Asuka vs. Bayley: Winner and Reaction from NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn II

In a rematch of their first-ever battle at NXT TakeOver: Dallas, NXT Women's champion Asuka once again defeated Bayley Saturday at NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn II to retain the title.

While Bayley turned in a valiant effort, Asuka proved to be too much, and she prevailed after taking out the former champ with a kick to the head, as seen in this GIF from WWE:

Asuka embraced Bayley after the match before Bayley received chants from the fans and hugged Sasha Banks, Becky Lynch and Charlotte in a moment that looked to be her NXT swansong:

The Empress of Tomorrow initially beat Bayley for the belt just days before WrestleMania, but the rematch was delayed until Saturday due to an injury angle that saw Nia Jax temporarily take Bayley out and ascend to the No. 1 contender spot.

Asuka defeated Jax at NXT TakeOver: The End, and Bayley recovered shortly thereafter to earn a rematch for the title that she won a year earlier in Brooklyn, New York.

While things were initially cordial between Asuka and Bayley, their rivalry heated up during the build toward NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn II with Asuka taking on an even more aggressive persona that bordered on villainous.

She attempted to intimidate Bayley, but as seen in this video courtesy of WWE's official Twitter account, the usually bubbly Superstar refused to back down:

Brooklyn was the site of Bayley's greatest victory and finest moment last year, as she defeated Sasha Banks for the NXT Women's Championship in a bout that many considered to be among the best in all of wrestling in 2015.

Asuka made it clear prior to Saturday's event that history wouldn't repeat itself, per WWE Universe on Twitter:

Rather than folding, Bayley vowed to use Asuka's words against her in one of the biggest women's matches in NXT history:

A Bayley victory in Brooklyn for the second year in a row would have made for an amazing moment and story, but it didn't come to fruition, which suggests greater plans are at work.

Bayley made her WWE main roster debut at Battleground as Sasha's mystery partner against Charlotte and Dana Brooke, and her loss Saturday could mean that a permanent call-up is on the horizon.

She is undoubtedly deserving and ready for the honor, and as Asuka proved once again at NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn II, the women's division is in good hands regardless.

For more wrestling talk, listen to Ring Rust Radio for all of the hot topics or catch the latest episode in the player below (warning: some language NSFW).

Follow @MikeChiari on Twitter.