NXT Women's Champion Asuka and Mickie James take their hard-hitting title match outside the ring: Courtesy of the award-winning WWE Network.

Sometimes, comebacks are triumphant, a magical moment that is shared by both the returnee and those watching. Other times, they’re against Asuka, so the returnee simply hopes to survive.

Mickie James returned to WWE for the first time in six years to challenge the undefeated NXT Women’s Champion at NXT TakeOver: Toronto. The veteran James certainly did not tremor in the face of The Empress of Tomorrow, but that did not prevent Asuka from assaulting Mickie with a barrage of vicious strikes.

After much resistance and a valiant effort, Asuka defeated James with The Asuka Lock to defend the NXT Women’s Championship.

After the match, James offered a handshake to Asuka, but the titleholder instead chose to simply raise her championship in victory, making it clear to both James and the entire NXT Women’s division that the Empress’ reign was far from over.