NXT: Why the women’s division should headline Takeover

I think women’s wrestling in North America is the best it’s ever been right now.

I don’t think we have ever had this many talented women headlining major promotions and coming through the ranks of the independent promotions. Nowhere is this depth of talent more noticeable than NXT currently.

Just look at the current roster, featuring names such as Rhea Ripley, Bianca Belair, Shayna Baszler, Candice LeRae, etc. There is undoubtedly a plethora of young, hungry and talented professional wrestlers, many of whom have wrestled incredible matches on various NXT tapings and Takeover’s over the past few months.

One wrestler who I would like to focus on in particular is the current NXT Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley, who had an incredible 2019.

Ripley debuted on the main roster by entering the women’s Royal Rumble, officially joined the NXT roster, and had absolutely outstanding breakout performances over the Survivor Series weekend. Rhea then went onto defeat Shayna Baszler on Dec.18 for the NXT Women’s Championship.

2019 was the year that Rhea was catapulted into the mainstream spotlight, especially over that Survivor Series weekend, she was trending worldwide on social media, the fans watching in attendance went crazy for her and those watching round the world really embraced her. It’s also interesting to note that she never once looked out of her depth, she absolutely excelled at the opportunity she was given.

I would argue giving more women this sort of opportunity – i.e. the main event of TakeOver – would absolutely do the same for them, as they are all clearly talented and ambitious enough. Given that major spotlight and attention, I believe any of the women on the NXT roster would thrive and revel in it. All they require is the opportunity.