10 Best NXT TakeOver Matches Of 2017

4. Asuka Vs Ember Moon (Brooklyn 3)

Scott Dawson Rezar Johnny Gargano
WWE.com

Asuka's final title defence on the developmental brand was not only the best match of her series with Ember Moon, but the best match either had been involved in in NXT and a fitting farewell to one of Full Sail's finest fighters.

In a mesmerising display that saw Moon build on their first match by finally hitting her devastating Eclipse finisher, the challenger gave everything still in vain to the incomparable 'Empress Of Tomorrow'.

Stubbornly refusing to lose having snuck out the back door during their Orlando battle, Asuka shocked her opponent and the crowd in kicking out from the devastating manoeuvre and a follow-up superkick. Shock and awe turned to confusion in Ember, having thrown her best shots at the Champion only to emerge still without a title.

Just as all looked lost for the titleholder, she suckered Moon in to a cross armbreaker, forcing her to agonisingly tap out like so many others had before her. The rivalry was over, as too, we'd later find out was her title reign and unblemished NXT tenure. Like many others to travel through the developmental brand, she left an imprint on Brooklyn greater than perhaps anything she'll ever accomplish on the main roster.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael is a writer, editor, podcaster and presenter for WhatCulture Wrestling, and has been with the organisation nearly 8 years. He primarily produces written, audio and video content on WWE and AEW, but also provides knowledge and insights on all aspects of the wrestling industry thanks to a passion for it dating back over 35 years. As one third of "The Dadley Boyz" Michael has contributed to the huge rise in popularity of the WhatCulture Wrestling Podcast and its accompanying YouTube channel, earning it top spot in the UK's wrestling podcast charts with well over 62,000,000 total downloads. He has been featured as a wrestling analyst for the Tampa Bay Times, GRAPPL, GCP, Poisonrana and Sports Guys Talking Wrestling, and has covered milestone events in New York, Dallas, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, London and Cardiff. Michael's background in media stretches beyond wrestling coverage, with a degree in Journalism from the University Of Sunderland (2:1) and a series of published articles in sports, music and culture magazines The Crack, A Love Supreme and Pilot. When not offering his voice up for daily wrestling podcasts, he can be found losing it singing far too loud watching his favourite bands play live. Follow him on X/Twitter - @MichaelHamflett