NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn III Results: Highlights, Analysis, and Grades
Source: WWE.com
NXT Women’s Championship Match
Asuka (c) vs. Ember Moon
Result: Asuka defeats Ember Moon via submission to retain the NXT Women’s Championship.
Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars
When Asuka won the NXT Women’s Championship in April 2016, who could have thought her reign had over 500 days in it? She has the longest title reign in modern-day WWE history, something that should have more focus around it and treated like a bigger deal. Commentary did make multiple references before the match, so I may just be cynical, but it should be the biggest thing of the entire show — not just the pre-main event match.
The match started at 100 MPH when Moon got Asuka to the ground with multiple kicks. The momentum didn’t last long, however.
Asuka consistently worked Moon’s left arm, looking to ground her from using it for the Eclipse finisher. Interesting psychology to prevent the use of it.
Well, Moon used it, but Asuka kicked out, shockingly. That’s the first time anyone got out of it. If it was going to be anyone, it’s the Empress of Tomorrow. Moon’s reaction was fantastic, too, and sold the moment.
Moon kept fighting and trading moves with Asuka for the next few minutes. One Asuka Lock in the middle of the ring did the former Athena in, however.
What a match. That’s an understatement. What a fantastic match that was between the two most talented women of the NXT Women’s division.
This was Moon’s coming out party, even if took one year. She was always a good wrestler, but that was it. There wasn’t anything eye-popping or something that stood out to get the fans behind her. NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn III was the answer, as she put on her best match since joining developmental at TakeOver: Brooklyn II.
Moon couldn’t defeat Asuka. Frankly, no one should be able to in NXT. Let her run with the belt until WWE strips it from her, opening competition in the rest of the division while she goes to the main roster.
What if this belt goes to the Mae Young Classic winner? It would be an interesting way of getting it off Asuka, while immediately incorporating the new talent from the tournament.