The year 2017 began with Nixon Newell on her first tour of Japan competing in a series of matches for Stardom. Nixon teamed with frenemy Kay Lee Ray in four of her five matches for the promotion. At Stardom New Years Stars Night 2, the duo collectively known as Team FTW found themselves hooked up with the most unexpected partner for their trios match. Enter "Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler. The former MMA fighter and member of The Four Horsewomen had successfully transitioned into pro-wrestling with an impressive body of work on the independent scene. Just like Nixon this would be Shayna's first tour of Japan. KLR was already a legend in the country having competed there numerous times.

Shayna is famous for brutalizing her opponents into submission. Humor and entertainment (unless of a sadistic nature) aren't her forfeit. KLR can be similar, however tag team partners like Mia Yim and Nixon helped nurture a lighter side of her over the years. During their pre-match promo, Nixon and KLR introduced Shayna as an honorary member of Team FTW for their trios match. Shayna didn't exactly seem too enthused -- until KLR pointed out they had victory in the bag. "The Bum Bag!" The Queen of Spades chimed in. KLR and Nixon held up their bum bags with enormous excitement as Shayna *GASP* cracked a smile.

Two of Team FTW's opponents, Konami and Mayu Iwatani, might be unfamiliar to those who don't follow the Japanese wrestling scene. But their partner Kairi Hojo (Kairi Sane) is likely not a stranger to most having competed in WWE for a few years before returning to Stardom. The Pirate Princess had a lengthy war with Shayna Baszler in WWE NXT, however this trios match would be their first meeting in the squared circle.

Nixon and KLR proudly held up their bum bags once they entered the ring. Shayna even joined in holding up her towel with a bit of a smile. Konami started the match out for her team while Shayna took the lead for hers with Nixon warming her up. Shayna got the better of her opponent on the canvas leading to tags. Nixon entered for her team while Mayu came in for hers. The two went back and forth trying to gain a pin on each other to a stalemate. They decided to tag out, bringing KLR and Kairi into the match.

KLR held out her hand for a shake but her other hand was clearly waiting to counteract the offer if Kairi was lured in. Kairi fell for KLR's trickery only to quickly rebound with some impressive offense. All six competitors would soon enter the fray, resulting in Team FTW delivering the three amigos (vertical suplexes) to their opponents. Nixon and KLR paid homage to DX and the late great Eddie Guerrero to celebrate the impressive barrage they had unleashed. They even "encouraged" Shayna to do a crotch chop along with them. The fun was quickly ended once the action picked up again with Team FTW taking turns working over Kairi.

Mayu and Konami took control for their team with a barrage of dropkicks and superkicks. Kairi continued to lead the charge, unleashing an insane fury of swift, hard chops to Nixon culminating in one from a running start. Nixon would fire back with an enzuigiri and crossbody from the top rope. Team FTW would continue to dominate applying submission moves at the same time to wear down their opponents. KLR and Nixon would follow that up delivering dueling superkicks to Konami followed by a spear from Shayna. But Kairi and Mayu would turn the tide, taking out Nixon and KLR with planchas from the ring apron.

In the ring Konami went to work on Shayna, trying to get her to tap. Nixon made the save. Kairi and Mayu looked to turn the tide again, whipping KLR and Nixon to the ropes. KLR and Nixon reversed course, superkicking their opponents to the floor and taking them out of play with topes. Konami made one last effort for her team, sunset flipping Shayna for the hopeful fall. That wasn't happening. Shayna kicked out and took Konami down to the mat, making her quickly tap to score the win for Team FTW. It was a good fight from both teams and we even got to see Shayna Baszler in a different light. Maybe Shayna really is just an ole softie at heart...

Additional Information | Shayna Baszler and Team FTW (Kay Lee Ray & Nixon Newell) defeated Konami, Kairi Hojo & Mayu Iwatani (13:30) at Stardom New Years Stars 2017 Night 2 at Minato Ward Community Center in Osaka, Japan on January 7th 2017.