5 Ups And 1 Down From Last Night's NXT

4. I Came In Like Raquel-ing Ball

Dakota Kai getting a short squash match against a debuting star does absolutely nothing for her (or indeed the title match) heading into TakeOver. But Dakota Kai getting a short squash match designed to set up an altercation with Io and, eventually, the reintroduction of Raquel González does both.

Jessi Kamea looks a talent and acquitted herself well here but, more importantly, if she does go on to establish herself in NXT absolutely nobody will remember her role in this segment. What they will remember is that the odds for the champion flipped in an instant here, putting a genuine seed of doubt in what looked to be an otherwise straight-forward title defence.

If Shirai's to have the long run with the belt we're all hoping for, then finding variety for her matches is important. This now being a glorified handicap match with a 6-foot game-changer in her opponent's corner definitely qualifies.