10 Best "Passing Of The Torch" Matches In WWE History

5. Sasha Banks Vs. Bayley (NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn)

Steve Austin, Bret Hart
WWE.com

Summer 2015 saw the bulk of NXT’s Four Horsewomen clear out of NXT to embark upon the main roster’s Women’s Revolution. Becky Lynch, Sasha Banks, Charlotte, and Bayley had helped raise the standard of WWE women’s wrestling to stunning new heights through their work at Full Sail University, but one was left behind. While Becky, Sasha, and Charlotte debuted on Raw that July, Bayley remained in developmental, and didn’t follow her friends until over a year later.

Banks was NXT Women’s Champion at the time, and a perfect arrogant heel foil for Bayley’s plucky underdog persona. Bayley had received opportunities at the Women’s Title in the past, but had been knocked down at every hurdle. Coupled with her inherently likeable personality, this story made Bayley one of the most popular wrestlers in the company, and she finally stepped-out of her peers’ shadow at TakeOver: Brooklyn.

Bayley’s victory represented the culmination of her story, and capped her ascension to become NXT’s female ace. With Becky and Charlotte gone and Sasha on the way out, Bayley finally became Women’s Champion, and was tasked with anchoring the division while the others prospered on the bigger stage. She and Sasha would wrestle another classic match at TakeOver: Respect a few months later, but Brooklyn was where Bayley finally grabbed the ball and ran with it.

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.