WWE NXT: Ranking the Top 10 Women’s Title Matches of All-Time

10. Charlotte vs. Natalya (NXT TakeOver)

Following Paige’s main roster debut, her NXT title was vacated which led to an 8-woman tournament. The line-up has aged well and featured now main roster mainstays Banks, Bayley and Bliss but at the time, Charlotte and Natalya made it to the final and went on to have a match absolutely vital in ‘The Queen’s young career. There was no denying Charlotte’s athletic ability but Natalya was the first opponent to really channel it into a standout wrestling match worth admiring. She simply had to deliver and with the experienced Natalya opposite her, she did just that.

With a quite unique match layout, refreshing physicality and a lengthy match time, this one holds up well even with all the great action that’s followed since. Add in Ric Flair and Bret Hart at ringside and you have a genuinely memorable encounter. It’s important to note that whilst this is undeniably a key match in Charlotte’s growth as a performer, it also may well be the best showing of Natalya’s career too. Probably a victim of timing at times, I’m unsure Natalya has ever been able to top her effort here but it’s one reflective of why she’s so admired by peers.

Speaking of such, it’s frustrating that these two have never been able to truly recreate this match on the main roster stage but for a variety of reasons, it’s just never happened. The approach was often different and the focus always scattered but regardless, this match is a worthy #10 in my view and it also led us into the ‘Four Horsewomen’s time on top of this division. Considering the timing and what followed, this really was a huge match for all involved and that’s why for me, it gets this top 10 list started.