Asuka defends the NXT Women's Championship against Peyton Royce, but has to keep an eye on Billie Kay at ringside. Video courtesy of the award-winning WWE Network.

Asuka’s historic NXT Women’s Champion reign remains intact. But, The Empress of Tomorrow was taken to the limit by Peyton Royce.

If nothing else, the cunning Royce showed that she clearly belongs in the title picture after giving Asuka a run for her money in a captivating championship contest.

Despite making a costly mistake by taunting the titleholder, The Venus Fly Trap managed to weather Asuka’s fiery comeback and nearly pick up the pinfall on multiple occasions. In the end, Asuka won via submission after forcing her challenger to tap out to the Asuka Lock.

After the match, Billie Kay entered the ring and began assaulting Asuka, with Royce soon joining in. Unfortunately for Royce and Kay, Ember Moon arrived to make the save and dispatch the devious duo.

Even though Moon saved Asuka from further damage, there was no feel-good moment afterward, as both Superstars stared each other down in a tense, yet extremely enticing moment.