star on their roster with an MMA background and a massive fan following, Thunder Rosa would've been a good choice.

The Mexican-born wrestler has been clawing her way through the women's roster since her debut. Melissa Cervantes (real name) has been a wrestler since 2014 and would be an excellent opponent for Paige VanZant.

Cervantes is currently in the midst of a feud with Mercedes Martinez and will likely have to topple her current foe before moving on. Hopefully the two former MMA fighters will eventually step into the ring together.

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3. Serena Deeb might be the best opponent due to her grappling skill

Serena Deeb calls herself the Professor of Professional Wrestling. The star even inherited the "Thousand Holds" nickname from Dean Maleko. Other than that, her reputation in the ring as well as her experience speak for itself.

Deeb might not be a hard hitter like Paige VanZant, but the 35-year-old would be an impressive opponent. Deeb is a former champion and has been trained by a host of legendary wrestlers and coaches, such as Al Snow.

Her in-ring experience would lend a lot of authenticity to the match as well as make VanZant look tough. "The Woman of a Thousand Holds" has been voicing her displeasure with the roster for some time. An eventual bout is not out of the question.

2. Hikaru Shida holds the record for the longest-reigning champion in AEW History

Hikaru Shida will likely go down in AEW history as one of the most impressive champions ever. The former Women's Champion holds the record for the longest concurrent championship reign in the promotion.

Shida's star power would draw many fans to see her face Paige VanZant. On top of this, Hikaru is also a massive babyface and would work nicely against a heel VanZant.

The former champion is unfortunately out due to an injury she sustained after facing Serena Deeb. Upon her return, AEW could easily book her to face the American Top Team member.

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1. Britt Baker

Britt Baker is the current AEW Women's Champion and one of the biggest stars on the roster. As such, it would have made far more sense to book Paige VanZant against her.

As the reigning Women's Champion, Baker is meant to prove herself against the roster. Additionally, she's meant to defend the roster against outside threats, such as VanZant.

Fans of Britt Baker might even be scratching their heads at the noticable absence of the champion. The D.M.D. would probably be the best opponent against Paige VanZant, as she's also well known outside of AEW.

Hopefully, Baker takes notice to the former MMA fighter trying to muscle her way onto the roster.