The NXT Women’s Champion digs deep to take it to the challenger. Catch WWE action on WWE Network, FOX, USA Network, Sony India and more.

NXT Women’s Champion Io Shirai faced one of her toughest challenges to date in Dakota Kai. Despite the meddling of Raquel Gonzalez, The Genius of The Sky hit her trademark Moonsault to stay champion.

Kai worked over the NXT Women’s Champion in the early goings of the match, grounding Shirai with her trademark kicks. The Genius of The Sky tried to fight back, but Kai managed to stay one step ahead. 

The NXT Women’s Champion found herself on the ropes for most of the match, as Kai unleashed her devastating kicks and locked on an armbar that had Shirai on the brink of submission. But eventually, Kai’s kicks would seemingly turn the tides of the bout, as Kai clobbered the referee with one, knocking him out. Shirai connected with a Moonsault from the top rope, but there was no one to count the pinfall. That’s when Kai’s insurance policy, Raquel Gonzalez, slid into the ring and planted Shirai into the canvas with a huge powerbomb, then dragged Kai on top for the pin. Despite Gonzalez’s interference, Shirai was able to stay in the fight and kick out. The Genius of The Sky fought back, connecting with a Moonsault to the floor to neutralize Gonzalez and hit another Moonsault to retain her title.

After the bell, Gonzalez jumped Shirai from behind and continued to attack the champion, only for Rhea Ripley to emerge and confront Kai’s towering associate. Gonzalez and Kai retreated after The Nightmare’s arrival, allowing Shirai to finally celebrate her huge victory.