One could forgive LFG Season Two Winner Skylar Raye for feeling inspired ahead of her WWE NXT debut in the Women’s WWE Speed Tournament.
The first match of the night saw Jasper Troy, winner of LFG Season One, win his first WWE title. The Texan heavyweight overcame El Grande Americano to become the new WWE Speed Champion. Now starting her own Speed Tournament journey, Raye would be hoping that Troy’s triumph is a positive omen.
But waiting for Raye in the ring was one of NXT’s most decorated stars. Fallon Henley, flanked by her Fatal Influence stablemates, has already tasted glory on the black and gold brand. The Michigan native already has the NXT North American and Tag Team titles on her resume, and she’ll be keen to add a third belt to her trophy cabinet.
Henley Sets Her Sights on NXT Gold Rush
In contrast to the more calculated encounter between Troy and Americano, Raye and Henley began at an electric pace. Trading acrobatic moves and pinfalls, there was a clear awareness of the three-minute limit. Wisely, Raye approached the match with the expectation that Henley would underestimate her – and she was correct. Raye’s offense was impressive early on, hiding any nerves that an LFG graduate might be feeling on her NXT debut.
However, as time wore on, Henley’s experience paid dividends. An adroit competitor, Henley began to see through Raye’s tactical approach. After landing a few counters and hard-hitting moves, Henley hit the Famouser to kill any chance of a debut upset. WWE fans will have fond memories of Billy Gunn and Dolph Ziggler hitting that as their finisher, but the Fatal Influence star has confidently, and devastatingly, made the move her own.
The assured victory books Fallon Henley’s spot at NXT Gold Rush and another chance at title glory. With the Speed title vacated by Sol Ruca, Gold Rush will crown a new champion. But calling who emerges from that match victorious will be difficult. Henley will meet Zaria on November 25th in the Tournament Final. And Zaria will not only be looking to avenge her teammate Ruca, but also claim her first WWE title since debuting in October of last year.
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