VIDEO: Another Former Champion Makes NXT Debut

The next step. There are several different levels to the WWE structure and you can see the path that a wrestler takes up through the ranks. You can often figure out how this is going to go, though NXT UK has added a new level to the ladder. Sometimes you will see a wrestler come from the United Kingdom and move up the ranks, which was the case again this weekend.

Sunday at NXT Takeover 36, Raquel Gonzalez defeated Dakota Kai to retain the NXT Women’s Title. After the match, former NXT UK Women’s Champion Kay Lee Ray appeared on the stage for a staredown with Gonzalez. While not confirmed, this would suggest that Ray has been moved to the NXT roster. Ray holds the record for the longest reign in the history of the NXT UK Women’s Title, having held the title for 649 days.

This could be a big one. Check out the title match, plus what might be coming for Gonzalez and the title:

Gonzalez sends Kai bouncing onto the entrance ramp: NXT TakeOver 36 (WWE Network Exclusive)

Kay Lee Ray stares down Raquel Gonzalez: NXT TakeOver 36 (WWE Network Exclusive)

NXT Top 5: Kay Lee Ray’s greatest title defenses

Opinion: This is one of those things that had to be done as there was nothing left for Ray to do in NXT UK. It makes sense to move her over as she has the credibility due to her record title reign and it isn’t like Gonzalez has a ready made challenger on the regular NXT roster. Ray moving over is the right move and I’m looking forward to see what happens when she gets her title shot.

What did you think of the surprise? How will the eventual title match go? Let us know in the comments below.

Thomas Hall has been a wrestling fan for over thirty years and has seen over 60,000 wrestling matches. He has also been a wrestling reviewer since 2009 with over 6,000 full shows covered. You can find his work at kbwrestlingreviews.com, or check out his- Amazon author page with 30 wrestling books.

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