WWE NXT: Potential Moments, Predictions for TakeOver: San Antonio
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Nikki Cross Ends Asuka’s Reign, But Doesn’t Pin Her
By the time NXT TakeOver: San Antonio rolls around, Asuka’s NXT Women’s Championship reign would have crossed 300 days. It’s been a historic run for the Japanese star, as she’s destroyed the NXT women’s division since October 2015; her championship win came in April 2016. This has included beating Emma, Dana Brooke, Bayley, Liv Morgan, Nia Jax, and Mickie James.
The toughest task of them all may be facing three different women for Asuka. Billie Kay, Peyton Royce, and Nikki Cross will all be gunning for the NXT Women’s Championship.
The focus of this fatal four-way has been on one thing in particular—the dynamic between Asuka and Cross. From the moment they crossed paths in December, to their standoffs in the match, NXT has played this up as the big-money matchup. Not surprisingly, it’s worked since the Scottish woman’s unique, psychotic character with SAnitY has clicked. Couple that with Asuka, who has connected with the fans since her first day, and all the teases of fighting, and it makes for something intriguing.
There’s something about what Nikki has done that makes it seem like she’s title bound, however. She’s received a rapid ascension into the title picture after just debuting with SAnitY three months ago. Technically, so have Kaya and Royce, but they haven’t received the spotlight like the former owner of the Storm surname has with moments like this:
With the amount of attention that Cross is getting, she could be the one to dethrone Asuka. However, it would be by pinning one of the Aussies. This keeps the Empress of Tomorrow’s streak of not being pinned or submitted intact and creates the new star that the NXT women’s division so badly needs. There would be the top face, Asuka, and the top heel, Cross, established and able to lead developmental’s females into the spring for a one-on-one match at NXT TakeOver: Orlando.
Kay and Royce have done quality character work throughout this buildup. With a fatal four-way in place, though, it seems like one of them are going to be used to take the fall here.