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Is it possible to have a bad NXT TakeOver event? We ask this question time and time again, but every single TakeOver event just seems to raise the bar. While this may not have been the best TakeOver I have seen, it was still a great show. Yet, it was not perfect.
Let me preface this by saying that I felt that there was a lot more to like about the show than the negatives I've noted here. TakeOvers remind you why you decided to become wrestling fans, to begin with. They are an oasis of quality in an era of unfortunate mediocrity.
What did you think of the show? As always, I invite you to leave a comment and let me know if you think SummerSlam can overshadow what we've just witnessed.
If the main roster can match the quality of this show, then we're in for a treat.
#1 Best: The main event
This would be the third time in a row that Ciampa and Gargano would main event a TakeOver event. And for the third time in a row, they stole the show. There were spots that made me wince and close my eyes because of just how brutal they looked. But what a story the two men told, as they took each other to the limit!
Even the finish was a thing of beauty. Even though it seemed like Gargano had the match well in control, it was fantastic how they booked Ciampa to win, while not making Gargano look week. The pacing of this match was immaculate and the chemistry was just extraordinary.
How about that spot where Ciampa piled everything on top of Gargano. He didn't want his arch nemesis to get up at any cost!
Even if they fight a hundred times, I know Ciampa and Gargano will make their matches exciting.
#1 Worst: What could have been
Maybe some of you will call this nitpicking, but Black's injury came at a terrible time. In my opinion, had Black been a part of this match, he would have added a whole new flavour to the contest. As good as the main event was, it wasn't as fresh as the first time the two men waged war. Black was a very critical missing ingredient.
Let's wish Black a very speedy recovery. I hope he is thrust right back into this storyline, upon his big return.
#2 Best: Two other phenomenal contests
Let's assume for a moment that the main event was a total dud. Even then, the show would not have necessarily been a bummer. In my opinion, there were two other solid matches on the card- Ricochet vs. Adam Cole for the North American Championship and The Undisputed ERA vs. Moustache Mountain for the NXT Tag Team Championships.
And that's not to take away from the two other matches, which were really good. But these two matches and the main event really stood out to me. I'm sure they will be discussed in great detail, on social media for the near, foreseeable future.
#2 Worst: Not enough fresh matches
The Undisputed ERA and Moustache Mountain have been at war right from the UK Tournament in London. The same can be said for Mae Young Classic finalists Kairi Sane and Shayna Baszler. And Ciampa and Gargano have been competing right from the Cruiserweight Classic tournament.
While the performances over delivered, I felt that the card could have been fresher. It would have made the event even more enjoyable. I have a feeling the lack of fresh matches did adversely affect it.
#3 Best: Look who's at ringside, bro
Matt Riddle is one of the most exciting superstars in the world. An established MMA fighter, he has made a name for himself in EVOLVE and PWG. And much like the rumour mills speculated, he has arrived in NXT. The future should be quite spectacular for the man!
How far will the King of Bros go in the black and yellow brand? Only time will tell for sure!
#3 Worst: Too many Kickouts?
I guess kicking out of the finisher is a trait of modern wrestling. I had a chance to speak to Jake the Snake Roberts not long ago, and he told me that every time you kick out of a finisher, you make the move absolutely meaningless. This happened both during the opening contest, as well as the Tag Team title match. The Undisputed ERA kicked out of both the Tyler Driver and the Seven Star Lariat.
This was a pet peeve during an otherwise awesome show.
#4 Best/worst: New North American Champion
Adam Cole has hardly defended his title since he won it two TakeOvers ago. And after a spectacular contest, Ricochet won it from him. I thought Cole needed more wins during his reign, to establish this title as something prestigious.
That said, I am quite happy for Ricochet. I am sure he will take the belt to new heights. And I mean this quite literally, with his outstanding aerial assault.
I am okay with Kairi Sane's win. Does this mean that Cole and Baszler will be called up to the main roster very soon?
Here's a picture of a very jubilant champion!
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