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When NXT hosts one of their TakeOver events, they are usually some of the best events of the year. NXT TakeOver: WarGames has always been one of the most awaited events of the year for the Black and Yellow brand.
This year was no different, as from the start to the finish, there was match-after-match, filled with moment after moment, that could be argued to be some of the best of the year.
The NXT TakeOver was one of the best of the year and saw a heel turn, a former WWE main roster Superstar return to TakeOvers successfully for the first time since 2016, a title contender for Survivor Series determined, incredible odds overcome by an underdog team, and a crazy main event that shortened everyone's career.
This TakeOver had a little bit of everything, for every person who watched it. Welcome to the Best and Worst, WarGames edition. Without any further ado, let's take a look at the best and the worst moments from the night.
#5 Best: Finn Balor is Prince Devitt
Let's get this clear right away. On this TakeOver: WarGames, Finn Balor clearly showcased why he was underrated when he was on the main roster. Taking on a big name like Matt Riddle, he did not have an easy time getting back on the first NXT TakeOver that he was a part of since 2016 when he went to the main roster.
While Balor had his work cut out for him, it was the only slow match that built up the match with a slow burn and it worked. The contrast with the rest of the matches helped to set it apart, making sure that the fans had the time to appreciate each moment of the match and not just a spot-fest. The technical brilliance put on display by both wrestlers in the match was reminiscent of a match from back in the day.
Finn Balor cemented his name as the victor followed by an excellent 1916 DDT to pick up the win. When Johnny Gargano finally returns from injury, that's going to be quite the feud to look out for.
#4 Worst: Shayna Baszler looks weak
Let's be clear, this NXT TakeOver did not really have any weak spots. There might have been only two points in the entire show that might be pointed out as 'worsts', and one of them saw a champion to be extremely weak.
Shayna Baszler had the entire advantage in the opening WarGames match to start the show. Due to circumstances that I will be coming to later in this article, Team Baszler had the 4-on-2 advantage on Team Ripley, with only Rhea Ripley and Candice LeRae facing Shayna Baszler, Io Shirai, Bianca Belair, as well as Kay Lee Ray. However, once the match was done, the winner was none other than Team Ripley.
Somehow, Rhea Ripley had been able to overcome the numbers and the two of them were able to defeat all four of their opponents. While this was a great story of an underdog victory told, it should be noted that Baszler is the NXT Women's Champion and she was the one who got the loss for her team, when they had a clear advantage. This makes her look less than strong and as the champion that is never the best thing.
#3 Best: Dakota Kai turns to the dark side
Dakota Kai was the epitome of innocence and all that was good during her original time on the NXT roster. She has always been the babyface favorite who has never really managed to break through, with others taking advantage of her to use her and get by.
When it came to selecting the WarGames teams, she was overlooked yet again and was left disappointed, when Tegan Nox was included on the team by Ripley while she was completely ignored.
However, on the night, following an injury to Mia Yim in a backstage attack, she had to step in. It was her chance. Except, she did not want it. When it came to her turn to enter the ring, she turned back and assaulted Tegan Nox. Viciously.
Not only did she take her out, but she also obliterated her previously injured leg using the cage to batter it continuously. The assault was merciless and when William Regal tried to stop her, she attacked the General Manager as well.
Kai left her team with a 2-on-4 disadvantage, and while they were able to overcome, it's safe to say she has turned to the dark side.
#2 Worst: Damian Priest's slow offense
Let's get this out of the way again. Damian Priest is an incredible competitor on NXT. He has done more than his share on a regular basis to earn a spot on the TakeOver card. However, when it came to his triple threat match between Pete Dunne and Killian Dain, he was also the weak spot on the match.
While Dain and Dunne more than made up for the slow offense, it was noticeable at different spots when Priest was not really at the same level as his two opponents. In a year's time, he might be able to be one of the best Superstars on the roster, but it felt sort of like he was fighting out of his weight class.
Thankfully, this was not too highlighted and for the most part, the match was still able to deliver on another level, in a way that only TakeOver matches can.
#1 Best: Kevin Owens
On Monday Night RAW, Kevin Owens found himself attacked brutally by The Undisputed Era following an already ruthless match against Drew McIntyre. He was taken apart and beaten down by Cole and his followers.
However, he had the opportunity to take revenge and he seized it. At TakeOver: WarGames, when the time came for the mysterious fourth man of Team Ciampa to make his way out to the ring, Kevin Owen's music played, much to the shock of everyone involved.
He dominated the match for the most part after entering, although he still took a couple of big bumps as well, including a Destroyer in the middle of the two rings on the steel strip that joins the rings together.
He played a crucial part in the match and his involvement made the already big WarGames match seem even bigger and took it to the next level. Kevin Owens was back on NXT, where he had first made his name in WWE, and his return came in style.
The entire pay-per-view was one of the best of the year so far, and now Survivor Series will have a difficult time doing better than this.
Head over to the Sportskeeda WWE page, where you can leave your ratings and comments on the matches.
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