The semi-main event spot at NXT TakeOver: Phoenix went to Shayna Baszler defending the NXT Women’s Championship against Bianca Belair. During the Pre-Show, Sam Roberts said that he didn’t think this match was TakeOver worthy because he thought it was too early for Belair to be challenging for the title and he didn’t think she could win.
A few minutes into the match, Baszler used Belair’s hair to drive her shoulder into the ring post and the shoulder was part of the story for the rest of the match as Baszler dominated for the next couple of minutes.
Late in the match, the referee took a bump, Belair hit the KOD and then went for the pin but the ref was still down. Marina Shafir and Jessamyn Duke ran in to interfere but Belair took them out. This gave Baszler time to recover and lock in the choke. Belair was able to get to her feet and she broke the hold and turned it into a suplex.
Belair went for a move off the top but Duke interfered. Belair hit a splash off the top but Baszler moved and she locked in the choke. Belair almost stood up again but she passed out. Baszler retains.
Click here for complete NXT TakeOver: Phoenix results.
