Blake Monroe is no longer the NXT Women’s North American champion – but she should be.
Thea Hail is the new champion after the Brit failed to get her shoulder up in time. Monroe was supposed to win the contest but the referee was forced to count the three when she did not kick out.
According to PW Insider, the referee had no choice.
“Based on those we have spoken with, Monroe had the wind knocked out of her when Hail came off the ropes and tried to recover to get her shoulder up, but wasn’t able to do it in time.
“Since Hail is so young, we are told she likely didn’t realise she needed to give Blake a moment to catch her wind and went right for the pin.
“Since referees are instructed to call pinfalls as if they are legitimate, the referee had no choice but to count the three count. Monroe did try to get her shoulder up, which WWENXT later used as a storyline point.”
Hail is only 22-years-old and it serves as a monumental first title win of her career.
Monroe, a former AEW Women’s champion, is 27 and expected to be a major player on the main roster sooner rather than later.
WWE have already show the fact that Monroe tried to kick out right before the three-count and may use this as a way into a rematch where they may correct course.
It’s understood several talents’ creative in the coming weeks has changed as a result of the botch.
