The main event of NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn II pitted two of the company's biggest stars against each other in any epic encounter.

Samoa Joe defended his NXT Championship against Shinsuke Nakamura as the two were finally face-to-face with no security to protect either one.

The King of Strong Style just about edged out The Samoan Submission Specialist but the fallen champion may have suffered more than just a title loss.

Legitimate injury?

Samoa Joe received help from officials following his match (image: ringsidenews.com)
Samoa Joe received help from officials following his match (image: ringsidenews.com)

Nakamura's finisher looks brutal and Joe will probably tell you if feels even worse as he is believed to have sustained a broken jaw.

The challenger struck the face of the champion in the closing stages of the match but in testament to the sheer will of the former Total Nonstop Action performer he kicked out.

While recovering the official made sure he was fit to continue as he was noticeably checking his jaw as if to suggest discomfort.

It took a second Kinshasa to finally put Joe away and minutes later the referee raised an "X" symbol to notify backstage that a legitimate injury was suffered and that help was needed.

The officials offered their help, but the heavyweight refused ushering them away as he trudged backstage, keeping in character throughout.

Whether or not it was an act to give the now former champion some time off remains to be seen but it does not seem likely that the company would go to such extreme lengths.

Samoa Joe to the main roster

Could Samoa Joe be heading to the main roster soon? (image: joel lampkin)
Could Samoa Joe be heading to the main roster soon? (image: joel lampkin)

While speculation regarding Joe's status health-wise will continue to linger on another question seems to be swirling around and refuses to cease also.

The longest reigning Ring of Honor champion is no spring chicken at 37-years-old and has achieved all there is in NXT after dropping the title.

With Nakamura leading the line for the next few months at least, providing Joe is healthy a rematch could be his last match in the developmental brand.

The Samoan would be a huge addition to either Monday Night Raw or SmackDown Live and with so many performers that the submission specialist has never faced, would be a huge coup for the New Era.

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About the author
Joel Lampkin
Sports Journalist from Chester University, Professional wrestling writer. Contact [email protected]