Weeks back, it looked like Dakota Kai was the obvious choice to challenge Io Shirai for the NXT Women’s title. She attacked the champ week’s back, so it seemed like a foregone conclusion. But this is NXT and title shots need to be earned.
Rhea Ripley took exception to Dakota claiming that match was hers, which led to a number one contender’s match between the two tonight.
It was a very one sided affair for the vast majority of the match. Kai hasn’t had her heavy Raquel González by her side recently. Going it alone tonight meant getting the crap beat out of her at the hands of Rhea for 90% of the match.
Both @RheaRipley_WWE and @DakotaKai_WWE refuse to leave #WWENXT tonight without a ticket to #NXTTakeOver: XXX. pic.twitter.com/2LGDGAorgH
— WWE (@WWE) August 6, 2020
Despite being the heel in the match, Kai had to show pluck by continuing to kick out of the larger Ripley’s powerful offense. She eventually fired up at the end, but that still wasn’t enough. She needed outside help, though help it doesn’t appear she asked for.
When the referee was distracted, Mercedes Martinez jumped on the apron and delivered a big kick to the Nightmare. Like she’s done plenty before, Dakota used that help and delivered a draping GTK for the win.
Is this #RobertStoneBrand warfare, we're seeing? #WWENXT @RheaRipley_WWE @RealMMartinez @RobertStoneWWE pic.twitter.com/ETlKVgEaMJ
— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) August 6, 2020
Now Dakota is officially #1 contender.
Meanwhile, Rhea Ripley has to contender with Mercedes Martinez, who beat up Ripley further after the match. This should be a fire feud. It looks like Rhea isn’t done with the Robert Stone Brand after all.
You can find the results from NXT at the live blog here.