Shayna Baszler Stays NXT Women’s Champion, Chokes Out Belair

Shayna Baszler finally took on her undefeated challenger Bianca Belair in a NXT Women’s Championship match. The champion took every chance she could get to remind Belair that she was “overrated,” and that wound up being the case as Baszler retained.

The match wound up being a methodical affair. Baszler worked her challenger’s ribs and limbs, slowly afflicting damage through repeated strikes and holds. Belair showed off her athleticism in spots, but rarely had the match in full control. However, when she managed to connect on her opponent, she made an impact. It finally looked like she had an advantage after hitting her hair whip and hitting the “KOD,” but the pinfall wasn’t counted since the referee got knocked out prior.

This distraction led to both of Baszler’s former MMA teammates, Marina Shafir and Jessamyn Duke, interfering. While they weren’t able to do much, they did allow Baszler to get a submission latched on. However, Belair showed her physical and mental strength by powering out.

Baszler finally got a rear naked choke in once again after a failed dive by Belair. She tried valiantly to get out and even managed to stand up, but the “Submission Magician” was just too much for her and she passed out.

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