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Io Shirai Fends Off Bayley And Sasha Banks, Saying It’s Her NXT Now

The main event of this week’s NXT saw the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships defended as Bayley and Sasha Banks returned to their former home take on the team of Tegan Nox and Shotzi Blackheart. While they were able to successfully defend against the young team due to Bayley’s smarts, it was what followed that should make headlines. Io Shirai made her way down to the ring as the main roster champions were celebrating. She was instantly on the attack, hitting a springboard missile dropkick to the SmackDown Women’s Champion. Shirai then hit a perfect german suplex on Banks, leaving them both to try and get themselves back in the corner. Shirai would hit both with the double knees in the corner, resulting in both women to retreat. As they looked at Shirai in shock, the NXT Women’s Champion made her intentions clear. It’s her NXT now.

Yes, Io Shirai was defending her NXT. But is there more to this equation? Perhaps. The attacks on Bayley and Sasha Banks will not go quietly. Nothing about Bayley or Banks is quiet anymore. One way or another, you would think these two will want their revenge on the NXT Women’s Champion. If that were to happen, Shirai will need a partner.

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Photo: WWE

Looking at the talents available on NXT with her, Rhea Ripley instantly becomes a possibility considering their interesting relationship. Rivals tend to make good partners sometimes. If not Ripley, an NXT return of Shirai’s best friend, Kairi Sane, could be in the works. No one would complain about that. The return of the Sky Pirates could excite many and a match with Sasha and Bayley could be PPV worthy. Time will certainly tell. What is clear is that NXT belongs to Io Shirai now.

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Photo: WWE

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About Scott Edwards

Scott here. Currently an editor for LWOS Pro Wrestling. Lead for WWE content while contributing for AEW, NJPW, Stardom, and more. Also a writer for Inside The Ropes, Voices of Wrestling, and Daily DDT. Host of the Wrestling With Edwards podcast.