The NXT Universe witnesses the rise of the new NXT Women's Champion.

The Empress of Tomorrow is the champion of today.

For 223 days, Bayley valiantly fought off every challenger who threatened to stop her NXT Women’s Championship reign. At NXT TakeOver: Dallas, however, the beloved standard-bearer of NXT’s women’s division ran into a destroyer named Asuka.

In this first-time match-up, both women were cautious at the start, trying to figure out their opposition. Asuka was the first to connect with a big assault, nailing Bayley with a hip attack. A second attempt at the hip attack, this time through the ropes, was well-scouted by Bayley, who dodged the move and then took control. The NXT Women’s Champion then battered Asuka with an elbow drop, a top-rope hurricanrana and a cross body block.

The Empress of Tomorrow shot back with sharp kicks, including one that visibly dazed Bayley, but Bayley returned fire, wrenching Asuka’s knee with a dragon screw leg whip. Bayley then sank in the same submission hold she used to make Sasha Banks tap out at TakeOver: Respect, yet Asuka escaped.

A subsequent Bayley-to-Belly attempt was blocked, and after nailing the champion with a spin kick, Asuka applied the Asuka Lock. Bayley tried desperately to save her title reign and reach the ropes, but was unable to do so. After a prolonged time in the hold, Bayley appeared to pass out, leaving the referee no choice but to signal for the bell.

As the NXT Universe processed the shocking turn of events, Asuka was awarded the NXT Women’s Title, ushering in a new era for NXT’s acclaimed division.