In the main event of Night One of NXT TakeOver: Stand and Deliver, Raquel González faced Io Shirai in the main event. This would be the biggest night in the career of González, as the NXT Women’s Championship was on the line. To say that these two competitors were at the top of their game would be an understatement. However, despite the best efforts of the champion, they were not enough. With Shirai laying in the center of the ring, González stood tall as the new NXT Women’s Champion.
Accompanying Raquel González to the ring was Dakota Kai, her ally and former co-NXT Women’s Tag Team Champion. Early in the match, Kai attempted to get involved in the match to help her friend. However, the referee caught this. Though Kai attempted to plead her case, the official ejected her from ringside. From that point on, the challenger had to fight alone against Io Shirai, who was on top of her game as the NXT Women’s Champion. There was even doubt as to whether González would be able to have her moment in the sun.
This is a MAIN EVENT you can feel in the air… EPIC!!! #NXTTakeOver #NXTWomensTitle @peacockTV https://t.co/EzmZxvsUv5
— Triple H (@TripleH) April 8, 2021
This NXT Women’s Championship encounter was nothing short of grueling. González’s trademark power, which put away many an opponent over the last several months, was on display. However, Shirai fought like a true champion, showing no fear in the presence of her opponent that towered over her. Shirai showed that she was no underdog, matching González’s strength with nimble offense. The match concluded when González hit a second single-arm powerbomb on Shirai. This allowed González to pick up the pinfall victory and, more importantly, the NXT Women’s Championship.
With this match, the NXT Women’s Title reign of Io Shirai ends at 304 days. During this time, “The Genius of the Sky” became one of the most formidable champions in the brand’s history, successfully defending the title against the likes of Tegan Nox, Candice LeRae, and current RAW Superstar Rhea Ripley. Additionally, following this victory, González has won her first NXT Women’s Championship, not to mention first singles title in WWE. There is no denying that Shirai will be looking to reclaim her prize, but who else will be waiting to challenge González? Tune into NXT programming to find out.
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