In over a year since Ember Moon had a singles match in WWE, she had a one-on-one match with Jessi Kamea on this week’s NXT. This was one of two women’s matches on the show and it was a nice outing for both women.
Moon picked up the obvious win here and she did it via submission. Although the Eclipse is one of the better finishing maneuvers in WWE, it was nice to see something else from Moon. Although she still flew around the ring in this match, she did seem to be more grounded in the ring in this outing.
As for Kamea, she did a good job not making this a quick squash match. It was clear that Moon wasn’t going to lose this match for obvious reasons, but Kamea didn’t make it easy on her.
After the match as Moon was celebrating her victory, Dakota Kai came from ringside and attacked her. She knocked Moon off her feet and spun her around face first over the ring apron. Kai then delivered a kick to the head. She then delivered a message saying that if Moon thinks she could use Kai to get back into the spotlight then she needs to think again. This was a reference to Moon’s returning match where she teamed with Ripley and defeated Kai & Raquel Gonzalez.
The second match involved the determined Xia Li. Li has been on a losing streak lately and after talking with Boa, she demanded a match this week. She was granted one as Kacy Catanzaro stepped up to the plate. Li referred to the importance of this match as the most important match of her life. The importance of her winning was elevated.
Unfortunately for Li, the frustrations continued as she would lose to Catanzaro. Catanzaro, with Kayden Carter at ringside, would beat Li and get the pin. Li loses it again and attacks Catanzaro as Carter tried to come in to help her tag team partner. This attack was halted by Raquel Gonzalez. Gonzalez would destroy all three women as she sends a message to her opponent at Halloween Havok next week, Rhea Ripley.
In a WWE Network Exclusive, Li was seen at ringside upset over her loss. Boa would come down to the ring and help her up. He delivered her another letter which made her get up and exit up the ramp.
As for the build-up for the NXT Women’s Championship match at next week’s Halloween Havok, Candice LeRae and Io Shirai had promo videos. The promos were good, however, I am getting a little annoyed that Shirai keeps having to deliver promos instead of being actually on the show.
LeRae was shown with Johnny Gargano in their home with a mock wheel. They did a practice spin of the wheel to see what their matches may look at for next week’s event. Gargano spun the wheel and received a buried alive match, which he obviously was upset over. LeRae landed on a Trick or Street Fight. She seemed elated at that choice and knows she would defeat Shirai if that were the stipulation. Gargano spun the wheel again and landed on a casket match. Upset that the wheel’s decision keeps wanting to kill him, Gargano threw a fit and went upstairs ending the promo.
As for Shirai, she was seen watching the wheel and giving the outcomes of various stipulations she may be put in.
Biker’s Chain Match – “I beat Candice.”
Blindfold Match – “I beat Candice.”
Casket Match – “I beat Candice.”
Street Fight – “I beat Candice.”
Weapons Wild Match – “I beat Candice.”
Halloween Havoc – “I beat Candice.”
Let’s get into the Winners & Losers of the week:
WINNER: Ember Moon
Strong first singles match back. Her having this little thing with Dakota I feel is okay since Candice is still going after Io, but I don’t want that to be the deciding factor. Ember needs next shot at whoever is champion after next week.
WINNER: Jessi Kamea
I think it is safe to say that Jessi needs to move on from having random matches and not having a storyline. She is better than just being used as a jobber even though this match she held her own. Even though it was obvious she was going to lose this match due to the returning Ember, she still didn’t look weak by losing. I want to see more from her.
LOSER: Rhea Ripley
Honestly, unless there was some reason (something personal or health-related) why they kept Rhea away this week, she should have been there. The mini-brawl between her and Raquel last week was great and they could have done a bigger one this week to promote their upcoming match. I think it was a big miss. At least Raquel was there although her beating up random people she doesn’t have a problem with was weird.
LOSER: Xia Li
Based on the sole fact that she lost again. I can see the wheels turning though for where this is heading and I am looking forward to it. I enjoyed seeing her getting more of a character also. She may end up on the winner list soon enough.
LOSER: Toni Storm
So are we really just going to have her come back to then miss a week already? Come on.
Side Note: Please keep in mind when I have been doing Winners & Losers recently it is sometimes hard to pick certain “losers.” I have to do it with what I see as face value and what is being shown. With the crazy state that everything is still in as a result of the current health pandemic, it is sometimes hard to figure out if people are left off TV due to health concerns or just bad creative.
What did you think of this week’s NXT? Who were your Winners & Losers? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below!!
