NXT has really turned a corner in recent months, a far cry from where they were just a year ago. Most Takeover shows are at least good for at least a little entertainment value, but I feel they keep missing that one crucial element to put it over the top. Although there were issues with this show, I think this is one of the strongest top to bottom cards the brand has put forth in a long time.
- Remember when Kassius Ohno returning to NXT was supposed to be a big deal? I sure don't. On a brand where almost everyone has been booked well over the past few months, he stands out as one of NXT's only failures. I can't say I know a lot about Lars Sullivan, but I liked what I saw and would want to watch more, so that's a good thing.
- If you had told me that a man named the Velveteen Dream would become one of the best acts on the NXT or any roster, I would've laughed you out of the building. On this night, he displayed every aspect of the star he is sure to become. Patrick Clark is a man that just gets pro wrestling in a way that few do. His psychology, selling and overall charisma are top notch, and at only 22 years old, he's already one of the most well rounded performers in the business. This feud with Aleister Black was built totally around Mr. Dream, with his performance being crucial to the success of the angle. He played it perfectly, and Black's acknowledgment of his name got as over as just about anything on the night. Just can't say enough good things about this man.
- Not that Black performed poorly, or anything. He's cooled off since his initial debut, but once he moves to a main event program, he'll be one of the top stars on the show. That DDT sell was ridiculous.
- On a night with so much incredible wrestling, it's really unfortunate that the women of NXT were pushed to the background. Their fatal four way match was fine, and the big spots were cool, but it never once hit that next level. Ember as champ is well deserved, but she'll need some major character work before she can carry the division.
- Speaking of character work, it's a real shame what's gone down with Drew McIntyre. His push to the NXT Championship was very mistimed, and his win only accentuated how bland of a face he is. There was a lot of talk surrounding the finish of this match, as McIntyre appeared to get his knee caught in the ropes. If it's real, then it's obviously very unfortunate for Drew, although it could be a blessing in disguise, as a big return from injury could be exactly the fire he needs. UPDATE: It appears that McIntyre has suffered an arm injury, not a knee injury like I originally suspected. Best of luck to him.
- Let's talk about Andrade Almas. This is a guy that couldn't even make the card in Chicago, now crowned NXT Champion just six months later. What a ride, and well deserved, as Almas is one of the better workers on the brand. His work with Zelina Vega has been top notch, and really showcased his ranged as a performer. His run at the top could be quite interesting, although I do fear he could be just a transitional champion.
- Ironically, I think I have the least to say about the main event, the match the entire card was named after. The structure itself looked cool, although not very much like the original design. The match itself was a crazy, nonsensical car crash, but it needed to be a crazy, nonsensical car crash, so it worked. Establishing Cole as a top guy is absolutely the right call, and let's just hope none of the competitors suffered any long term injuries from it(that gash on the back of Alexander Wolfe's head looked NASTY).
8/10
Black/Dream and the main event carry an otherwise mostly forgettable show, which is a shame. With two new champions crowned, it's clear NXT is heading into a new horizon. There's plenty of room from improvement, but I have confidence in Based Haitch, and am looking forward to Philly.
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