Asuka def. Bayley (NXT Women’s Championship)
As great as the vibe was for the Zayn-Nakamura match, this one opened with a good feeling, too, as was to be expected with Bayley in the ring. The match starts with the nice, slow pace of big-time title matches, and two women open trading arm locks and holds. That theme continued throughout the match, as the competitors put on a technical showcase that nicely blended Bayley’s Hurrican Ranas and submission holds with Asuka’s vicious striking. Asuka also transitioned one of the champion’s guillotine holds to an ankle lock of her own that left Bayley limping. Bayley managed to surprise Asuka with a leg bar that she rolled into an ankle lock, but Asuka answered with an arm bar. After a couple more minutes of exchanged offense, Asuka corrals the champ for an arm bar transitioned to an Asuka Lock for the win after Bayley eventually passes out.
The NXT women’s division continues to impress, and it really shows the quality of the development and talent identification program that the WWE has in place there. Even after three top performers got called up to the main roster in Charlotte, Sasha Banks and Becky Lynch, the NXT women still put on an incredible title match on the promotion’s top stage. It’s somewhat anti-climactic to see a fan-favorite champion lose by submission without tapping, but these types of finishes need to be mixed in from time to time. Plus, fans can take solace that Bayley will be fighting under the bright lights of the main roster soon.
Another superstar from outside the WWE is spotted in the crowd, this time former TNA champion Bobby Roode, who recently ended his time with the company.
Bayley gives us a HUGE update on a top Superstar's upcoming return RIGHT HERE.
