WWE taped two matches for next week’s episode of NXT television, before a red hot crowd at the Allstate Arena for NXT Takeover: Chicago.

In the first of two matches, the War Raiders – Hanson and Raymond Rowe – defeated The Mighty in a solid tag team match. The Australian stars, formerly known as TM61, laid down an open challenge to the entire NXT tag team division two weeks ago, and the former IWGP Tag Team Champions took it upon themselves to answer the call.

Second, the impressive Bianca Belair picked up her first major victory, defeating Dakota Kai after the two clashed backstage on this past week’s episode of WWE NXT television. She got the win in a really good match; probably the best she’s had since debuting in the Mae Young Classic last year. Kai sold her butt off throughout, making every little submission look like the most brutal hold ever.

Both matches were received well by the fans, who were still pouring into the Allstate Arena as the bouts were going on. War Machine was super over with loud “WAR!” chants before and during the match. They also seemed genuinely impressed by Belair. She got a small amount of heat coming out, but really won everyone over with her athleticism and impressive power-based moveset.

Hell of a match between Dakota Kai and Bianca Belair. EST gets the win. Dakota sold her ass off though. #NXTTakeOver pic.twitter.com/UYclsW426q

— ProWrestling.com (@pw_dotcom) June 16, 2018

War Raiders get the win over The Mighty to kick things off. REally fun match. This crowd is hooooott. #NXTTakeOver pic.twitter.com/dnVUXKH6ia

— ProWrestling.com (@pw_dotcom) June 16, 2018

The #ESTofNXT @BiancaBelairWWE is out to show @DakotaKai_WWE who REALLY deserves all the attention tonight when they face off on #WWENXT, only on @WWENetwork! https://t.co/lTCt6iGcMR

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) June 20, 2018