The winner of this Fatal 4 Way match at NXT Takeover: War Games this Saturday will have massive shoes to fill, after Asuka vacated the NXT women’s championship on August 24 after an astounding 510 days as NXT women’s champion. Here we have four of the most deserving women in NXT going at it after competing in Battle Royals and Triple Threat matches on WWE NXT TV to earn this title match. Everybody is on an even playing field with a real chance at winning and similar amount of time spent in NXT with the exception of one woman, Kairi Sane.
NXT Takeover Preview: Kairi Sane vs Ember Moon vs Nikki Cross vs Peyton Royce
The Pirate Princess’ debuted in WWE in the Mae Young Classic this summer and won the entire tournament after defeating Shayna Baszler in the finals. Kairi Sane has earned a reputation as one of the best in Japan in Stardom after only five years of experience and now it’s her chance to show the entire world just how great she is. This is Sane’s match to win as far as I’m concerned, it would make a lot of sense for Asuka to be replaced by another Japanese standout with mega popularity. What Sane doesn’t have in size she makes up for with incredible stamina and an ability to withstand punishment. Sane is the smallest woman in WWE besides Candice LaRae but what has brought the fans to their feet is her huge Elbow Drop finisher off the top rope. Time will tell if Sane can carry the NXT women’s division on her back but make no mistake, the audience in attendance or at home will never be disappointed with her match quality.
The former Athena, Ember Moon, was trained by Booker T and has thrilled crowds for 10 years now in companies like Shimmer. Ever since she was signed two years ago to WWE, she has impressed winning several matches with The Eclipse off the top rope. People have really taken to Ember Moon, her charisma shines with her stunning entrance all the way to the final ring bell every match. Many consider her a favorite, especially in her home state of Texas. This is her third NXT women’s championship match in 2017. After failing to defeat Asuka on two separate occasions, the pressure is on for Ember Moon but there is no doubt she can keep up with all three opponents with high-speed offense. The longer the match goes, the more it favors Ember because she can hit The Eclipse out of nowhere while the other opponents are occupied with each other.
One half of The Iconic Duo, Peyton Royce, has been on WWE NXT TV almost every single week this year, defeating the likes of Sarah Logan. Improving since leaving Australia to WWE big time, Peyton relies on her looks but can get it done in the ring utilizing great kicks in her repertoire. If Billie Kay gets involved she could be a big factor in this match and help Royce win her first championship in WWE. That would be a nice shift for the brand, Peyton gets great heat from the fans and knows hot to work a match at her pace. This winner will get a big reception but arguably the most vocal reaction will come from a Peyton Royce win this Saturday. NXT commentator and former Ring Of Honor world champion will be the most excited, he is a big fan of The Iconic Duo.
NXT Takeover gets bigger and bigger every time, Sanity has been a driving force behind major matches and stories in 2017. Nikki Cross had one of the best women’s matches all year against Asuka in Last Woman Standing this June although she came up short. Cross was taken out by Taynara Conti in the leadup to this match, however Cross defeated Conti and then earned her way to the title shot in a Battle Royale with veterans such as Mercedes Martinez and Santana Garrett. The crazy persona of Cross is just cool to watch, she would be a terrific choice to become NXT women’s champion but she seems to be a gatekeeper of sorts for the time being. The Scottish performer always fights tooth and nail to get what she wants, the question will be is she as determined to realize her dream as everyone else?
