10 Hidden Gem WWE PG Era Matches You Need To Revisit

7. Asuka Vs. Emma (NXT TakeOver: London)

Daniel Bryan William Regal Superstars 2011
WWE.com

When people talk about Emma being held back on Monday Night Raw, this is where the argument comes from. The under-utilised Aussie was generally fantastic throughout her NXT run, but she was never better than during her phenomenal TakeOver: London bout with Asuka, which deserves to go down as one of the best of 'The Empress Of Tomorrow's' lengthy developmental run.

Having buzzed through Emma's comrade, Dana Brooke, at the previous TakeOver event, Asuka levelled up in London, but endured a far sterner test from her new opponent. Emma looked outstanding during her control section, and came off surprisingly violent as she ripped into NXT's hyped new star - a side of her we're yet to see again.

There was a referee bump towards the end, but it wasn't enough for Emma to secure the victory, even after cutting Asuka's comeback off. The Japanese striker almost kicked her head clean off her shoulders for the win and soon embarked on a giant surge up the NXT card, while Emma was eventually recalled to the main roster, where she has languished ever since.

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.