Tonight’s NXT saw the highly anticipated Battle Royal take place in the main event. It was advertised originally as an 11-woman match and quickly turned into one that had several more women competing.
Mercedes Martinez was added after her official signing was declared yesterday. Other notable women who were included were MJ Jenkins, Indi Hartwell, Jessi Kamea, Tegan Nox, Shayna Baszler, and a surprising return by Kacy Catanzaro.
Dakota Kai and Chelsea Green were not in the match as advertised. Kai would make her appearance towards the end as she eliminates Nox. It was shown earlier in the day that Green would be pulled thanks to Robert Stone. He said she was too good to be in this match and we all have to wait for her debut.
In the end, Bianca Belair would stamp out a win and become the next challenger for the NXT Women’s Champion.
The final four would whittle its way down to Baszler, Belair, Nox, and Io Shirai – or so we thought! Shotzi Blackheart would reappear in the ring as she was in fact never eliminated. She would receive the honor of eliminating former two-time NXT Women’s Champion Baszler. Baszler was the strongest throughout the match eliminating at least half of the competitors.
Blackheart would perhaps celebrate a little too hard as she was promptly eliminated next by Belair. Nox would then be eliminated by Dakota Kai who was slated to be in the match but never was. This would usher us down to two. Two women who have previously had their shot at gold and have come up short.
In the end, Belair would have Shirai up on her shoulders and launch her over the top rope. Belair is the new number one contender and will face the NXT Women’s Champion on Feb. 16 at TakeOver: Portland. Rhea Ripley is the current champion after defeating Baszler in December. Ripley will have one barrier before getting the Belair and that is Toni Storm at Worlds Collide on Jan. 25.
Although it isn’t likely for Ripley to lose her title this soon after winning it, Belair is definitely one that will push her to her limits.
What were your thoughts on this Battle Royal match? What do you think of the outcome? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below.
