NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn III Asuka vs. Ember Moon

NXT Women’s Champion Asuka is not only faced by a worthy challenger at NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn III, but one that could spell the end of her historic title reign and undefeated streak. On Saturday, Aug. 19, at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, Ember Moon will challenge The Empress of Tomorrow for the NXT Women’s Title in a highly anticipated rematch.

It’s hard to bet against Asuka, who has thwarted every opponent thrown her way since arriving in NXT in 2015. However, there is one competitor who had her on the brink of defeat during their first encounter at TakeOver: Orlando in April. The supremely talented Moon was mere moments away from nailing Asuka with her devastating Eclipse finisher during the match, only for the champion to shove the referee into the ropes and claim victory once again.

The debate continues as to whether Asuka, perhaps fearful that getting hit with Moon’s Eclipse would spell the end of her historic title reign, pushed the referee on purpose. Either way, Moon will get another opportunity to try to hit her acclaimed Eclipse finishing move and end the Empress’ title reign.

It hasn’t been easy for Moon to get back to this point, having been sidelined for more than a month after Asuka, of all people, threw her through the ropes to the floor, injuring Moon’s shoulder and keeping her out of TakeOver: Chicago.

Moon has since returned with a vengeance, looking more determined than ever to capture the NXT Women’s Championship. As for the titleholder, she went on a brief hiatus following her epic title defense against Nikki Cross in a vicious Last Woman Standing Match. The champion made it clear that she wasn’t going to return until a challenger worthy of her time stepped up.

That challenger has since come forward and her name is Ember Moon. Can Moon do what no other woman has been able to do and take the title away from Asuka? Or will the NXT Women’s Champion continue her unprecedented title reign?