NXT TakeOver: WarGames - Every Match Ranked Worst To Best

1. Team Shotzi Vs. Team Candice

Raquel Gonzalez Io Shirai NXT TakeOver WarGames
WWE.com

The 2020 edition of WarGames didn't have a bad match on the card, yet nothing managed to match the opening contest of this most recent TakeOver event.

It may not have had as natural a build as the main event WarGames bout, but Team Shotzi vs. Team Candice outshone its male counterpart on multiple fronts. Not only did this opener have plentiful high-risk spots (as is customary with NXT's WarGames contests), but it also created a huge new star in the form of Raquel Gonzalez.

Gonzalez getting the win here isn't maybe all that surprising, but for her to decimate NXT Women's Champion Io Shirai for the victory? That's a huge deal.

The powerhouse Gonzalez may have stolen the show here, yet to many other talents got their chance to shine, too. While seeing Gonzalez and Rhea Ripley staring each other down is always fantastic, there has to be some special praise here for Dakota Kai. The one-time Team Kick member bounced around like a rubber ball, with her on the receiving end of so much punishment throughout the entirety of this WarGames encounter.

Coming out of this match, the majority of the competitors are all in a better place than they were prior to TakeOver.

Ember Moon was made to look like a badass from the early goings; Shotzi Blackheart got some memorable offense in; Rhea Ripley did well but is clearly main roster-bound; Io Shirai has herself a fresh new opponent on the horizon; Candice LaRae gets to boast about leading her team to victory; the recently-turned Toni Storm got some great near falls; and Dakota Kai was in many ways the star of the show.

As for Raquel Gonzalez, be sure to pencil her in as the next challenger for Io Shirai's NXT Women's Championship.

Senior Writer
Senior Writer

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