Paige vs. Sasha Banks – NXT (Sept. 11, 2013)
This match was integral in developing both Sasha and Paige into the performers they would eventually become. Banks was still a babyface upstart, who lacked any of what Dusty Rhodes dubbed “her sassiness.” She had the ability, but none of the grit and confidence she’s known for now.
The story here was Sasha trying to find her feet in a non-title match against current NXT Women’s Champion, Paige; who essentially squashed her in a match earlier that year. She showed flashes of improvement to make it a more competitive match, but the Anti-Diva proved to be too much.
Paige sells Sasha’s holds and desperation so well in this match. They both told a well-paced story thought out until Paige pull off a roll up to win. Notably, Banks’ frustration and heel turn after the match lead to the creation of the “Boss” character.
