In the NXT Women’s Championship match at TakeOver 31, Io Shirai defended against Candice LeRae. Following a competitive match that involved interference from Johnny Gargano, Shirai overcame LeRae to retain her title. This was a solid match, to be certain, but the real story occurred after. The NXT Universe became witness to not one, but two, returns on the black-and-gold brand: Toni Storm and Ember Moon.
Following Shirai’s victory, an image of former NXT UK Women’s Champion Toni Storm appeared on the screen. Storm congratulated Shirai on her victory. However, she was quick to tell the NXT Women’s Champion that she would be making her way to the brand soon. Before long, everyone would know that it was “Toni Time.” As if this wasn’t enough, however, another image appeared on the opposite screen.
Hey, #WWENXT.
It's TONI TIME. Toni Storm is BACK in #WWENXT!!!!! 🤘
Sincerely, @WWE #NXTTakeOver @shirai_io pic.twitter.com/qEJl0iYfSK
— WWE (@WWE) October 5, 2020
The “mystery wrestler” that had been hyped for weeks beforehand showed up on-screen. The individual rode up to the venue before making their way inside. Shirai stood in the ring as the “mystery wrestler” in question made their entrance. They stood at the stage for a brief moment before slowly removing their helmet, revealing herself as Ember Moon. The former NXT Women’s Champion stared down the current titleholder, a smile on her face all the while.
Toni Storm has been absent from WWE since January, having last appeared in the Women’s Royal Rumble match. Before then, she made regular appearances on NXT and NXT UK alike. Since arriving in WWE, not only did she win the NXT UK Women’s Championship, but she also competed in the second Mae Young Classic, ultimately winning the tournament. The New Zealand native’s return to NXT is a big moment, to say the least, and it’s fair to expect her in title contention before long.
THIS. NOW. PLEASE.
As if the #WWENXT Women's Division wasn't 🔥 enough. #NXTTakeOver @WWEEmberMoon @shirai_io pic.twitter.com/CJPVEOmTZl
— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) October 5, 2020
Ember Moon’s return is an arguably bigger surprise. It’s important to note that she has been out of action since September of 2019. Up until now, she had been spending time recovering from an ankle injury. She also revealed, on WWE Backstage, that she didn’t know when she would be returning to the ring. Moon’s NXT return is monumental for this reason alone. Throw in the fact that, as stated earlier, she is a former NXT Women’s Champion and it’s fair to say that the women’s scene on the brand has become that much stronger.
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