WWE NXT: Ranking the Top 10 Women’s Title Matches of All-Time

9. Asuka vs. Mickie James (NXT TakeOver: Toronto)

Though stop-start booking has hindered Mickie James’ WWE return, it has brought a couple of memorable moments and none more so than this quite bizarre but intriguing clash of styles that battled over NXT gold. Coming in as a one-off opponent for Asuka, there was certainly a lot of pressure on James and that likely wasn’t helped by having to follow DIY’s classic opposite The Revival but even still, these two gelled nicely to create a very good match quite distinct in style and approach.

With real experience and a tremendous understanding of psychology, James thrives in matches with genuine gravity and that showed here, as she elevated the match’s meaning with every mannerism and facial expression. She was simply desperate to shock the world and that was a simple story but one worth watching as it that allowed for an action packed title match, even if one not overly lengthy or spectacular in its design. It was just a rock solid wrestling match with two assured performers very clear on what they planned to achieve.

For James it was the start of her eventual main roster return and though she’s probably not yet matched this effort, I’d imagine it’s still been a very fulfilling run at times. I don’t mean to ignore Asuka’s part in all of this either as she was exceptional as usual. But there will be more on ‘The Empress of Tomorrow’ soon.