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| The winner and still NXT Women's Champion - Shayna Baszler |
NXT TakeOver: New York is behind us!
I can't say that I am (totally) disappointed. Actually, there were a lot of surprises, good spots and intense moments. Overall, I am happy with the match, not that happy with the end.
The first pleasant surprise was that Marina Shafir and Jessamyn Duke were left backstage and they didn't interfere at all. That helped to build Baszler as a solid Champion, right before the match even started. 'I can do it on my own!'.
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| Belair demonstrate a lot of athleticism |
That was the first thing that impressed me.
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| One of the stunning spots in the match - The Sky Pirates worked together to doom their opponents |
Then the match started and it was full of interesting spots. Io Shirai and Kairi Sane got their moment of unification as a tag team and worked well on Belair. Then of course as expected, during the match, the rule 'Every woman for herself' stand in between them. Both Japanese sensations put their friendship on the line. I can praise Shirais leverage and height of the moves. Sane was impressive with her tactics and well-executed maneuvers, as well.
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| 2 on 1 action |
Belair was a league of her own. Her epic double maneuver over Shirai and Sane was EPIC! She makes a statement with that move. It put her name next to women like Beth Phoenix and Nia Jax, who are that powerful to lift two opponents and throw them like they are rag dolls. Belair was impressive and that double maneuver just was the masterpiece of her performance last night and it for sure prove us once again that the title reign is in her future!
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| No one can fly like Io Shirai! |
The moment when Baszler received two moonsaults (from Shirai) and Insane Elbow (by Sane) was dramatic as well. Baszler took a lot of bumps and looked stable all the time. She added more drama when she locked Belair in the first Kerafida Clutch for the night... Then she sneaked in when Bianca had everything in control, covering the stunned Kairi Sane, for the 3 counts. In her typical ruthless manner, Shayna was able to grab the moment and to apply her submission this time with succession... Then a celebration with the two other, of the MMA Four Horsewomen and another confirmation of her reign of terror.
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| Another great moment of cooperation |
For me, that match was the hardest in Baszler's career to this moment. She had two old rivals (Belair and Sane) that made everything possible to dethrone her and one new (Io) who is still at the beginning of her path to the gold. After all, the champs simplicity and raw technique proved to be more than the challengers' high-fly attacks and powerful throws.
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| Belair's epic double K.O.D. |
The reign of terror continues and we can't wait to see who will step in for to challenge Baszler! Maybe Candice LeRae will dare, hoping to add the women's gold to her husband's Johnny Gargano's NXT Championship... Who knows?
