5 Surprising Moments from NXT Takeover: Phoenix

#4 Bianca Belair Impresses In Defeat

It is history making: a female ref bump

Bianca Belair is a rarity in NXT today. In a roster full of veterans with so much experience, it seems that wrestlers that are developed by the Performance Center itself are often overshadowed on the Yellow brand.

Belair had no pro wrestling experience when she joined NXT in 2016. So a lot of wrestling fans were shocked when Belair got an NXT Women’s Championship match at NXT: Phoenix.

Was it too soon for the most inexperienced Superstar on the show? Much to my pleasant surprise, Belair proved she belongs on the big Takeover stage.

In a fun fifteen minute match, Belair showed her physical strength and athletic ability against the more experienced Shayna Baszler.

It took the first ever female ref bump, multiple cheating attempts from both of Shayna’s MMA buddies and a long period in a submission hold before Belair passed out.

Bianca might have lost her undefeated streak but she still looks strong going forward. It doesn’t look like a one-hit wonder for Belair. We will see more the “EST” in the future on the Takeover stage.