Top to bottom, this is probably the most I've been entertained by a Takeover since 2014. NXT has been on a huge resurgence lately, and although there were a few misses on this show, it was all around a really strong effort.
- I've been a fan of Roderick Strong for a decently long time, but I haven't exactly been wowed by his work in NXT. That said, creative has killed it over the past months with his vignettes, building him as a true top face. Him out-thinking Sanity throughout his match with Eric Young was smart booking.
- Smoke 'em if you got 'em gents, because Tyler Bate and Pete Dunne got stole the freaking show. As a pure wrestling match, this is the best I've seen in a while, but it was so much more than that. Both guys had the crowd invested throughout, not an easy task, and sold their mutual hatred to perfection. It's incredible how young both of these guys are(20 and 23 respectively), given they may have put on the best match ever at a Takeover. Where the UK competitors go from here is up in the air, but color me impressed on this night.
- It's unfortunate how far the women's division on NXT has fallen. It was a big blow when Ember Moon got hurt, as she was the only true rival for Asuka at this point. We've seen this style of match plenty of times, and Asuka pinning both Riot and Cross felt totally unnecessary.
- I love Hideo Itami's work, and I'm so glad he's seems to finally back to full health. I was also very pleased that his match with Bobby Roode wasn't the main event, as I've had enough of Roode main-eventing. This was a solid match, nothing spectacular, as the poor run of NXT Championship matches continues.
- What words can describe these tag team matches that haven't been used already? Time and time again, the tag teams steal the show, and had Pete Dunne-Tyler Bate not happened earlier in the night, that streak certainly would've continued. That said, props to all four guys, as they all took some wicked bumps throughout the match. Honestly, AOP could just sell for Ciampa and Gargano jumping off ladders five times, and it would be good enough for a four-star match. Also, shout-out to Paul Ellering for an incredible sell of Gargano's superkick.
- As good as that match was, all anyone wants to talk about is what happened afterward. In my opinion, Ciampa's turn on Gargano was far better than anything relating to Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn, as their characters and friendship were very well established. This beatdown was absolutely brutal, and Johnny Wrestling sold this betrayal to perfection. I did here some complaints about breaking up an awesome tag team, but honestly, top of the line singles guys will always have priority over tag team guys. And that's where we're at now. Ciampa and Gargano could easily headline a few Takeovers with this blood feud, that's how good this was.
9/10
I'll end on a positive note here, as I enjoyed the hell out of this show. Hopefully, Backlash is knocked out of the park later today, and we can have a great weekend of wrestling. Optimism, people. Also, f*** you Ciampa.
- I've been a fan of Roderick Strong for a decently long time, but I haven't exactly been wowed by his work in NXT. That said, creative has killed it over the past months with his vignettes, building him as a true top face. Him out-thinking Sanity throughout his match with Eric Young was smart booking.
- Smoke 'em if you got 'em gents, because Tyler Bate and Pete Dunne got stole the freaking show. As a pure wrestling match, this is the best I've seen in a while, but it was so much more than that. Both guys had the crowd invested throughout, not an easy task, and sold their mutual hatred to perfection. It's incredible how young both of these guys are(20 and 23 respectively), given they may have put on the best match ever at a Takeover. Where the UK competitors go from here is up in the air, but color me impressed on this night.
- It's unfortunate how far the women's division on NXT has fallen. It was a big blow when Ember Moon got hurt, as she was the only true rival for Asuka at this point. We've seen this style of match plenty of times, and Asuka pinning both Riot and Cross felt totally unnecessary.
- I love Hideo Itami's work, and I'm so glad he's seems to finally back to full health. I was also very pleased that his match with Bobby Roode wasn't the main event, as I've had enough of Roode main-eventing. This was a solid match, nothing spectacular, as the poor run of NXT Championship matches continues.
- What words can describe these tag team matches that haven't been used already? Time and time again, the tag teams steal the show, and had Pete Dunne-Tyler Bate not happened earlier in the night, that streak certainly would've continued. That said, props to all four guys, as they all took some wicked bumps throughout the match. Honestly, AOP could just sell for Ciampa and Gargano jumping off ladders five times, and it would be good enough for a four-star match. Also, shout-out to Paul Ellering for an incredible sell of Gargano's superkick.
- As good as that match was, all anyone wants to talk about is what happened afterward. In my opinion, Ciampa's turn on Gargano was far better than anything relating to Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn, as their characters and friendship were very well established. This beatdown was absolutely brutal, and Johnny Wrestling sold this betrayal to perfection. I did here some complaints about breaking up an awesome tag team, but honestly, top of the line singles guys will always have priority over tag team guys. And that's where we're at now. Ciampa and Gargano could easily headline a few Takeovers with this blood feud, that's how good this was.
9/10
I'll end on a positive note here, as I enjoyed the hell out of this show. Hopefully, Backlash is knocked out of the park later today, and we can have a great weekend of wrestling. Optimism, people. Also, f*** you Ciampa.
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