While it will no longer take place at NXT Takeover, there will still be a ladder match to decide who will face the winner of Charlotte Flair vs. Rhea Ripley. We have already seen Tegan Nox, Chelsea Green and Mia Yim qualify. Tonight we will see Candice LeRae face Kayden Carter, and Xia Li face Aliyah. LeRae was orignally set to face Mercedes Martinez, but that was changed up due to travel issues. There is some added animosity to Aliyah vs. Xia Li. These two last clashed on the Nov. 13, 2019 edition of NXT. Li was victorious with a devastating spin kick that broke Aliyah’s nose.
Io Shirai Takes Xia Li’s Space
After being sidelined due to injury, the sukeban herself Io Shirai would return in a huge way tonight for NXT. With a shot at the NXT Women’s Championship on the line, Io knew she needed to get into this ladder match. While I’m sure fans were eager to see another clash between Xia Li and Aliyah, they will have to wait. Xia Li would be found beat down backstage, and Io Shirai would make her way to ring to quickly dispose of Aliyah. Aliyah was ready for an under-carder in Xia, not the certified main event star of Io. A dropkick, butterfly backbreaker and huge moonsault would destroy Aliyah and ensure that Io becomes the favorite in the coming ladder match.
Candice LeRae Proves She Belongs
While she has had some classic matches in NXT, Candice LeRae still has to prove herself as a top name. She would face the upstart Kayden Carter, to finally get her chance at championship. Carter also has been hungry for success, making her dangerous despite her relative newness.
The match started with LeRae taking Carter down with a Headlock Takeover, showing her top wrestling ability as she controlled the action. Things would go to stalemate after both went for a dropkick at the same time. A series of pinfall attempts would lead to a crafty Carter springboarding off the bottom rope with a knee strike for a near fall. The back and forth match would continue until LeRae would trap Carter in the Gargano Escape for a submission victory.
This puts the ladder match with Io Shirai, Candice LeRae, Chelesa Green, Tegan Nox, and Mia Yim. Who will fill the last slot? Let us know what you think in the comment section down below.
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