NXT TakeOver 36 featured a championship clash between two former friends, as Raquel Gonzalez defended the NXT Women’s Championship against Dakota Kai. Despite Kai’s best efforts, Gonzalez won the match and retained her title.
In a bout between the winners of the inaugural Women’s Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic, Gonzalez used her strength to overpower Kai and control the action early on. But Kai used her agility and her technical expertise to counter the mighty champion. She gained the upper hand with a big boot in the corner and grounded the champion for a few minutes.
That's one heck of a kick from @DakotaKai_WWE!@RaquelWWE #NXTTakeOver pic.twitter.com/j88y97SeaT
— WWE (@WWE) August 23, 2021
Gonzalez roared back with a clothesline, and she sent Kai crashing to the mat to regain the upper hand. Kai wisely targeted the champion’s arm, but Gonzalez planted her with an emphatic powerbomb for a two count. The champion then hit a stun gun-like powerbomb onto the ropes to gain some breathing room after Kai briefly took control again. Gonzalez somewhat flipped her rival off after a nasty kick, and Kai then hit a backbreaker for a two count.
It is a back-and-forth WAR for the #NXTWomensTitle between @RaquelWWE and @DakotaKai_WWE at #NXTTakeOver 36! pic.twitter.com/q0HOoNGxSb
— WWE (@WWE) August 23, 2021
After the match, former NXT UK Women’s Champion Kay Lee Ray, who holds the record for the longest title reign with 649 days, confronted Gonzalez and made her interest in challenging the champion quite clear. This appearance marked her debut on the main NXT brand.
The longest-reigning @NXTUK #WomensChampion @Kay_Lee_Ray is HERE at #NXTTakeOver 36?!
? https://t.co/O4Pyhh5k3P
? https://t.co/aEwGYUp0uE pic.twitter.com/wLbLUZ1Nu8— WWE (@WWE) August 23, 2021
