WWE NXT RESULTS: Familiar Face Hinders Progression for Hard Fighting Ripley (August, 5th 2020)
Welcome all to this weeks WWE NXT review, talking on an episode that, for the women, had Takeover implications in one of its presented matches. As first booked last week, it would be Dakota Kai taking on former champion Rhea Ripley, with the winner advancing to NXT Takeover to battle Io Shirai for her NXT Womens Championship. While that immense battle does take place, its not the only one to go down, as Tegan Nox battles to regain momentum after coming up short in her championship endeavor, taking on Indi Hartwell.
Dakota’s latest attempt to chase the championship opens the broadcast this week, taking on Rhea following the challenge that ended up being made towards the no longer team player last week. While Dakota and Rhea did put on an immense display, Rhea found herself coming up short for the first time since NXT Takeover: In Your House, eating a loss following interference from the meddlesome Robert Stone Brand, or more so Mercedes Martinez, the powerhouse of the expanded group. This lead to Dakota taking the win, and after past attempts, is finally going to take on Io Shirai for the NXT Womens Championship at NXT Takeover 30.
Post match, while Dakota left to bask in her victorious status, Mercedes returned to the ring, laying waste to Rhea some more. After delivering her finisher to the former champ, Mercedes left, leaving Rhea brutalized and bloodied up.
Later in the broadcast, McKenzie Mitchell catches up to Robert Stone in the midst of his conversation with Aliyah and Mercedes. She questions the group on why they interfered in tonights number one contenders match, to which Robert makes it clear that while Rhea may have been done with the Robert Stone Brand, they were not done with her. Aliyah says she’ll take over after Robert laughs his answer off and gives a Mandy Leon/Angelina Love esque “Bye” to the female backstage colleague.
Later on, following Keith Lee’s non title victory over Cameron Grimes, the more than focused NXT Champion is interrupted by the voice of Scarlett, speaking in Romanian before her ever dangerous partner, Karrion Kross, pops up on the screen. He acknowledges that they are taking things the hard way, as well as acknowledging the General Manager William Regal having no presence, meaning Keith has been the one to make things happen between them instead, only he hasnt. He declares all of this is on Keith and briefly shows a worn out Dominik Dijakovic in his grasp before chucking him to the ground. Karrion gives Keith one more warning before the tron cuts off again.
And lastly, Tegan Nox is back in action for the first time since her loss to Io Shirai a short few weeks back. The Welsh Superstar takes on Indi Hartwell, who mocks Tegans loss post bell while remarking on her recent victory over Shotzi Blackheart, only to soon pay for it. Tegan ends up quashing Indi’s hoped streak, hitting the Shiniest Wizard to Indi minutes later to pick up the redemptive victory.
(Rhea Ripley vs Dakota Kai; Number One Contenders Match feat Robert Stone, Mercedes Martinez and Aliyah)
(Keith Lee, Scarlett and Karrion Kross Segment)
(Indi Hartwell vs Tegan Nox)
Thoughts On:
Rhea vs Dakota: A fantastic match but its a shame they couldnt find another way for Rhea and Mercedes to begin their feud. I get why its happening as Rhea and Mercedes are two major powerhouses, both inevitably set to clash one day, which would be big for the RSB if Mercedes picks up a win over a former NXT Womens Champion. Dakota advancing was inevitable considering thats the story they were building to, though i do find myself surprised it didnt turn into a multi woman feud (though they could save that for later) but again, its a shame it had to come at Rhea’s expense instead of setting Dakota up against someone else and pulling the trigger on Rhea/Mercedes differently. Unless Raquel Gonzalez returns and brings her real life friendship with Rhea to Television, then it looks like Rhea’s momentum is downward as assumed post WrestleMania, as i dont expect Mercedes to lose anytime, obviously seen as the divisions next imposing force, and she’d likely take it out on Stone and Aliyah if she was to lose anyway, which would be an implosion way too soon to add. Its a shame that that looks like Rhea’s path, considering how incredibly hot she was with the fans until the unnecessary loss that elevated Charlotte over herself. Her win vs Aliyah and Stone felt like the possible path back to elevation, but again, i dont see it now unless she forms an alliance with a newly babyface Raquel.
Indi vs Tegan: Obviously this was about Tegan climbing back up the ladder after the loss to Io, and Indi was the enhancement along the way. It feels like they are building to Tegan vs Candice, and if Dakota loses at Takeover, which i assume is happening, i wouldnt be surprised if Candice is the next contender after her, again assuming it doesnt become a multi woman feud instead/alternatively.
– Catherine
Cattie's Womens Wrestling 