NXT will present a taped show from Full Sail University tonight. The main event is scheduled to be a triple-threat match to determine a new #1 contender to Shayna Baszler’s NXT Women’s Championship.

Another important match in the women’s division will take place as well. Additionally, Kassius Ohno will return to single’s action on tonight’s show.

NXT 7/18

Candice LeRae vs Nikki Cross vs Kairi Sane

• Bianca Belair was originally scheduled to take part in this match as well. A back injury forced her eventual removal from the match, however.
• Cross dropped a match to the champion at Takeover: Chicago II.
• Sane defeated Baszler in the finals of last year’s Mae Young Classic but lost to Baszler on an episode of NXT from February of this year.
• LeRae also lost to Shayna Baszler in the quarter-finals of the Mae Young Classic last year.

Dakota Kai vs Lacey Evans

• This is another important match in the Women’s division.
• Dakota Kai dropped a title match to Baszler on an episode of NXT from May.
• In her most revent match, Kai defeated Santana Garrett, however. She also defeated Lacey Evans back in February.
• The First Lady of NXT has won some and lost some since debuting with the brand last year. She’ll be looking to avenge her loss to Dakota from February.
• Evans was likely pushed out of title contention due to her loss to Candice LeRae in June.

Kassius Ohno Returns To Single’s Action

Ohno has dropped 4 straight single’s matches on NXT programming. He’s lost to EC3, Tommaso Ciampa, Adam Cole, and the Velveteen Dream. If Ohno wants to avoid falling to the very bottom of the single’s rankings in NXT, he’ll have to put together some wins soon.

No opponent has been officially named for Ohno tonight. Whoever his opponent is, however, Ohno will be looking to break out of his current losing streak.

In a recent edition of WWE Network’s “Table For 3” WWE Hall Of Famers Lita and Trish Stratus spoke to current RAW Women’s Champion Alexa Bliss. During their conversation, the three discussed the first-ever Women’s Royal Rumble that took place earlier this year in January.

Lita and Trish participated in the match while Bliss watched from the sidelines with Charlotte Flair as they were the Women’s Champions of their respective brands. Lita said that at one point in the match she was hit by NXT star Kairi Sane with a hard shot that she described as “the most devastating blow”:

“I had a private moment with Charles Robinson, after I had ninety pounds of ‘Japanese Pirate,’ who just came at me and gave me the most devastating blow I’ve had,” Lita said.

“Charles was like, ‘Hey, you alright?’ I just looked at him and was like, ‘What the hell man?’ I go, ‘I guess.'”

https://twitter.com/briantheguppie/status/1016661455893139456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

Following a lengthy absence from the ring, Billie Kay and Peyton Royce returned to action at last night’s NXT live event in Citrus Springs, Florida.

The Iconic Duo teamed up against Candice LeRae and Kairi Sane but came up short in their return bout. Sane picked up the win for her team after nailing Royce with the Insane Elbow.

Diving elbow by @KairiSaneWWE on @WWEPeytonRoyce ! ??? pic.twitter.com/1LwcI7twXr

— Sammy Sizemore (@Sammystalksyou) March 10, 2018

Here are photos of Kay and Royce’s return to action.

https://instagram.com/p/BgICzpjBBMw/

https://twitter.com/gravenbabies/status/972530609498271744

https://twitter.com/gravenbabies/status/972532872711147521

https://twitter.com/gravenbabies/status/972355795991097344

@WWEPeytonRoyce clearly enjoying herself at #NXTCitrusSprings pic.twitter.com/jY2HV5k0SM

— Wayne (@BrokenZen333) March 10, 2018

https://twitter.com/gravenbabies/status/972356212560932864

https://twitter.com/gravenbabies/status/972357206908817408

https://twitter.com/gravenbabies/status/972349781094928384

https://twitter.com/gravenbabies/status/972348018648285185

https://twitter.com/gravenbabies/status/972347328802770944

Prior to their return, The Iconic Duo’s last appearance came on November 29, 2017, at an NXT television taping, with Kay accompanying Royce for a match against NXT Women’s Champion Ember Moon. Royce lost the match, which aired on December 13, 2017, on the WWE Network. Kay’s last match in 2017 took place on November 16 at a live event.

This naturally led to speculation on their sudden disappearance. As it turns out, both Royce and Kay got a boob job back in December. The recovery time from a breast augmentation can take several weeks, which is why the two were out for awhile.

• Paige responds to internet troll making fun of her weight

After being subjected to some racially charged taunts at Thursday’s WWE NXT live event in St. Petersburg, Florida, Kairi Sane has responded with a message of kindness.

According to a fan in attendance, some fans yelled “Happy ending” and “Pearl Harbor” at Sane (as she wrestled Rhea Ripley).

https://twitter.com/FLWrestlingFan/status/966857449440448512

Another fan in attendance corroborated the taunts, saying that a guy yelled “Remember Pearl Harbor” at Sane.

To the guy who yelled, "Remember Pearl Harbor" toward Kairi Sane at #NXTStPetersburg…. I'd like to meet you outside and personally show you how we treat women, let alone Japanese women. You're a piece of shit and I'll spit in your face.

— I Am The One Who Knocks (@NerdxFerguson) February 23, 2018

Sane responded to @FLWrestlingFan with this clip art of kids around the world holding hands.

pic.twitter.com/S7QMZTNxT4

— Kairi Sane (@KAIRI_official) February 23, 2018

Sane picked up a win in St. Petersburg, pinning Ripley after nailing her with the Insane Elbow.

https://twitter.com/FLWrestlingFan/status/966860141323841536

Nobody gets up from this. @KairiSaneWWE @RheaRipley_WWE #NXTStPetersburg pic.twitter.com/RJJIJnF0sm

— Josh (@laughlin_josh) February 23, 2018

2018-2-22 #NXTStPetersburg Match 7: Kairi Sane picks up the win over a vicious Rhea Ripley. Here Ripley manages to counter Sane’s elbow drop with a drop kick of her own. @WWENXT pic.twitter.com/5YyCbKJDK8

— DaMo is DaMo (@damoisdamo) February 23, 2018

2018-2-22 #NXTStPetersburg Match 7: This is the elbow that Rhea Ripley did not avoid. Kairi Sane gets such great height on this move that I was a little worried about the ceiling… @WWENXT pic.twitter.com/fXpAMVDxYj

— DaMo is DaMo (@damoisdamo) February 23, 2018

• WWE star says “she’s back on the market”

– Inaugural Mae Young Classic winner Kairi Sane returned to action inside the squared circle at last night’s NXT live event in Albany, New York. Sane defeated “The Lady Of NXT” Lacey Evans in one-on-one competition after hitting an Insane Elbow. Sane hadn’t competed since November at NXT TakeOver: WarGames when she took part in a Fatal 4-Way Match against Nikki Cross, Peyton Royce, and Ember Moon for the vacant NXT Women’s Title.

Moon eventually won the match. No specifics have been reported on Sane’s hiatus from competition, but Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Newsletter did note on Twitter recently that she was “banged up.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/BeZMPYOBEc_/?utm_source=ig_embed

https://twitter.com/thesteveorlando/status/956690099860901889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

https://twitter.com/jkulchinsky/status/956692810568208391?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

watching @KairiSaneWWE in action LIVE tonight was INCREDIBLE!!!! SHE EVEN DID HER ELBOW DROP!!! 😍😍 #WWE #NXTAlbany pic.twitter.com/m0CwjLxccq

— blossom (@jokes316) January 26, 2018

– Monday Night RAW Women’s Champion Alexa Bliss recently did an interview with Sky Sports to promote this weekend’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view (PPV) and the first-ever Women’s Royal Rumble match. Bliss said that the Women’s Revolution is isn’t done yet, and has here eyes on a future female WrestleMania main event:

You’re never done,” Bliss said. “The WWE has been at the forefront of promoting women in sports entertainment and athletics. But it would be awesome if one day we main event WrestleMania. That would be amazing. At the moment, the fact that we’re making history is very exciting. I’m very excited by this Royal Rumble Match because the revolution didn’t start with just one or two women. So the fact you have every woman included is awesome.”

Read Bliss’ full interview with Sky Sports by clicking this link here.

Following a two month absence from the squared circle, Kairi Sane returned to action at tonight’s NXT live event in Albany, New York.

Taking on Lacey Evans in singles competition, the inaugural winner of the Mae Young Classic beat “The Lady of NXT” after nailing her with the Insane Elbow.

https://twitter.com/thesteveorlando/status/956690099860901889

https://www.instagram.com/p/BeZMPYOBEc_/

watching @KairiSaneWWE in action LIVE tonight was INCREDIBLE!!!! SHE EVEN DID HER ELBOW DROP!!! 😍😍 #WWE #NXTAlbany pic.twitter.com/m0CwjLxccq

— blossom (@jokes316) January 26, 2018

https://twitter.com/jkulchinsky/status/956692810568208391

Sane had not wrestled since Nov. 18, 2017, at NXT TakeOver: WarGames in a Fatal 4-Way Match against Nikki Cross, Peyton Royce, and Ember Moon to see who would claim the vacant NXT Women’s Championship. Moon won the title after pinning Cross.

Information on Sane’s hiatus has been kept under wraps, although Wrestling Observer Newsletter editor Dave Meltzer said earlier this month that she was “banged up.”

Yes, she's banged up https://t.co/9ELlyUEzO8

— Dave Meltzer (@davemeltzerWON) January 12, 2018

Sane last appeared on NXT television on Dec. 27, 2017. After Moon successfully retained the NXT Women’s Championship against Sonya Deville, Sane appeared on the stage and gestured that she has the NXT Women’s Title in her sights. “The Pirate Princess” was suddenly ambushed from behind by the person she beat to win the inaugural Mae Young Classic, Shayna Baszler. “The Queen of Spades” used a sleeper hold to render Sane unconscious before staring Moon down.

Safe to say the #MaeYoungClassic is still fresh in the mind of @QoSBaszler… #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/D88QyO2xj1

— WWE (@WWE) December 29, 2017

• Is Mandy Rose engaged to a WWE NXT wrestler?

– Kairi Sane vs. Peyton Royce will also air on this week’s WWE NXT episode, as revealed in the promo below. As noted, this week’s episode will also feature Trent Seven & Tyler Bate vs. Mark Andrews & WWE UK Champion Pete Dunne plus highlights from Adam Cole vs. then-NXT Champion Drew McIntyre with WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels. All three of these matches took place at the NXT live event in San Antonio, which was just one night before Drew lost the title to Andrade “Cien” Almas at the “Takeover: WarGames” event. New NXT matches will be taped at Wednesday’s TV tapings from Full Sail University and we will have live spoilers.

The #PiratePrincess @KairiSaneWWE goes one-on-one the #ICONIC @WWEPeytonRoyce this Wednesday on @WWENXT at 8/7c on @WWENetwork! #RAW pic.twitter.com/MWxzyraQYl

— WWE (@WWE) November 28, 2017

– RAW General Manager Kurt Angle announced on tonight’s show that WWE Cruiserweight Champion Enzo Amore will defend his title in 4 weeks against an opponent to be determined by two Fatal 4 Way matches and a singles match. The first Fatal 4 Way took place tonight and saw Rich Swann defeat Akira Tozawa, Ariya Daivari and Noam Dar. The next Fatal 4 Way will take place next Monday but WWE has not confirmed the participants. The winner of that Fatal 4 Way will face Swann the next week and the winner of that match will become the new #1 contender for a match with Enzo the next week.

– Matt Hardy’s losing streak continued on tonight’s RAW with a loss to Bray Wyatt but it looks like they are moving forward with the WWE debut of his “Broken” gimmick. As seen below, Hardy snapped with a “delete!” chant after the match and later commented on Twitter about his “dormant condishtion” being “woken” up:

YEEAAAASSSSSSSS! My dormant CONDISHTION has been #WOKEN. pic.twitter.com/SJ3S1YQgut

— MATT HARDY (@MATTHARDYBRAND) November 28, 2017

Has @MATTHARDYBRAND SNAPPED?!? #RAW pic.twitter.com/o0URhTSVly

— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) November 28, 2017

Is @MATTHARDYBRAND headed for a breakdown? #RAW pic.twitter.com/4JPDDI2Gsx

— WWE (@WWE) November 28, 2017

WWE has officially announced that they would be holding upcoming NXT television tapings in Atlanta, GA at Center Stage.

The tapings are slated to take place on January 4th as well as February 1st and February 2nd. Center Stage served as the home of WCW’s Saturday Night TV events from 1989 through 2000.

Drew McIntyre, Mae Young Classic winner Kairi Sane, Aleister Black, Ember Moon, SAnitY, The Undisputed ERA, Johnny Gargano, Roderick Strong are all advertised for the tapings. Tickets for all three TV tapings will be available starting Friday, Dec. 1, at 10 a.m. ET.

Kairi Sane recently spoke with NBC Sports after beating Shayna Baszler in the finals of The Mae Young Classic on Tuesday night on the WWE Network. Here are the highlights:

Winning the first-ever Mae Young Classic:

“I was very proud of myself to be there as one of the finalists. It was surprising that I made it so far. I felt nervous, but it was such a happy day for me.”

Differences between working in front of an American audience as opposed to a Japanese audience:

“I have to say American fans make me happier. I love their reactions. It’s very exciting and fun. It’s as if they’re fighting together with me.”

You can read the entire interview here.

As we reported previously, the Game Triple H revealed after the finals of Mae Young Classic that Kairi Sane will be competing for the vacant NXT Women’s Championship at Takeover: Houston.

However, the Former World Champion hadn’t revealed who will face Kairi which left people speculating about the possible opponent for the Japanese star.

During the latest NXT Tapings, General Manager William Regal confirmed the rumors that the match at Takeover: Houston will be a fatal four way instead of a one on one bout and revealed that they will hold qualifying matches to determine the other participants.

The first qualifying match which was taped later in the night saw Peyton Royce (w/Billie Kay) defeat Nikki Cross and Liv Morgan to advance to the next Takeover Event:

https://twitter.com/JJWilliamsWON/status/908490834743562240

https://twitter.com/JJWilliamsWON/status/908492927097344004

The second similar bout saw Ember Moon defeat Ruby Riot and Sonya Deville to earn a spot at the upcoming Championship match at NXT Takeover: Houston:

https://twitter.com/JJWilliamsWON/status/908505673931124736

https://twitter.com/JJWilliamsWON/status/908507821809061888

Though the tapings ended with the episode featuring the second qualifying match so the fourth spot at the Fatal Four Way is still open and it’d be interesting to see who fills it up.

For those who don’t know, Asuka relinquished the NXT Women’s Championship after breaking her right collarbone during NXT Takeover: Brooklyn III in her match against Ember Moon. She is now headed to the main roster and will join Raw.

Report via WrestlingInc

As we noted before, Japanese wrestling Star Kairi Sane defeated former UFC Star Shayna Baszler to win the Mae Young Classic Tournament, however apparently the original plans for the finals of the tournament were very different.

Wrestling Observer Newsletter is reporting that while Sane was penciled to win the tournament in the previous plans too, originally Toni Storm was supposed to be her opponent in the finals instead of Baszler.

These plans changed when Officials decided to do an angle between the WWE and UFC’s Four Horsewomen and as a result Storm only made it to the semi finals where she was defeated by Kairi.

Though as seen this past Tuesday night, there was no confrontation between the two groups of Horsewomen and according to the Newsletter, the reason behind it is that WWE has decided to save this angle for a later date.

As reported previously Triple H announced that Kairi Sane will now challenge for the NXT Women’s Championship at the upcoming Takeover: Houston event.

While it’s not confirmed who will be her opponent on the show, speculation is that she will either face Ember Moon or end up competing in a multi-women match for the championship.

– Tonight’s episode of NXT on the WWE Network will feature WWE United Kingdom Champion Pete Dunne in action against Wolfgang, Ruby Riot and a mystery partner vs. Peyton Royce and Billie Kay and The Street Profits vs. The Ealy Brothers. We’ll also get an update on what’s next for Adam Cole, Kyle O’Reilly & Bobby Fish.

– Shayna Baszler spoke to Cathy Kelley after her loss to Kairi Sane in the finals of The Mae Young Classic. Baszler says Sane they fought fair & square but Sane won. Baszler admits the night wasn’t her night – she could make excuses about an injury but at the end of the night, Sane won and she had to give it to her.

She also talks about being greeted by SmackDown Women’s Champion Natalya after the win, saying it’s a good reminder that coming into WWE she does have friends.

– After winning the Mae Young Classic tournament, Kairi Sane has earned a shot to compete for the vacant NXT Women’s Title at “Takeover: Houston” on Saturday, November 18th. No word yet on who her opponent will be.

Backstage after her win, Cathy Kelley asks Sane about the big match. Sane says she is very surprised but very excited about the opportunity. She wants to be the next NXT Women’s Champion and will do her best to make it happen.

Before the match, Beth Phoenix, Alundra Blayze and Mauro Ranallo were shown before Renee Young sent us to Jim Ross and Lita on commentary. Kairi Sane is shown walking backstage and then Baszler is shown with Ronda Rousey and Jessamyn Duke. The Rock’s mother and daughter were shown ringside, along with several of the competitors in the Mae Young Classic tournament in the crowd.

Mae Young Classic Finals: Kairi Sane vs Shayna Baszler

Who will be the winner of the inaugural #MaeYoungClassic? Find out RIGHT NOW on @WWENetwork! @KairiSaneWWE @QoSBaszler pic.twitter.com/wwaNhFBWdl

— WWE Network (@WWENetwork) September 13, 2017

Sane and Baszler lock up to start off the match. Fans in attendance are behind both Superstars and dueling chants break out in the crowd. Baszler took control of the match early and wrestled Sane to the mat. Baszler connected with a kick to Sane’s face that knocked her out of the ring. Baszler attacked Sane as she tried to get back into the ring and went for a cover but Sane kicked out at two.

It's all about WINNING the @WWE @MaeYoungClassic in this physical FINAL match between @QosBaszler and @KairiSaneWWE! #MaeYoungClassic pic.twitter.com/gwocHIEwDE

— WWE (@WWE) September 13, 2017

Baszler focused her attack on Sane’s arm. Baszler went for a Gutwrench Suplex but Sane blocked and it rolled her up for a two count. Baszler once again took control but Sane battled back. Sane the screamed in Shayna’s face but Baszler responded by connecting with a running knee to Kairi’s face.

Sane hit Baszler with a Spear for a two count. Sane followed it up with a Dropkick and a couple of stomps to Baszler’s ribs. Shayna battled back as Rousey was shown watching the bout in the crowd. Baszler charged at Sane in the corner but Kairi got out of the way and Shayna landed face-first on the turnbuckle. Sane dropped Shayna with a kick but Baszler once again took control.

Just when you count her out, @KairiSaneWWE fights back in FULL FORCE! #MaeYoungClassic @QoSBaszler #MaeYoungClassic pic.twitter.com/JYCvk5aCMw

— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) September 13, 2017

Baszler went for a Superplex but Sane blocked it. The two Superstars traded punches on the top turnbuckle. Sane knocked Baszler down and connected with a Double Stomp for a two cont. Sane remained on the attack and connected with a running forearm to Baszler in the corner. Sane then climbed to the top rope and hit the Insane Elbow Drop for the victory.

BEAUTIFUL!

With a picture perfect #DivingElbowDrop, @KairiSaneWWE defeats @QoSBaszler to become the inaugural #MaeYoungClassic winner! pic.twitter.com/hSI0OHI3pF

— WWE (@WWE) September 13, 2017

Winner of the Mae Young Classic: Kairi Sane

After the match, Sane and Baszler hugged as the crowd cheered.

THIS is what the #MaeYoungClassic is all about!

@KairiSaneWWE @QoSBaszler @WWENetwork pic.twitter.com/c5HvZi90Ig

— Mae Young Classic (@MaeYoungClassic) September 13, 2017

Baszler raised Sane’s arm. Triple H, Stephanie McMahon and Sara Amato then joined Sane and Baszler in the ring. Sane was presented with the trophy and a rose. Triple H raised Sane’s arm as Baszler exited the ring. Sane then posed in the corner as the tournament went off the air.

Congratulations, @KairiSaneWWE!!!#YouDeserveIt #MaeYoungClassic pic.twitter.com/GAFTJALgfc

— Mae Young Classic (@MaeYoungClassic) September 13, 2017

"Women's Wrestling in @WWE has never been better, and it's only going to get stronger!" – @JRsBBQ during the #MaeYoungClassic

Very true. pic.twitter.com/dS6qC4PozW

— WWE (@WWE) September 13, 2017

Mae Young Classic competitor Kairi Sane made her WWE NXT debut at Thursday’s live event from St. Petersburg, Florida. She teamed with Dakota Kai and Aliyah for a win over Billie Kay, Peyton Royce and former MMA fighter Shayna Baszler of Ronda Rousey’s “Four Horsewomen” stable.

Sane suffered a concussion during the Mae Young Classic tapings last month and was recently medically cleared to return.

Check out these photos and videos from the match, including her legendary top rope flying elbow.

Still so surreal!!! Amazing @KairiSaneWWE #NXTStPetersburg @ACadabbi @gravenbabies @Kusiga pic.twitter.com/Qm8Dkh6aaP

— Wayne (@BrokenZen333) August 11, 2017

#NXTStPetersburg sees @DakotaKai_WWE @KairiSaneWWE & @WWE_Aliyah win over @QoSBaszler @BillieKayWWE & @WWEPeytonRoyce. @DABrewerWWE pic.twitter.com/lx6j9DG0OR

— I Am The One Who Knocks (@NerdxFerguson) August 11, 2017

The reason I dropped by – @KairiSaneWWE flying elbowdrop ???? pic.twitter.com/WmnUzZWAUN

— Rob Naylor (@NINaylor) August 11, 2017