WWE NXT on USA: Results, Highlights, and Grades for Oct. 2

NXT Women’s Championship Match

Shayna Baszler (c) vs. Candice LeRae

Heading into the match, I tweeted, “I think LeRae/Baszler is the most likely title change of the night.” Cole had already retained, I doubted the Street Profits were going back on top of the tag division, and I truly think Io Shirai is a prime candidate to enter the championship fray.

Who does it make more sense for Shirai to face – Candice LeRae, her rival, or Shayna Baszler, another vicious and uncaring heel?

And speaking of vicious and uncaring, did you check out Shayna after that nasty boot against the ring steps? Just posted up on her elbow, leaning on the barricade, laughing towards the disgusted fans about how cool that idea was. Shayna is a once in a lifetime professional wrestler. In fact, Shayna Baszler is probably what most people think Brock Lesnar is, if you want to really get into it.

One little nitpick? Candice ignoring the “injury” to the left arm caused by that big boot and the subsequent attack from Baszler. Mauro tried to explain it away – “Screw the pain, screw the injury” isn’t really an explanation, though – but I didn’t really care for the complete 180 from screaming in agony to TRIPLE TOPÉ SUICIDAS MAMMA MIA.

All that said, this may have been my favorite Baszler match to date. Too often, her matches are booked like trash. They’re good for what they are, but they could be soooooo much more. I’ve seen more than one of her TakeOver matches live and in person, and they’re usually my least favorite of the night, even if I think they’re ultimately good.

What was different here? LeRae’s position as the ultimate underdog babyface. Kairi Sane never got to that level, especially with a victory over Baszler in the Mae Young Classic AND for the Women’s Championship. Bianca Belair is too good and confident to be an underdog babyface. The list goes on and on.

But Candice LeRae seemed like she both had no chance and all the opportunity in the world. That certain uncertainty is a great thing when you’re watching a wrestling match. You KNOW what’s going to happen, but you’re not sure if you know too strongly.

Winner: Shayna Baszler

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Stars

Ultimately, though, Shayna’s reign of terror continues on. Candice put up a hell of a fight, but just couldn’t escape from the Kirafuda Clutch. She held on for a long time, almost worked her way out, but just couldn’t get to the ropes for a break.

I wouldn’t mind seeing more of these two in action in the future.