Setting the Scene

November 6th, 2019 – NXT Arena

Dakota Kai sits outside of the NXT Arena in her sparkly purple and blue gear and her white jacket wrapped over her shoulders. She’s all alone after not being picked by Rhea Ripley for her War Games team, instead Mia Yim was picked over her just a few minutes ago. After being called a waste of a pick and then not being able to prove herself, she’s as down as ever.

The smacking of chains are heard and Dakota keeps her head down, not wanting to be bothered but the sound stops right in front of her.

“You almost had a chance… almost.”

Dakota looks up to see the NXT Women’s Champion and the other team captain for War Games Shayna Baszler; the same woman who just made her tap out about an hour ago. Shayna has her henchwomen, Jessamyn Duke and Marina Shafir, following behind her carrying her towel and championship. Dakota ignores them and puts her head down once again.

“If you want to gloat, take it elsewhere. I’m sure you need to go and look for your fourth teammate,” says Dakota as she holds her emotions back.

Shayna smirks and pulls a seat up in front of Dakota. “That’s the thing.” She takes a seat in front of Dakota, who refuses to look up at her.

“I know you wanted to be in War Games and I know you wanted to prove that you can be the one to beat me for this championship right here, but you couldn’t get it done tonight and Rhea has moved on. As I said before, you were a waste of a pick…

for them.”

Dakota looks surprised at Shayna’s comment and slowly looks up at Shayna.

“What did you just say?”

“If you were on Rhea’s team, the end result would be just like it was tonight with the four of you losing. But here’s the thing I wouldn’t admit elsewhere, you are tougher than those four. I made Mia tap, Tegan has two weak legs, I made Candice tap out just a few weeks ago, and Rhea thinks she’s as tough as she is stupid. Now they’ve all teamed up because they can’t beat me alone… but you even now come and fight me alone after everything I’ve done to you.”

Shayna is handed the Women’s Championship from Jessamyn and places it over her shoulder. “I know you want a shot at this, and the only way for you to prove it was by competing in War Games and winning… and I’m going to give you a chance to get on my team.”

Dakota almost looks insulted at the suggestion, “What makes you think I would want to be on your team?”

“You just came back from injury and have something prove. There is other bonuses to War Games: your first Takeover, being one of the first women to compete it in, fighting with Tegan and Candice… two of your best friends who didn’t even try to suggest that Rhea pick you… but those bonuses don’t matter compared to you wanting this,” Shayna smacks her hand against the gold plated belt. “I know you are dying to prove yourself, and if you win for our team at War Games then I will personally ask William Regal to give you a championship match.

But I need you to win one match… just one match next week to earn your spot.”

“One match? Against who?”

“Io Shirai, if you can beat her then I will let you on the team.”

Just a few minutes ago, Dakota thought she was going to be out of War Games all together and now Shayna of all people is offering her one last chance. Before she can give her answer, Shayna interrupts her.

“But… if you lose I want you to feel shame and humiliated for not getting picked for either team. If you so badly want to be in War Games and maybe get a shot at this Women’s Championship, you need show that you want it. I need you to beat Io in a Bra and Panties match.”

Shocked, Dakota doesn’t know what to say. Not only does she have to beat one of the best women’s wrestlers in the world, but she has to strip her to her underwear. If she wins, she’s getting her one step closer to her dream.

If she loses, though, then she’ll be on national television in her underwear as a giant loser.

Shayna once again taunts her, “So… do you want War Games? Do you want Takeover? Do you want this gold? Or do you want to sit on the sidelines in Chicago?”