There was an unplanned title change on WWE NXT, causing confusion among the fans and those in the ring.
During the December 16 broadcast, Thea Hail challenged Blake Monroe for the Women’s North American Championship. As Hail made her comeback and hit a springboard senton, she pinned Monroe, but Monroe did not kick out. The referee called for the bell and there was a delay before Hail’s music played to signal that the victory was official. In the YouTube highlight of the match, WWE has cut out the confusion between the pin and the celebration.
It should be noted that in previous matches, the referee has stopped counting when a kickout has not taken place as planned, resulting in fan backlash.
The victory marks Hail’s first championship in NXT and brings Monroe’s reign to an end at 52 days. Monroe won the title at Halloween Havoc, defeating Sol Ruca at the Premium Live Event.
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A follow-up report on the error has been published by Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select. The report confirms that this was not the planned finish and that Monroe was meant to retain her title in the opening match of the show. There was also said to be a scramble backstage and the title change has caused creative issues, as there were plans in place that had Hail not as the champion. Fightful also adds that steps would be taken as early as last night to make the adjustments, and that they were not told who was to blame for the error.
Featured image: WWE
