4. Candice LeRae vs. Io Shirai – TakeOver: Toronto
This the first women’s match on a TakeOver not to be for the championship because this match was personal. Shirai and LeRae were once friends and allies. LeRae had Shirai’s back throughout her feud with Shayna Bazsler. But when Shirai failed to capture the title for the third time she snapped and brutally attacked LeRae. Former friends were now bitter enemies.
The brutality of the first attack not only changed their relationship but Shirai’s look and attitude. Shirai was now a lot more vicious and violent and there was no better opponent to get over her new heel persona as Candice.
Candice is as tough as you get and able to take a severe amount of punishment, which is exactly what happened in the match. LeRae took everything that Shirai had in her arsenal and then some. Shirai was finally able put her tenacious opponent away with a vicious submission.
A brilliant and brutal match.
