Kali Armstrong pins Zaria in NXT, joins Heatwave title match

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As Gorilla Monsoon would say, “The irresistible force meets the immovable object.” | (Photo: WWE) Fans got a small taste of what could become WWE’s best women’s feud down the road. Kali Armstrong battled NXT Women’s North American Champion Zaria Tuesday on NXT in what was a hard-hitting hoss fight between two of the brand’s strongest stars. The opening had shades of Hulk Hogan vs. Ultimate Warrior at WrestleMania VI, with the two trading bodyslams before locking up in a test of strength. Armstrong raised her game by wiping out Zaria with a dive from the top rope to the floor. Despite its physicality, the match had some rough spots. Zaria noticeably had to signal for Armstrong to come at her after Armstrong was whipped into the corner. Later, Zaria’s selling was a bit lacking as Armstrong peppered her with punches. Still, this was compelling TV that produced an exciting finish. As Armstrong set up for a Kali Connection, Zaria leveled her with a spear. As the champ went for an F5, Armstrong countered with a rollup to score a clean pin. With a proper storyline, a big stage, and time to cook, this is the kind of rivalry that could light up Tuesday nights and eventually WWE’s main roster. The good news is that fans won’t have to wait long to see them throw down again. With the victory, Armstrong was added to this weekend’s unification bout between Zaria and Women’s Speed Champion Wren Sinclair at NXT Heatwave. Zaria’s North American crown is also on the line in this winner-take-all triple threat match. NXT Heatwave comes to the Bert Ogden Arena in Edinburg, Texas, this Sunday. It airs live at 3 p.m. ET/noon PT on the CW Network and on the ESPN App with an ESPN Unlimited plan in the United States and on Netflix internationally.