For the first time in United States professional wrestling history, two Japanese Superstars hold the top two titles of a brand, with Shinsuke Nakamura winning the NXT title and Asuka retaining the NXT Women’s title by the end of NXT Takeover: Brooklyn II.
Nakamura, still undefeated in NXT, joined WWE in late February of this year after wrapping up his NJPW commitments. He made his first NXT appearance at NXT Takeover: Dallas in one hell of a match against Sami Zayn and from there on he cemented himself as one of the biggest, most charismatic Superstars in NXT history.
Asuka has been in NXT a little bit longer, appearing ringside at NXT Takeover: Brooklyn last year. She signed with WWE in September and made her first appearance on NXT television a few days later, debuting under her new name Asuka. She won the title at NXT Takeover: Dallas from Bayley and is positioned to be the one taking the Women’s division forward following Bayley’s imminent call-up to the main roster.
Hideo Itami, the man formerly known as Kenta, is also on the rise in NXT and had it not been for his year-long injury, things certainly would have been different for him. Itami made an appearance last night at Takeover and hit the popular GTS finisher on Austin Aries to send the crowd crazy.
Kota Ibushi is also set to light up NXT on fire as the popular cruiserweight will be wrestling for the brand after the Cruiserweight Classic tournament is over.
