September 25, 2023. Ontario, California. Toyota Arena. Monday Night RAW. The name Tegan Nox has been on the lips of the pro-wrestling world since last Monday night. She was ready to face NXT Women's Champion Becky Lynch. The Man wanted it. Plans changed. Such was affirmed on RAW when Tegan approached the NXT Women's Champion. The Man asked Nox -- whom she saw waiting by the curtain last week -- why she didn't accept the open challenge. Tegan admitted Natalya was there too and since Natalya is a veteran, Nox let her jump in front.
Becky encouraged Tegan to step on some toes and claim her worth. The Man expects The Welsh Dragon to be her next challenger after she retains against Tiffany Stratton on September 30, 2023 at NXT No Mercy. Tegan's big ole grin said it all. Soon after, WWE Official Adam Pearce was paid a visit from Nox who declared herself for the next shot at the WWE NXT Women's Championship. Natalya barged on in, pulling the entitled veteran card because apparently she needs YET ANOTHER title opportunity after losing three televised title matches since May.
Tegan wasn't having any of this crap, reminding Natalya she had her shot last week and lost so it's time to let someone new have a chance. Natalya accused Becky of trying to manipulate hungry challengers like Nox. Nope, the only manipulator here is Natalya accusing Nox of thinking Natalya doesn't have passion. Tegan pointed out her own passion yet never getting the chances Natalya has continually got. Pearce refused to just hand out a title match, however suggested a one on one between Nox and Natalya to see who can earn that opportunity.
Natalya was fine with that, daring Nox to get hungry and forget her manners. Nox took the dare, declaring she's starving. Natalya had some nerve trying to snatch another opportunity from Tegan of all people. Earlier this year on SmackDown, Nox selflessly came to Natalya's aid only for The Queen of Harts to toss her aside soon after. Natalya went on to get another partner and they qualified for the Women's Four-Way Tag Team Showcase Match at WrestleMania 39 Sunday. If Natalya hadn't ditched Nox, it could have been them competing in said match.
As far as this Chronicler is concerned, Natalya cost Tegan a match at WrestleMania. Whatever the case, the actions of Natalya sparked a nasty fire in Tegan that drove her back to a darker place she hadn't been since 2016 on the independent scene. We've seen this nasty side of Tegan Nox in recent months on Main Event. The darkness has passed but that nasty fire still burns inside Nox. Onto the match. Becky Lynch did guest commentary which meant less Michael Cole which is never a bad thing. At least he's always believed in Tegan so yes, he has one good quality.
Lynch stressed she saw herself in Tegan, explaining why she's passionate about her getting some opportunities. Becky understands exactly how Tegan feels getting passed by, considering she was in that same place until she cut the shit, snatching the brass ring and becoming the top star in WWE. At the opening bell, there was some clean technical wrestling until Natalya turned it aggressive with a back elbow. Tegan welcomed that because she's Welsh and the Welsh love a nasty ole fight. Nox ducked a discus clothesline and drove Natalya to canvas, slugging away.
Nox got to her feet and struck Natalya back down with a charging rolling elbow strike. A vicious PK to the chest was followed by the sitout gourdbuster. Natalya slumped to the corner. Michael Hitchman was smiling at that cannonboar to Natalya. Nox went for a cover but Natalya kicked out at two. Tegan pulled a kneepad down and charged forward for a finish, however Natalya caught The World's Shiniest Wizard with a rollup for two. Natalya nearly plunged Nox into a pit of danger with a sitdown powerbomb for another two.
Tegan resisted getting locked in the sharpshooter by slinging Natalya throat first to the middle rope. The World's Shiniest Wizard. One-Two-Three. Natalya found out one does not stand between a dragon and prospective gold. Tegan stared at Becky, a motion to her waist making her next move clearer than HD. The Welsh Dragon wants the NXT Women's Championship. She won't have to wait long for her shot because she'll face the winner of Lynch versus Stratton at NXT No Mercy on the October 2, 2023 episode of Monday Night RAW.
It was poetic Tegan defeated Natalya to earn the title match, considering Natalya's been a thorn in Nox's side for months. Following a drink of tea, Tegan made her RAW Talk Debut. She got straight to the point, making it clear she's ready for a fight and to win regardless of who is the NXT Women's Champion. The Girl With the Shiniest Wizard. The Nix. The Welsh Dragon. The Welsh Firecracker. Call her whatever you want because by the end of the October 2, 2023 episode of RAW I'm optimistic you'll be calling her And New NXT Women's Champion.
Additional Information | Tegan Nox defeated Natalya (2:40) on the September 25, 2023 episode of Monday Night RAW at Toyota Arena in Ontario, California.
