NXT’s HBIC Mia Yim aims to upset NXT UK's Champion Kay Lee Ray on the WWE Worlds Collide Pre-Show. Catch WWE action on WWE Network, FOX, USA Network, Sony India and more.

HOUSTON — In the battle between NXT and NXT UK, the British contingent of the black-and-gold brand landed the first blow, with NXT UK Champion Kay Lee Ray picking up a victory over Mia Yim on the Worlds Collide Pre-Show.

Ray’s title wasn’t on the line in the cross-brand brawl, but she was forced to fight as though it was, eating boots and chops from NXT’s HBIC straight out of the gate. Superkicks, punches and Destroyers followed, but for all the punishment Ray’s 5’8” frame absorbed, however, she didn’t wilt. Instead, she excelled, going high-risk with a senton to the outside to stop Yim’s offense cold and standing toe to toe with Yim in a hockey fight.

Ray’s co-opting of Yim’s Eat Defeat showed she was out to maximize bragging rights in this one, but the way she actually won — by reversing an O’Connor roll and grabbing a handful of Yim’s jeans — left something to be desired in terms of fairness. That said, you can’t argue with the results.