Finally! The EST has entered the title picture and there is someone who can make her work hard for her money!
Bianca Belair's reputation is ahead of her. Long before her TV debut, she was one of the most presented recruits training in the Performance center. The fastest, the strongest, etc. You know it. Actually she has only one loss, prior to her NXT TV debut and roster inclusion - where she lost to Kairi Sane in a really stunning match at the inaugural Mae Young Classic in 2017. Since her NXT debut, she has been undefeated.
But, there was another undefeated Superstar before her, and since the Empress of Tomorrow had her first loss at the Main roster, Belair might face her first loss sooner. However, she is someone who can take a appropriate stand against the current champ.
The champ. Shayna Baszler.
Love to hate her (gimmick/character)! From the beginning she stunned me with her presentation of skills and gimmick. I just started to hate her, as a bully, forgetting that most of this in-ring presentation is booked. Well, I think she has some of her character traits in her real-life identity, because she plays it too natural. Overall, Baszler is dangerous and strong as champion, with or without Marina Shafir and Jessamyne Duke, by her side. She proved all of her doubters wrong when she defeated her MYC rival Kairi Sane to become the first-ever two time NXT Women's Champion.
Prediction:
This is going to be a thorough fight. I hope that the booking team is planning a bigger time-slot for this match.
I am willing to give 51% to Baszler. I am not sure that Belair is suitable enough at this point to be crowned as champion. Not because she don't deserve it. NO! There is no story in here. It was a quick #1 contender selecting with a small in-ring segment, with a slap! For me, this story must evolve and Belair should return for a second shot at the title. That will be more interesting and will be a base for a nice rivalry, between the two. Meanwhile, Baszler may defend her title against Mia Yim who is really hyped and suitable opponent, especially, after their Mae Young Classic match in 2017. I think that no one will refuse a rematch between them on TV.
Bianca can prove herself and earn more heat by facing Kairi Sane and Io Shirai, mostly Sane who is suitable to job, in their own MYC 2017 rematch. That will be a good preparation for eventual second round against Baszler. We are not excluding the possibility for her to win TakeOver:Phoenix's title match, but ... seriously, they can invest more time into this one. To develop it for Belair and Baslzer's good. For fan's good, as well!
WWE NXT WOMEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH:
SHAYNA BASZLER (c) (51 %) VS. BIANCA BELAIR (49 %)
WINNER: SHAYNA BASZLER
