The stakes have been raised even higher for the huge main event of NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn, as NXT Champion Finn Bálor will defend his title against former champion Kevin Owens at the Barclays Center in a Ladder Match!

The rematch was originally announced by NXT General Manager William Regal at San Diego Comic-Con, where both Bálor and Owens took part in a packed panel presented by Mattel, featuring the unveiling of both Superstars’ first WWE action figures. It came hot on the heels of Bálor’s stunning championship victory in Tokyo. Just days after becoming the first competitor to pin Owens inside an NXT ring, Bálor returned to Japan, the country where he first made a name for himself as a competitor, donning his demonic war paint as he charged into battle against the brutish Owens. While Owens sought to slow down his otherworldly opposition, Bálor withstood Owens’ onslaught and crushed him with the Coup de Grace to become the NXT Champion.

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During the contract signing for the battle in Brooklyn, Owens attacked the NXT Champion, also striking Regal when the NXT General Manager tried to stop him. Owens apologized for his actions in a WWE.com exclusive video, but Regal made his feelings for the challenger clear.

Owens seized on Regal’s statements, claiming the NXT General Manager is out to prevent him from regaining the title. He said the only way to prevent another “Montreal Screwjob” is to hang the NXT Championship from the Barclays Center rafters and see who can retrieve it first. Bálor said he would take the match under any circumstances, so Regal made the Ladder Match official.

Watch Regal's reasoning for adding the stipulation

Will Finn Bálor prove that his victory in Tokyo wasn’t a fluke, or will Owens send The Demon back to the netherworlds and reassert his dominance over NXT? Find out at NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn on Saturday, Aug. 22 at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, only on the award-winning WWE Network!

Start your WWE Network free trial now and watch NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn on Aug. 22