On July 19, 2017, WWE NXT fans were treated to one of the most exciting and fierce matchups in recent memory. Ember Moon and Ruby Riot, two of NXTâs most talented and determined womenâs competitors, clashed in a battle that had the entire WWE Universe on the edge of their seats. This match wasnât just about victoryâit was about proving who could rise above the rest and claim their place as a top contender in the NXT womenâs division. With both women bringing their A-game, it was clear that this showdown would be one for the ages.
Ember Moon, known for her high-flying agility and powerful offense, squared off against Ruby Riot, whose unorthodox style and sheer toughness made her a dangerous opponent. Both women had something to prove, and the stakes couldnât have been higher. Who would emerge victorious in this clash of titans, and what would this match mean for the future of the NXT womenâs division? In this article, we will break down the key moments, the strengths and weaknesses of both competitors, and the impact of this unforgettable battle.
**The Rise of Ember Moon: A Unique and Fearless Competitor**
Ember Moon, known for her signature Eclipse finisher and unique combination of power and agility, had quickly become a fan favorite in NXT. Since her debut, Moon had showcased incredible athleticism and an innovative wrestling style that set her apart from the rest of the NXT womenâs division. Her blend of high-flying moves and hard-hitting offense made her a force to be reckoned with in the ring.
Moonâs journey in WWE was not an easy one. She had to fight her way through NXT’s fierce competition, proving time and time again that she had what it took to rise to the top. Her determination, grit, and refusal to back down from any challenge made her one of the most respected superstars in NXT. However, despite her impressive rise, Moon had yet to capture the NXT Womenâs Championship, and she knew that this battle with Ruby Riot would be an important step toward that goal.
Emberâs character was defined by her resilience and her willingness to fight through any obstacle. Her style was one of calculated aggression, utilizing both technical wrestling and aerial maneuvers to keep her opponents guessing. Against Ruby Riot, Moon knew she would need to adapt and take her game to the next level.
**Ruby Riot: The Rebel with Unconventional Tactics**
Ruby Riot, formerly known as Heidi Lovelace on the independent circuit, was one of the most unique and rebellious figures in the NXT womenâs division. Riot’s unorthodox wrestling style and âpunk rockâ persona made her a fan favorite, especially for those who appreciated her gritty, no-nonsense approach to wrestling. Riot was unapologetically herself, and she brought a level of toughness and unpredictability to every match she entered.
Her striking ability, combined with her resilience and sheer tenacity, made her a formidable opponent in NXT. Riotâs style was aggressive and unpredictableâwhether she was hitting hard strikes or taking risks with high-impact moves, she was always willing to put her body on the line for the win. Her unique background in independent wrestling gave her the edge when it came to crafting a distinct and hard-hitting style that set her apart from many of her NXT peers.
As a rising star in NXT, Ruby Riot had a lot to prove. She had already faced off against some of the top talent in the division, but her match with Ember Moon was going to be one of the biggest challenges of her career. Riot was looking to make a statement and earn her place at the top, and taking down a superstar like Ember Moon was the perfect way to do it.
**The Match: Intensity from Start to Finish**
When the bell rang on July 19, 2017, fans in the NXT arena could feel the intensity in the air. Ember Moon and Ruby Riot wasted no time getting started, with both women throwing hard strikes and immediately engaging in a physical and fast-paced battle. Moon used her speed and agility to gain the upper hand early, but Riot was quick to counter with her unorthodox style and relentless aggression.
The match quickly turned into a contest of endurance and willpower. Ember Moonâs ability to fly around the ring and execute her signature aerial moves was on full display. She hit Riot with several high-impact moves, including her stunning top-rope crossbody and her famous Eclipse, which had the crowd roaring with excitement. Moonâs technical prowess and her ability to maintain control of the pace of the match were key factors in her performance.
However, Ruby Riot wasnât going down without a fight. Riotâs toughness and willingness to bend the rules made her a dangerous competitor. She countered Moonâs aerial offense with brutal strikes, high-impact suplexes, and submissions that kept Moon on the defensive. The unpredictability of Riotâs offense made it difficult for Moon to find her rhythm, and at times, it seemed like Riot was getting the better of her.
Both women were exhausted, with sweat pouring down their faces as the match continued. But the WWE Universe was firmly behind both competitors, cheering on every near fall and dramatic moment. The back-and-forth action kept fans on the edge of their seats, with each woman trying to outdo the other in a high-stakes battle for supremacy.
**The Turning Point: Ruby Riotâs Resilience**
As the match wore on, it became clear that Ruby Riot was not just a challengerâshe was a legitimate threat to Ember Moon. Despite taking several brutal hits, Riot showed incredible resilience and determination. At one point, she dodged an Eclipse attempt from Moon and countered with a devastating Riot Kick, sending Moon to the mat. Riot seized the opportunity and went for a pin, but Moon kicked out at the last second, much to the crowdâs disbelief.
Riotâs ability to stay in the match despite Moonâs powerful offense was a testament to her toughness. She refused to let Moonâs dominance get the better of her, and she fought back with everything she had. However, the toll the match had taken on both competitors was starting to show, as they struggled to keep up the fast pace.
Despite Riotâs resilience, Moon wasnât going to let this opportunity slip away. The two women exchanged blows in a dramatic sequence, with each competitor delivering strikes that echoed through the arena. In the end, it was Moon who found the opening she needed.
**The Finish: Ember Moonâs Triumph**
The final moments of the match were as dramatic and intense as the rest of the contest. With both women exhausted, it was clear that the next big move would decide the outcome. Ember Moon, summoning the last bit of energy she had left, went to the top rope and prepared for her signature moveâthe Eclipse.
With the crowd on their feet, Moon launched herself off the ropes and hit Riot with a stunning Eclipse, sending her crashing to the mat. The WWE Universe erupted as Moon quickly went for the cover, and the referee counted to three. Ember Moon had emerged victorious in this fierce battle, securing her place as one of the top contenders in NXT.
Moonâs win over Ruby Riot was a hard-fought and impressive victory. While Riot had pushed Moon to her limits, it was Moonâs superior agility and finishing move that ultimately sealed her triumph. As she celebrated her victory, the NXT Womenâs Championship seemed within reach for the determined superstar.
**The Aftermath: What This Victory Means for Ember Moon**
Ember Moonâs victory over Ruby Riot was a pivotal moment in her career. It not only established her as one of the top talents in the NXT womenâs division but also set her on a path toward a future NXT Womenâs Championship opportunity. Moonâs performance in this match showcased her incredible talent, resilience, and determination, and it proved that she was a top-tier competitor in WWE.
For Moon, this victory was just the beginning. The match with Ruby Riot was a reminder that she had the ability to defeat some of the best in NXT. It was a stepping stone to even greater opportunities, and with the WWE Universe fully behind her, Moon was ready to take on whatever challenge came next.
**Ruby Riot: A Future Superstar**
While Ruby Riot may have lost the match, her performance against Ember Moon proved that she was more than capable of standing toe-to-toe with one of NXTâs top stars. Riotâs toughness, unorthodox style, and resilience made her a formidable opponent in the womenâs division. Although she didnât secure the victory, Riot showed the WWE Universe that she had the potential to be a future champion.
Riotâs journey in NXT was just beginning, and this match served as a platform for her to continue growing and evolving as a competitor. Her unpredictable nature and fierce determination made her a dangerous force in NXT, and it wouldnât be long before she found herself back in the title picture.
**Conclusion: A Historic Moment in NXT**
The match between Ember Moon and Ruby Riot on July 19, 2017, was a brutal, high-stakes encounter that showcased the very best of both competitors. Ember Moonâs victory marked a significant moment in her rise to the top of the NXT womenâs division, while Ruby Riotâs performance cemented her place as one of the most promising stars in WWE. Both women brought their A-game, delivering an unforgettable match that will go down as one of the most intense and exciting contests in NXT history.
As the NXT womenâs division continued to evolve, the rivalry between these two women was far from over. Both had shown that they were more than capable of competing at the highest level, and their paths would undoubtedly cross again. For now, Ember Moon had proven that she was the one to rise above, and the future of the NXT womenâs division was brighter than ever.