Every Asuka NXT TakeOver Match - Ranked From Worst To Best

Whilst the sequel couldn't quite match the original (more on that later) Asuka and Bayley's deeply absorbing TakeOver: Brooklyn 2 encounter was a fitting send-off to their rivalry and 'The Hugger's celebrated NXT tenure.

Wiser to the sheer weight of the challenge that lay ahead, Bayley added intensity to her attacks, bombarding the 'Empress Of Tomorrow' from the start after admitting that 'she wasn't ready' the last time the pair faced.

A magnificent mid-match sequence relayed the story beautifully. Having relentlessly chased down every little opportunity to hit a big move during the contest up to that point, Bayley hit Asuka with a running attack as she sought salvation in the ropes. Fired up from the assault, Asuka shot back with one of her own, but flatly refusing to lose the battle of wills, Bayley struck again. Asuka caught the challenger's leg though, synching in a stretch muffler then an ankle lock, but Bayley countered with skill, guile and incredible heart.

Weakened by the holds, the kneeling challenger was peppered with kicks, but in the bout's most famous moment, stood up to the assault and demanded that her foe hit her square in the face. Daring herself as well as her opponent, it was a tale of physical limitations gloriously told, with Asuka's eventual onslaught leading to a breathtaking sequence of strikes and reversals decisively won by the titleholder.

Far from being a trial for the departing challenger, it was really the Champion's biggest test as the division's undisputed leader. It was one she passed with colours as flying as her vainglorious ring attire.