NXT Takeover 31 Results: Candice LeRae vs. Io Shirai [NXT Women’s Championship Results]

Just over a year ago now, Io Shirai & Candice LeRae stole the show at NXT Takeover Toronto II, and now they meet again with the NXT Women’s Championship in the balance. Since that original match, they both have new attitudes, are more dangerous, and have become the top names in the division. This match could easily steal the show once again, and has the potential to be the best Women’s match WWE offers in 2020.

Candice LeRae Came Ready

After some light shoving, a headlock would be applied and they’d both show their agility. A hip toss and dropkick from Shirai would frazzle LeRae, so she took some time to regroup. Back in the ring, she’d sidestep Shirai as she ran into the corner and hit a monkey flip, but Shirai landed on her feet. Another regrouping session from LeRae later, and Shirai attempted a sunset flip powerbomb over the rope, but this was counted and LeRae would hit a nice dive to drop Shirai.

Whatever LeRae can do, Shirai can do better, and she’d kick LeRae down and hit an Asai Moonsault to regain control. Back in the ring, LeRae would be stomped in the corner, before a deadly double knee attack would land perfectly. LeRae would manage a backstabber out of the corner, and gain some control in this match before applying a Camel Clutch.

Heating This One Up

Shirai would fight through and land on her feet out of a head scissor attempt, only to be dropped with a lariat. LeRae was relentless, and would drag Shirai face first across the middle rope and set up a neckbreaker for a near fall. An armlock would be applied, again grounding the Genius Of The Sky, but the crowd would cheer her on as she got back to her feet. LeRae hit a backbreaker, getting another near fall. At this point, LeRae was in control and getting a bit over confident in the process.

She’d take Shirai around the ring and slam her face into the corner, before stomping her down. This was a different approach than in Toronto, she’s more brutal and methodical. A suplex in the middle of the ring would get a two count, a simple move won’t put the champion away. LeRae applied a neck crank, and Shirai fought back to her feet.

Io Shirai Won’t Be Stopped

Shirai would dodge an elbow strike in the corner, roll LeRae through and hit the double stomp to the chest to get some time to catch her breath. She’d find her groove hitting a flapjack, a 619 and the springboard front dropkick perfectly, but it only got a two count. The butterfly backbreaker would be countered, and LeRae would throw Shirai face first before hitting a senton to the back. LeRae went for the lionsault, missed and would be hit with that backbreaker.

Shirai had intentions for her moonsault, but LeRae took her off the top rope and hit a powerbomb, only for Shirai to roll through with the double knees. They’d trade German Suplexes before LeRae hit the backstabber and the springboard moonsault, getting a 2.9 count! LeRae would throw some tired strikes, and Shirai caught her in a tight crossface. This would be rolled into a pin, and LeRae got the Gargano Escape, but Shirai got the ropes. In her fury, she’d knock the referee down, and Shirai didn’t notice as she hit the Air Raid Crash and went for the moonsault.

Shirai would be booted off right into the already downed referee. LeRae hit the Wicked Step Sister, and Johnny Gargano ran down dressed as a referee, but Shirai kicked out of the fast count. Gargano would grab the NXT Women’s Championship as the referee came too, but the referee shirt was enough of a distraction to allow LeRae to nail Shirai with the title, but even that wasn’t enough. Gargano throws a temper tantrum outside on the floor. LeRae went high but ate a palm strike, before Shirai hit the Spanish Fly and the moonsault, getting the three count.

Who’s Next?

This match was splendid, despite the Gargano interference and nonsense in the end. It was the best NXT Women’s Championship match since Wrestlemania, and showed just how good these two are. Match Rating: 4.5/5 (**** ½)

After the match, Toni Storm would show up on the screen, and tell everyone that she’s back in NXT and ready to take that gold. This adds Storm to the list of challengers which includes Rhea Ripley & whoever just entered the arena on a motorcycle, the mystery champion. This is Ember Moon, who is back to the brand that made her a star! The division was already great, but it just got so much better with these two added.

Who will get the next shot at Io Shirai? Let us know what you think in the comment section down below.

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