NXT TakeOver XXX Predictions: Does Io Shirai retain?

Io Shirai (c) vs. Dakota Kai for the NXT Women’s Championship

This is one match on the card that doesn’t have the greatest or longest build, but it should still provide a fantastic match considering the caliber of the two wrestlers involved.

Shirai is arguably the best wrestler in the world, and she proves that every time she wrestles. In all honesty, she proves that as soon as her music hits and begins her entrance with that pose at the top of the ramp only to devolve to a screaming and manic enigma. Her moonsault is exquisite (though Candice LeRae’s face may beg to differ), and her intensity is only matched by her charisma.

Kai’s path to a potential Women’s Championship reign has been an arduous and lengthy journey. Like Tegan Nox, knee injuries have beset Kai for years. Unlike Nox, Kai has done much better in evolving her character beyond the point of “she has shot knees.” Her heel turn, especially because it was directed at her long-time friend Nox and targeted Nox’s already compromised knees, aided in her evolution, as did her subsequent pairing (now unpaired?) with Raquel Gonzalez.

The added viciousness Kai brings with her to the ring makes her already brutal kicks look and feel just that much nastier.

However, is this the right time to end what would be a short reign for Shirai? Her non-title match with Sasha Banks at the impromptu Great American Bash was a sight to behold, as was her capturing of the Women’s Championship at In Your House. Just imagine the championship singles matches she could have with Martinez, Ripley, LeRae, Mia Yim, and others on the roster.

Then again, the same applies to Kai, who can have different types of great matches with the talent listed above. This is even more the case if Gonzalez is still paired with her. It would also be a culmination of dedication and perseverance for Kai, but that’s usually a story for a babyface run to a first championship. I think that makes the choice here clear…unless Gonzalez makes a surprise appearance!

Prediction: Shirai retains by pinfall after the moonsault unless Gonzalez appears, which leads to Kai winning by roll-up after the distraction