Claressa Shields Rejects Baddies Midwest, Confirms She’d Dominate Tesehki
The world of reality television thrives on drama, and Baddies Midwest on the Zeus Network is no exception. Recently, boxing champion Claressa Shields stirred the pot by declining an offer to appear on the show while boldly stating she could defeat cast member Tesehki in a fight. In an Instagram Live video, Shields addressed Tesehki’s public dislike for her and explained why she required a liability waiver for any potential Baddies appearance—a request rejected by producer Natalie Nunn. This saga has fans buzzing, eager for details on the feud, Shields’ decision, and the cultural clash between boxing and reality TV. This article explores the controversy, answering fans’ questions with a user-centric narrative.
Who Is Claressa Shields? A Boxing Legend
Claressa Shields, born March 17, 1995, in Flint, Michigan, is a trailblazer in women’s boxing and mixed martial arts. A two-time Olympic gold medalist (2012, 2016), Shields is the only American boxer to win consecutive Olympic medals. She’s held world championships in five weight classes, including undisputed titles in light middleweight (2021), middleweight (2019–2024), and heavyweight (2025). As of October 2022, she’s ranked the world’s best active female middleweight by BoxRec and the top female boxer, pound for pound, by ESPN and The Ring. Shields is the only boxer to hold all four major world titles (WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO) in three weight classes.
Since turning pro in 2016, Shields has an undefeated boxing record, with notable wins like her 2017 TKO over Nikki Adler for the WBC and IBF super-middleweight titles and her 2021 victory over Marie-Eve Dicaire, making her the first boxer in the four-belt era to hold undisputed titles in two weight classes. She’s also ventured into MMA with the Professional Fighters League, despite a 2021 loss. Her recent claim that she could beat Tesehki in a fight reflects her confidence as a “trained killer,” as she described herself on Instagram Live.
Baddies Midwest: The Zeus Network’s Drama Hub
Baddies Midwest, the sixth season of the Zeus Network’s reality series Baddies, premiered on November 3, 2024, and has captivated audiences with its mix of drama, alliances, and physical altercations. A spiritual successor to Bad Girls Club (2006–2017), Baddies follows a group of women living together while hosting promotional events, often leading to viral confrontations. Executive produced by Natalie Nunn and Tanisha Thomas, the show has expanded from Baddies ATL (2021) to regions like the Midwest, Caribbean, and the upcoming Baddies Africa (2025).
The Baddies Midwest cast includes returning stars like Natalie Nunn, Scotlynd “Scotty” Ryan, and Tesehki (Latifa Malone), alongside new faces like Jaidyn Alexis and Akbar V. Known for its raw, unfiltered fights, the show has drawn criticism for fostering a toxic environment but remains a ratings hit due to viral moments. Shields’ potential involvement would have been a major draw, but her decision to decline has shifted focus to her feud with Tesehki.
Tesehki: The Reality Star at the Center of the Feud
Tesehki, born Latifa Malone on May 22, 1995, in Baltimore, Maryland, is a Baddies fan favorite known for her fiery personality and fighting prowess. A cast member since Baddies East (2023), Tesehki has been involved in high-profile altercations, including a brawl with Badd Dolly at the Baddies Midwest reunion and a feud with her sister, Chrisean Rock, over childhood trauma allegations. Her reputation as a “street fighter” has led fans to compare her to professional athletes like Claressa Shields, sparking the current drama.
Tesehki’s public statement that she didn’t like Shields, combined with her claim on The Jason Lee Show that she could “beat the f**k outta” Shields with equal training, escalated tensions. She even dragged Shields’ partner, rapper Papoose, into the feud, posting a photo with him captioned, “Ya [ninja emoji] know who the champ is”. Fans are divided, with some hyping Tesehki’s confidence and others calling her delusional, as seen in X posts like, “Claressa is beating Tesehki ass like she can’t b this delusional”.
The Fight That Never Was: Shields vs. Tesehki
The idea of a fight between Claressa Shields and Tesehki originated from fans tagging Shields on social media, claiming Tesehki could beat her. Shields dismissed the notion on Instagram Live, saying, “Y’all gotta be some damn fools. I’m a trained killer,” and asserting that neither Tesehki nor fellow Baddies star Ivori would last 30 seconds against her. She emphasized the difference between Baddies’ “elementary school street fights” and professional boxing, where security doesn’t intervene.
Tesehki clapped back, demanding a $1 million purse to fight Shields. She continued by mocking her boxing résumé, saying, “Your fights don’t make no noise”. Shields responded on X, stating, “I don’t gain sh*t from beating her up.” Ultimately, daring Tesehki to “fight” her right now. The feud has fueled speculation about a potential boxing match. Although Shields’ dominance as a multi-division champion makes the outcome seem lopsided to many fans.
Why Claressa Shields Declined Baddies Midwest
Claressa Shields revealed she turned down a Zeus Network offer to appear on Baddies Midwest. This is due to producers rejecting her request for a liability waiver. As a professional boxer with registered hands, Shields wanted protection from lawsuits in case of injuries during altercations. A reasonable concern given Baddies’ history of physical confrontations. Natalie Nunn’s refusal to agree to the waiver led Shields to walk away, a decision she confirmed on Instagram Live.
Fans are curious about why Shields considered the show at all. Her recent public feuds, including with Remy Ma and boxing stars like Jake Paul, suggest she’s open to high-profile challenges. However, Shields’ focus on her legacy—evidenced by her 2025 undisputed heavyweight title win over Danielle Perkins—likely outweighed the allure of reality TV fame. On X, she declared herself “the real baddie,” signaling her confidence without needing the Baddies platform.
Zeus Network: The Drama-Driven Platform
The Zeus Network, launched in 2018, is known for unscripted, influencer-driven shows like Baddies that thrive on viral drama. Baddies Midwest format, with 24/7 cameras and a confessional room, amplifies conflicts. Which is seen in Tesehki’s clashes with Chrisean Rock and Badd Dolly. While the network’s approach boosts viewership, it’s faced criticism for exploiting cast members’ safety. As highlighted by Sydonie Person (Diamond The Body’s), injuries during a fight with Tesehki. Shields’ waiver request reflects her awareness of these risks, aligning with fan concerns about the show’s ethics.
Why Fans Are Obsessed with This Feud
Claressa Shields and Tesehki drama resonates because it pits a world-class athlete against a reality TV star. Further, blending sports and pop culture. Fans want to know: Could Tesehki’s street-fighting skills challenge Shields? Why did Shields consider Baddies? Will the feud escalate? Social media platforms like X show mixed sentiments, with some rooting for Tesehki’s boldness and others backing Shields’ proven dominance.
What’s Next for Shields and Tesehki?
Fans are eager for updates on whether Claressa Shields and Tesehki will face off. Although Shield’s recent Instagram posts suggests she’s done with the feud. Tesehki, meanwhile, continues to stir drama on Baddies Midwest, with her recent reunion brawl keeping her in the spotlight. Shields’ focus remains on boxing, with potential MMA bouts and her relationship with Papoose also drawing attention.
For Baddies Midwest viewers, the show’s seventh season, Baddies Africa, promises more chaos. Whether Shields ever reconsiders reality TV, her decision to prioritize her safety and legacy has earned her respect. Especially, from fans who see her as untouchable in and out of the ring.
Final Thoughts: A Clash of Worlds
Claressa Shields’ rejection of Baddies Midwest and her bold claim about defeating Tesehki highlight the divide between professional sports and reality TV drama. The Zeus Network thrives on viral moments, but Shields’ insistence on a waiver shows her savvy in protecting her career. As fans debate the hypothetical fight, Shields remains a champion who doesn’t need a reality show to prove her dominance.
