5/20 WWE NXT Preview: Io Shirai vs. Rhea Ripley, Tournament Matches
Design / Layout Credit: Bill Pritchard
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WWE has shared the following Quick Hits for tonight’s episode of NXT on WWE.com:
- Io Shirai vs. Rhea Ripley.
- Drake Maverick vs. KUSHIDA – Cruiserweight Championship Tournament.
- El Hijo del Fantasma vs. Akira Tozawa – Cruiserweight Championship Tournament.
WWE’s full preview can be found HERE; we have included a few excerpts below:
Rhea Ripley takes on Io Shirai with her eyes on her former championship
Rhea Ripley has made it clear that she’s laser-focused on regaining the NXT Women’s Championship. But her path back to another matchup with Charlotte Flair likely goes through Io Shirai, whom she’ll face Wednesday night on NXT.
The Nightmare burst back on the scene for the first time since WrestleMania with her sights set squarely on The Queen and the title she took from her. But Ripley’s return also landed her in The Evil Genius of the Sky’s warpath.
Shirai’s opportunity against Flair was well-earned after emerging victorious from a Six-Woman Ladder Match. But The Queen thwarted Shirai’s challenge with a Kendo stick attack, handing Shirai a disqualification win but not the title. As far as The Joshi Judas is concerned, Ripley can get in line if she wants another championship opportunity.
Which woman will claim victory in this match with serious title implications?