Zoey Stark made her NXT debut last week, after making her WWE debut as Marina Shafirs tag team partner for the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic. While she lost that first tag team match, she tore her way through a singles match with Valentina Feroz. Now, she already has a match with the current NXT Women’s Champion, Io Shirai. It’s a non-title match, but a strong showing will do wonders for Stark, and a win would be career changing all the same.
Zoey Stark Is Not Scared Of Io Shirai
Step one to beating Io Shirai is simply not being intimidated by her larger than life persona. Stark passed that test with flying colors, showing zero fear when faced with the champion, locking up fast and getting the upper hand early on. Shirai would grab the arm to break a waist lock, Stark went behind again and took elbows to the face. Starks was thrown with an armdrag, but got a backdrop on Shirai. Shirai would work her way into an Octopus Stretch before rolling into a pinfall for a two count.
Stark took a low dropkick before being put in the corner for some strikes. Shirai got Stark down, choked her briefly and hit the double knees. Starks moved to the middle rope, but had the 619 scouted and caught the legs before hitting a pump kick. Shirai fought back and got Starks down, but was unable to get the moonsault before being kicked and crashing hard to the floor, as a commercial break came.
She’s Champion For A Reason
Coming back from the break, Stark had maintained control of the champion throughout. However, Io Shirai doesn’t stay down, and would come back with some strikes. Stark hit a mid kick, cut Shirai down before running right into a crossface attempt from Shirai. She was able to fight it off and set up a sliding knee to the jaw, getting Stark a two count on the champion. Stark went up top to try for a 450 Splash, but had to readjust and land on her feet, before both her & Shirai went for high crossbodies and crashed into each other.
Shirai would be dropped with a big Half & Half Suplex, but once again was able to kick out. Stark applied a chin lock, before letting go for a kick. Shirai caught the foot, and was able to rally back and hit a flapjack. That set up the 619, letting Shirai go up top and dive down with the front missile dropkick. Shirai set up the double underhook, but was dumped back before Stark went to the middle rope.
Stark was interrupted and hit with a hurricanrana. The double underhook backbreaker got a two count, before Stark got back up and hit the German Suplex. Stark went for a second one, countered and thrown into the turnbuckle, before Shirai nailed the moonsault for the win.
This is how you make a star in one match. Stark looked like the equal of the NXT Women’s Champion, and even in defeat, raised her stock massively. Io Shirai is truly one of the best in the world, and this match shows why. A solid TV match without any real build, just pure athletic prowess. Match Rating: 3.5/5 (*** ½)
After the bell, Toni Storm would call out Shirai for avoiding her, and look to get a one on one match for the title. The challenge was accepted, and we just need a date for this. Will Io Shirai be able to defend the championship once again? Let us know what you think in the comment section down below.
SUBSCRIBE NOW: Get TheOvertimer’s Hottest Stories, Breaking News and Special Features in your email, CLICK HERE!
Remember to stay up to date with the latest news on TheOvertimer. Don’t forget to visit Gamestingr for great videos, news, and gameplay!
