Thea Hail has shocked the naysayers, and stunned the entire world. Tuesday’s “NXT” Women’s North American Championship match saw the electrifying Hail meet the stalwart, experience Monroe, and in a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment, Hail managed to pin down the champion to develop into the brand new “NXT” Women’s North American Champion.
Monroe looked as if it would still be feeling the aftershocks of last week’s wild assault, as Hail quickly overwhelmed the champion with an armbar try and open the match. Monroe quickly found her footing, but Hail was to not be denied. The match became a battle of experience and energy, with Monroe’s refined and sadistic moveset colliding against Hail’s zippy grappling and aerial offense.
Despite Hail’s early advantage, Monroe looked as if it would have her opponent squared away by the match’s halfway point, with Monroe flattening Hail with a clothesline after entangling the challenger within the ropes. A flash of second life, nonetheless, sent Hail gunning for the champion. She laid Monroe supine before bouncing off of the ropes to deliver a Springboard Senton. The referee’s hand slapped the mat for the three-count, but he didn’t register Monroe’s shoulder rising just before the three count. Each Hail and Monroe looked shocked and confused, with Monroe gesturing her kickout to the official as Hail paraded across the ring together with her title.
With this victory, Hail has ended Monroe’s 53 day reign with the Women’s North American title. Monroe first earned the title — her first singles championship in WWE — after defeating champion stand-in Zaria at “NXT” Halloween Havoc. Very similar to Monroe, the Women’s North American Championship is Hail’s first singles title with WWE. Hail can be now the youngest woman to carry the Women’s North American title, at 22 years old.
As of writing, there have been no announcements regarding the referee’s controversial count, nor have any latest challengers stepped as much as the young champion.