WWE NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn II results - Asuka defeats a seemingly departing Bayley in a hard fought war

There probably aren’t too many performers or match-ups which could immediately re-engage a crowd after a match like The Revival’s victory over Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano at NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn II.

Bayley/Asuka II was definitely one of them.

The Hugster’s quest to regain the Women’t title she lost to the Empress of Tomorrow back in Dallas started well enough. Bayley came out fighting, but perhaps was a little too aggressive. She jumped face first into a knee early, and while B checked to make sure she still had all her teeth, Asuka laughed.

For a while after that, it was a beating the likes of which we haven’t seen since Kevin Owens beat Sami Zayn pillar-to-post at Rival.

Bayley wasn’t going out like that.

The two women traded strikes, submissions, pinning predicaments and more. Bayley was unable to cleanly land a couple of power manuevers, but she did scream for Asuka to hit her in the face, and fought out of the move which put her to sleep in Dallas, the Asuka Lock - not once, but twice. The champ also kicked out after a Hugplex.

The Empress nailed a head shot, and the Hugster just stood up and fastened her pony. But Asuka charged up and delivered two more shots, and that was it.

Sasha Banks and Becky Lynch were seated at ringside, and deflated much like the crowd had in Dallas. But here, there was more acceptance - and respect. The undefeated champion helped Bayley to her feet, and the warriors shared a hug. Asuka then left to let B share a moment with the NXT Universe.

It sure looks like the woman most closely associated with the brand is done. Embraces were shared with the other three horsewomen (Charlotte was there too, but seated separately for kayfabe purposes), her mother, and her biggest fan, Izzy.

She exited up the ramp, gesturing to the NXT logo and the crowd one last time.

Thank you Bayley, and long may Asuka reign - not sure who can beat her anyway.

For a complete rundown of the show with all of the match results, head over to the live blog here.