Despite Johnny Gargano’s meddling, NXT Women’s Champion Io Shirai defeated Candice LeRae at TakeOver 31 to retain her title. But The Genius of The Sky didn’t get much time to celebrate her win, as two Superstars returned to NXT to shake things up.
Despite Shirai connecting with a moonsault to the floor, Candice LeRae was dominant in the early moments of the match, grounding The Genius of The Sky and wearing down the NXT Women’s Champion.
But after LeRae whiffed on a senton, the NXT Women’s Champion regrouped and took flight, staggering The Poison Pixie with a dropkick off the ropes before crushing LeRae in the corner with double knees. The challenger rebounded and connected with a moonsault of her own, but it was only good for a two-count. LeRae locked on her husband’s trademark Gargano Escape submission, but she could not force the champion to submit, and in frustration, she inadvertently struck the referee.
Shirai fought back and attempted her top-rope moonsault, but she landed stomach-first on the boots of LeRae, which sent the champion flying into the staggered official, who was launched out of the ring. The Wicked Stepsister nearly spelled doom for Shirai’s reign, as Johnny Wrestling dashed to the ring, wearing a referee’s shirt, ready to fast-count the title into his wife’s hands. When that didn’t work, Gargano brought the NXT Women’s Championship into the ring and distracted the revived referee while LeRae bashed Shirai with the title.
Miraculously, The Genius of The Sky kicked out and connected with a Spanish Fly from the top rope and her trademark moonsault to retain the title.
After the bell, Shirai’s celebration was cut short by a video message from Toni Storm. The former NXT UK Women’s Champion let Shirai know that she’s back on the black-and-gold brand with her sights on the title and reminding everyone that it’s Toni Time.
But that wasn’t all, as the Superstar behind the mysterious videos in recent weeks rode her motorcycle to the Capitol Wrestling Center and removed her helmet to reveal the returning Ember Moon. In just a matter of minutes, the NXT Women’s division was turned on its head. Can Shirai stay on top of the mountain with so many hungry competitors eyeing her title?
