Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Samoa Joe to Headline NXT TakeOver: Toronto

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Shinsuke Nakamura and Samoa Joe will have their rematch for the NXT Championship at NXT TakeOver: Toronto.

At NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn II, Shinsuke Nakamura won his first title in WWE by defeating Samoa Joe for the NXT Championship. This culminated the Japanese Sensation’s quick rise for the brand, which began with his April debut.

Since then, Joe has looked to take back his title, but by injuring Nakamura. He seemed to have reconciled with his foe, but turned around and brutally attacked him in September. This recently led to The King of Strong Style’s return to NXT, which saw him seek revenge for the incident. It seemed to set up the inevitable rematch between the two Superstars. WWE usually grants those who lose their belt a chance to get it back anyway.

Well, with NXT TakeOver: Toronto only about five weeks away, the main event has been set, according to NXT General Manager William Regal. He recently announced Nakamura vs. Joe for the NXT Championship.

Per @RealKingRegal, @ShinsukeN will defend the #NXTTitle against @SamoaJoe at #NXTTakeOver: Toronto! Get tickets: https://t.co/ncCKauqwqG pic.twitter.com/c4Q5jwMfaP

— WWE (@WWE) October 13, 2016

This is the first match announced for the TakeOver: Toronto match card. We already know that the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic will culminate at the show, but it’s unknown who will advance yet. Thursday’s NXT TV taping should give clarity to this.

Nakamura will get his first opportunity to defend the NXT Title after winning it nearly two months ago. He’ll likely walk into this as the favorite given NXT’s history of not doing a title change in the first defense. American Alpha vs. The Revival bucked the trend earlier this year, though.

As for Joe, could this be the end of him in NXT? We have seen a handful of stars from developmental leave after rematches, or simply having nothing else to do. Finn Balor departed after losing the NXT Championship and getting defeated by Nakamura. Most recently, Bayley lost her rematch to Asuka at NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn II, and debuted on the main roster two nights later. So, if The Samoan Submission Machine loses, this could mean a call-up is coming.

Will you be looking forward to this rematch at TakeOver: Toronto between Shinsuke Nakamura and Samoa Joe?