This week’s episode of NXT featured many noteworthy moments. We got #1 contenders for the NXT Women’s Tag Titles, Roderick Strong’s in-ring return, fresh developments in the Million Dollar Championship picture and a new NXT North American Champion. However, the issues between Mercedes Martinez and Xia Li deserved more spotlight.

Xia Li knocks out Mercedes Martinez

On NXT, Tian Sha wreaked havoc once again with Xia Li at the center. The Capitol Wrestling Center looked on in dazed confusion as Xia Li beat the absolute mickey out of her former Takeover opponent, Mercedes Martinez. The veteran teamed up with Jake Atlas to face Xia and Boa in a mixed-tag team match.

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With Atlas effectively taking out Boa, the duty to pick up the win fell on Martinez. Hell bent on redeeming her NXT Takeover loss, Martinez attempted to unnerve Xia by talking trash. However, the Chinese sensation took her down and hit with a suplex, followed by a skull-shattering roundhouse kick.

The kick was so effective, it legitimately knocked out Martinez. Although she kicked out of the initial pin attempt, she rolled out of the ring, after which the referee signalled the end of the match. It seemed clear that Martinez had her bell by the roundhouse kick and could not compete anymore and risk further damage.

Credit to the referee for making the right decision, but this also makes Xia Li look like an absolute beast. Not only has she beaten Martinez at NXT Takeover: In Your House, but effectively taken her out of action. We hope Martinez is alright and recovers soon, and that NXT doesn’t drop the ball with Xia Li.

New Women’s Tag Title #1 contenders crowned

The issues between Xia Li and Mercedes Martinez weren’t the only developments on NXT this week. The NXT Women’s Division continued to deliver in spades with a wonderful triple threat #1 contenders match.

Former champions Dakota Kai and Raquel Gonzalez, Ember Moon and Shotzi Blackheart and the newly formed team of Zoey Stark and Io Shirai clashed for the chance to challenge The Way at Great American Bash.

Not only did they look impressive, but Zoey Stark and Io Shirai put on a brilliant performance to pick up a huge win. They will now face Candice Le Rae and Indi Hartwell at NXT’s Great American Bash. Will Io and Candice settle their rivalry once and for all, or will we see new tag champs next week?

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