SummerSlam weekend has kicked off with NXT’s second round in Toronto. It has been since November 2016 when TakeOver took to Canada and with two women’s matches on the card, it did not disappoint. Well at least from the first match. First from the women we saw a very personal vendetta implode between Io Shirai and Candice LeRae.
LeRae wasted no time to get her hands on her former friend as she makes a beeline into the ring and attacks Shirai. Once they have been pulled apart the bell rings. The action spills to the outside and Shirai hits a massive suplex to LeRae on the announce table.
LeRae somehow made it back in the ring after a count of nine. These two women continue to put on a clinic as the following are some of the highlights:
- After the two trade forearms, Shirai heads up top. She goes for a missile dropkick but LeRae is able to sidestep the potential disadvantage.
- LeRae attempts to capitalize from avoiding the missile dropkick as she hits a sheerdrop brainbuster and after that didn’t work applies the Iron Octopus. Shirai is able to get out.
- After a couple near falls, LeRae attempts to hit the Rude Awakening but Shirai is able to counter and gets her into the crossface. LeRae is able to escape shortly thereafter.
- Shirai heads to the top, but LeRae is on her feet. German Suplex executed. Fireman’s carry on LeRae who counters into a Poison Frankensteiner.
- After a swinging neckbreaker and a spanish fly wasn’t enough, Shirai starts to get frustrated. Shirai heads up top to deliver her famous moonsault. LeRae kicks out!!
- The match concludes with a triangle choke submission on LeRae. Shirai wore her down to where the referee called for the bell.
Io Shirai defeats Candice LeRae via submission
The second women’s match of the night, Shayna Baszler defends her NXT Women’s Championship against Mia Yim. Heading into the match, Baszler is the only two-time NXT Women’s Champ with a current 286-day reign.
After a little head game from Yim, Baszler tries to take out Yim early with a submission. She is able to give a fish hook to Baszler and then make it to the ropes to cause the break.
Here are a few highlights of the match:
- The match spills to the outside fast. Yim takes advantage of the steel steps as she slams the champion into them. She then gets Baszler’s arm stuck between the steps and ring post. She drives into the steps causing pain to the champ.
- Back in the ring, Baszler nurses her arm from the attack. Somehow the Submission Magician capitalizes with one arm as she gets a short two count on the challenger.
- Baszler attempts to continue to use her right arm, but every time she throws a punch it causes pain. She utilizes her stomp to continue her offense. She focuses on Yim’s left arm as she tries to avoid further damage to her now disadvantage.
- Baszler has Yim’s left arm fully pulled back applying pressure. Yim is able to get out of it by pulling on the hair of the champ.
- Avalanche Code Blue was delivered by Yim to Baszler from the top rope but the champ was able to kick out.
- Baszler locks in the Kirifuda Clutch. Yim is able to avoid it initially with headbutts and understanding that the Submission Magician’s right arm isn’t 100%.
- The Kirifuda Clutch is locked in again and this time Yim submits to the champ and Baszler’s reign continues.
Shayna Baszler defeats Mia Yim by submission to retain the NXT Women’s Championship.
What are your thoughts on NXT TakeOver?
Personally, Io Shirai vs. Candice LeRae was the better match.
Discuss your thoughts in the comment section below. Check back in with Diva Dirt tomorrow for SummerSlam results!!
