10 Forgotten WWE NXT TakeOver Classics

10. Asuka Vs. Mickie James - NXT TakeOver: Toronto

Prior to her pregnancy putting a halt on the plans, WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus was penned for the TakeOver: Toronto Women's Championship bout vs. Asuka. Instead, her WrestleMania 22 adversary Mickie James was given the spot prior to her full-time comeback the following year.

The veteran didn't look a step out of place opposite the defending champion, wrestling a respectful bout with the Empress of Tomorrow that worked perfectly on a TakeOver card.

There was never a reason for James to dethrone Asuka - thankfully, she was submitted via Asuka Lock in about 13 minutes - and so this remains a solid example of a returning legend doing their job correctly. As far as us fans knew at the time of the November 2016 clash, the former Women's Champion hadn't signed an official contract. The only real benefit to having her partake in the outing was to give Asuka a meaningful victory to establish her as a legitimate top-tier star.

It worked, unsurprisingly.

Sadly slotted between two other certified bangers - DIY vs. the Revival and Samoa Joe vs. Shinsuke Nakamura - this match is now almost entirely forgotten about. WWE themselves eclipsed any memory of this with that dire outing between the duo on a September 2020 Raw with that finish. Still, this was solid stuff.