WWE: How Candice LeRae can be positioned as the new heart and soul of NXT
Candice LeRae was signed to a WWE deal in January of 2018. Famous for her on the independent scene for a number of years as well as her work towards intergender wrestling becoming an attraction for fan bases in North American markets.
As you all know, Candice LeRae is married to WWE NXT superstar Johnny Gargano, someone who was hitting his stride as a wrestler on the NXT brand just as Candice arrived to the brand. This had advantages and disadvantages.
The advantage of this was that Candice could add as a rival to Zelina Vega, who had interfered in several of the acclaimed Gargano vs. Andrade matches. In turn, this would branch out the feud into other avenues, as well as add an organic, realistic feeling to the story being told.
Sadly, the disadvantage of Candice coming in during this time was that she was positioned as nothing more than Gargano’s wife. Many of us of the NXT audience knew how good and talented Candice was, so, in part, it was frustrating to see Candice not be used to her fullest capabilities.
Candice finally got a chance to shine at the most recent NXT Takeover: Toronto show. This Takeover encounter with Io Shirai would be Candice’s in-ring Takeover debut. A big chance was presented for Candice (and opponent Io Shirai) to show the world and NXT officials why they need to feature on a regular, permanent basis.
The match on paper certainly should have been one of the more positively received matches from the action-packed weekend of wrestling, and it delivered. The match was acclaimed by fans and critics alike, with many fans on social media claiming it to be their favorite match of the entire weekend. It’s hard to disagree with the statement. The match really expressed how talented both women in question were. It left fans wanting more from a non-title, women’s feud, which is a rarity within the ranks of WWE.
As I previously mentioned, the fans now want more. With Gargano seemingly moving to other avenues on the main roster, Candice has the opportunity to be presented as a legit star, rather than a valet or someone’s husband. Candice can be marketed as the underdog babyface we all love, but that babyface who can have absolute clinics on NXT TV and in-turn having classic matches on a Takeover show.
Candice certainly has the likability factor to attain the support in this role especially when she’s feuding with a heel who is mastering the role required of them in the form of Io. I don’t think Io vs. Candice II main eventing a future Takeover would be out of place to anyone. If it’s marketed and presented correctly, WWE could have a non-title women’s feud that people are anticipating to see. It really is an exciting opportunity for all involved.
Without a doubt, Candice should be the one to finally dethrone Shayna Baszler and win the NXT Women’s Title.
It appears Shayna’s run as Women’s Champion has a mixed response. With some claiming the reign is boring whereas some allude her reign to a throwback to the days of long title reigns with dominant champions. Whatever your stance is, a change is needed soon.
Candice as the face of the women’s division offers a big opportunity for the women to be marketed as the top draws of the NXT brand – this something that has been notably missing since the departure of Asuka.
The feud between Candice and Io could be given an additional layer with the Women’s Title being involved, a title that forced Io to turn heel in the first place, it was her initial frustrations with being unable to attain said title that forced her hand, and forced her to turn to the dark side. Additionally, with rumours of NXT moving to FS1 in the fall, Candice is the perfect wrestler to represent the women’s brand (and maybe even the brand as a whole) moving forward.
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What’s clear is that when talented wrestlers are given a spotlight and given an opportunity to deliver on what they have been signed for, they can seriously deliver. The aforementioned Takeover: Toronto match left fans demanding more from Candice and her in-ring talents. It’s clear that big things are in store for the new heart and soul of NXT, Candice LeRae.