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WrestleMania weekend is finally upon us ladies and gentlemen of sports entertainment. First up, coming a day earlier than usual was NXT TakeOver: New York. Much like always, it was an immensely enjoyable show. Much like always, I liked it a great deal.
When the show ended, one couldn't help but forget everything that had transpired because of the Johnny Gargano story arc. But the fact of the matter is that the show delivered in spades and then some. There were a few things I did not like, but I'm nitpicking.
Any of these worsts would be non-issues on a main roster pay-per-view. It's only because of the high standards that NXT has consistently set that I deem them to be a little disappointing.
But the main roster, you better be on your A-game tomorrow night to have a chance of competing with what we just witnessed.
#1 Best: Gargano finally achieves his destiny
Anyone who's followed the Ciampa-Gargano story arc knows how many times Johnny Gargano has come close to becoming the face of NXT and how many times he has failed to achieve the spot. This was the culmination of years of blood, sweat and incredible matches, with some tears thrown in too. NXT are excellent storytellers.
The main event was great and the atmosphere was absolutely electric from the moment that the two men entered the ring. The crowd could not decide if they preferred Adam Cole or Johnny Wrestling and hence, they chanted for both men. And in turn, the two men put on a performance like never before, wrestling their hearts out.
I loved the fact that Gargano overcame all odds himself. It made his victory seem even sweeter.
What a great start to WrestleMania weekend!
#1 Worst: Tommaso Ciampa misses out
NXT TakeOver: New York concluded with Tommaso Ciampa coming out to greet his former friend. He had seemingly turned face and had a MSG Curtain Call Moment with Candice LeRae and Johnny Gargano, during their special moment.
As heartwarming as the moment was, my only grouse with the whole deal is the fact that Ciampa has been a great heel thus far, and he should have been jealous and irate that Johnny Gargano won the title he covets so much. It should have consistently eaten him up on the inside, in my personal opinion.
But I'm calling this section a worst because the Gargano storyline should have concluded on WrestleMania weekend after he pinned Ciampa. This is not a knock on Adam Cole, who was great, but it was a very unfortunate way to bring the story full circle.
It's a shame that he got hurt.
#2 Best: The tag team title match
They say that the first blow is often half the battle, don't they? Well, Ricochet and Aleister Black certainly struck the first blow and it bled deep as they took on The War Raiders in an absolutely fantastic match. The makeshift team showed incredible chemistry as they took one another to the absolute limit.
The War Raiders won the match and I think it was the right call because Ricochet and Aleister Black are part of the main roster at this moment. I loved everything about the match, from the entrances to the fast-paced back and forth between the two amazing teams. But this match will be remembered for the emotional way it concluded.
Ricochet and Aleister Black said goodbye to NXT in front of a packed TakeOver audience. Ricochet was extremely tearful and even the stoic Black seemed moved and just a little overwhelmed.
#2 Worst: Not protecting the 'Last Shot'
I don't want to sound like Jim Cornette here, but there are far too many kick outs in pro wrestling these days, are there not? I mean the announcers made mention of the fact that Johnny Gargano was the first WWE Superstar to kick out of Adam Cole's 'Last Shot'. And then moments later, he kicked out of yet another Last Shot as well.
I understand the fact that Gargano had to look like Superman in this encounter. But I just thought that Adam Cole's finisher needed to be protected a little more, to protect his character. Did you think that as the main event progressed, the kick outs got far too ridiculous?
I'm all for evolving with the times, but there are a few things that are gospel when it comes to professional wrestling. And a finisher should more often than not, finish a match.
#3 Best: KUSHIDA
KUSHIDA has arrived in NXT and the landscape of the company is about to change forever. If you've watched him perform in New Japan Pro Wrestling, you know that he's been one of the most promising superstars in the company and he's certain to make a mark in NXT.
This signing is very important because a whole bunch of talent will be called up to either RAW or SmackDown Live shortly after WrestleMania 35 is in the books. There is absolutely no guarantee at all that he'll do well in the main roster, but chances are that he will catch fire in NXT.
It'll be much like it was with Nakamura, I'm guessing. While KUSHIDA will be used right in NXT, by the time he arrives on the main roster, he'll be thrust into a role that will make him an absolute joke.
Or am I overanalyzing this?
#3 Worst: Shayna Baszler retains her title
I have nothing against Shayna Baszler as a performer and I think she's one of the best crossover athletes the sport has ever known. I'll make a bold claim and say that she's even better as a sports entertainer than Ronda Rousey is.
I just thought that NXT had a chance to create a new Superstar in a division that has been dominated by one woman and they failed to capitalize on the opportunity at NXT TakeOver. The division will go back to being the same old drab, unexciting affair that it's been recently.
For Lex Luthor to truly be taken seriously, you needed Superman as well, and I believe that NXT is very short when it comes to protagonists for the antagonist that is Shayna Baszler. Will Candice LeRae be the next one to step up to the plate?
I can't think of anyone else, quite honestly.
#4 Best/worst: Pete Dunne's record reign comes to an end
I will admit that I haven't been following a lot of NXT UK in the lead up to the event. All I know about the promotion is that Pete Dunne was a record-setting champion. It was disappointing to see the reign come to an end. But what a way for it to close out!
Pete Dunne and Walter did not just have a match, they waged a war against each other. The two men showed each other no mercy as they put on a showcase for the ages. And just when you thought that Pete Dunne had the whole thing won, Walter delivered a splash and a new star was born.
Special marks to Nigel McGuinness who I thought was absolutely exceptional through the course of the contest. He told a great story of two great forces clashing in the middle of the ring.
As always, here's a completely unrelated picture of Alexa Bliss to end my article.
