Women’s #1 Contender’s Match Announced For Tonight’s NXT

WWE has set a #1 contender’s match for the NXT Women’s Championship for tonight’s episode of NXT. The company announced on Wednesday that Candice LeRae will face Shotzi Blackheart tonight, with the winner going on to challenge Io Shirai for the title on the October 28th Halloween Havoc show of NXT.

The announcement reads:

Shotzi Blackheart to battle Candice LeRae for NXT Women’s Title opportunity at NXT Halloween Havoc
Candice LeRae bested Shotzi Blackheart last month to earn a matchup with NXT Women’s Champion Io Shirai. Can she again hold off Blackheart when they meet one-on-one with another opportunity to challenge Shirai at NXT Halloween Havoc on the line?

The Poison Pixie prevailed by the narrowest of margins over Blackheart after they were the final two competitors remaining in last month’s Battle Royal, but LeRae was unable to topple The Genius of the Sky at NXT TakeOver 31.

Meanwhile, Blackheart, who will host NXT Halloween Havoc, has flexed championship-quality bona fides in recent weeks. She pushed Shirai to her limit in a singles bout last month, in addition to picking up several victories.

Can she take the next step toward another match with Shirai — this time for the NXT Women’s Title?

EXCLUSIVE: @RealKingRegal just made a HUGE announcement for tonight!

After impressive performances in the recent battle royal, @CandiceLeRae will face @ShotziWWE with the winner challenging @shirai_io at @WWENXT #HalloweenHavoc for the #WWENXT #WomensTitle! pic.twitter.com/JPNyit3FND

— WWE Network (@WWENetwork) October 14, 2020