NXT women’s champion Asuka suffers injury at NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn III

Just as fans thought they were getting ready for an Asuka call-up to the main roster, the NXT women’s champion suffered an injury at TakeOver on Saturday.

NXT women’s champion Asuka has dominated throughout her run in NXT, literally remaining undefeated since her debut on WWE’s developmental brand. However, after staying healthy for most of her tenure in the ring, she suffered a setback at NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn III.

In her title defense against Ember Moon on Saturday night at the Barclays Center, Asuka reportedly broke her collarbone, according to WWE.com, after an awkward fall on a throw from Moon in the match. Asuka kept her undefeated streak alive in the match, but it looks like it came with a price.

Doctors tended to Asuka after the match, and it looks like some pretty bad news had to be delivered to the champion after her big win over Moon.

“During the match, she landed awkwardly from a throw from Ember Moon and was able to complete the match, but had notable pain and discomfort,” Dr. Jeffrey Westerfield said. “We performed an initial ultrasound backstage that was highly suspicious of a break that was later confirmed by an X-ray.”

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Westerfield told WWE.com that the recovery time for an injury like Asuka’s is about 6-8 weeks, which would ironically could have Asuka returning to the ring for the two-year anniversary of her NXT debut.

We don’t know what will happen next for the NXT women’s title, but this injury could be a blessing in disguise for the champion. Other women will have to step up in Asuka’s absence, and if they decide to vacate the belt, Asuka could get called up to the main roster upon her return in October or November without having to drop the belt in a true loss.