Every Asuka NXT TakeOver Match - Ranked From Worst To Best
2. Vs Emma (London, 16th December 2015)
A hidden gem that will hopefully gain greater prominence alongside the main roster rise of Asuka herself, the NXT TakeOver: London opener featuring the 'Empress Of Tomorrow' and Emma is perhaps the most underrated match in the developmental brand's rich history of women's wrestling.
The Australian star looked to be little more than a rung on Asuka's ladder to greatness after the future Champion had kicked off her undefeated run by defeating Dana Brooke on her TakeOver debut the prior October. But after sustaining a few early attacks, Emma grew into the contest with a fiery performance that should have guaranteed an immediate return to the main roster.
Refusing to be awestruck by the fearsome Japanese destroyer and an audience completely in love with her, Emma instead went hold-for-hold, working on the arms of the newcomer in an effort to neutralise the strikes that had obliterated her comrade.
The strategy wasn't without merit but was ultimately unsuccessful. Despite Brooke and Emma attempting to double team Asuka with a weapon late in the match with the referee distracted, and a heart-stopping nearfall following a brutal suplex into the turnbuckle and Emmamite Sandwich, Asuka overcame the odds with babyface resilience.
Smashing her opponent with a kick having already earned a tap-out from the Asuka Lock whilst the referee was otherwise engaged, Asuka demonstrated offensive diversity and dynamism that would foreshadow her dominance.