NXT Takeover delivered the goods yet again, as always. The Hall of Fame ceremony that transpired 24 hours before this event, set the tone for what looks to be a fabulous weekend of sports entertainment and NXT Takeover just raised the benchmark in quality.
No, it wasn't the best Takeover event we have seen, but it was definitely a solid show, not without its modest share of faults. In any case, let's go straight to Orlando and review the best and worst of Takeover.
#1 Best: The match of the night
There are some opponents who create magic every time they step through the ropes and face one another. Ricky Steamboat and Ric Flair. John Cena and AJ Styles. To an extent, even Charlotte Flair, and Sasha Banks. The Revival and #DIY have that kind of chemistry.
They were faced with mammoth expectations to outdo their previous classic, and in many respects they did. The Authors of Pain came along for the ride as well, and the fans were in for a real treat.
From trading finishers to a brilliant table spot, to several false finishes, this match had us at the edge of our seats at every moment. There was a point after #DIY got pinned, that the crowd began to boo the match.
However, it was more from disappointment at their favourites being eliminated, rather than a jab at the quality of the contest at hand. One or more of these teams may get called up in just a few days and the tag division in NXT will definitely suffer as a consequence.
The main roster desperately needs new teams, though, so all is not lost.
#1 Worst: Hilarious botches through the night
There were so many blunders through the night that it became tough to keep count. Announcer Nigel McGuinness referred to NXT as his previous place of employment, Ring of Honor. Old habits die hard we suppose. Moreover, Tom Phillips referred to The Authors of Pain, as the ‘Oscars’! Is no one missing Corey Graves yet?
Thankfully the biggest blunder of the night did not come from the commentators but from the ring announcer. He referred to The Authors of Pain as ‘NXT Champions’ before calling them the ‘NXT Tag Team Champions’, correcting himself. Looks like The Authors of Pain just became glorious!
#2 Best: Look who’s back home
The current WCPW champion and former WWE superstar Drew Galloway is back in WWE and will seemingly wrestle under the name- Drew McIntyre, in the NXT brand. Last year, Bobby Roode was in the stands and today he’s the world champion of the yellow brand.
Also read: Drew McIntyre re-signs with WWE
Will McIntyre be the man who carries NXT to the next level? Whatever the case may be, his comeback is exciting for all of us, as fans. It also means that even if Nakamura gets called up, the roster will still be star-studded indeed.
#2 Worst: Some terrible camera angles
It felt like the production crew needs to be sent back to development after the debacle that was NXT Takeover: Orlando, from a camera-angle standpoint. The cameras were focused in the wrong places during interesting spots and it became frustrating to watch after a point.
In their defence, the action was moving at breakneck speed, but this is still not done! Pedigrees for all of them, Hunter.
#3 Best: The stand-in for No Way Jose!
As we had reported a few hours ago, No Way Jose was taken out by SAnitY during a Facebook Live session, fuelling speculations that he wouldn't be a part of the match. According to the announcers, William Regal asked Dillinger, Strong and Riot to find a partner, and find a partner they did.
Kassius Ohno added star power to the opening contest and even though Tye Dillinger ate a pin-fall, it felt like a special match with Ohno’s inclusion. Sucks to be No Way Jose though, and miss out on such a big opportunity on WrestleMania weekend.
#3 Worst: No titles changed hands at Takeover
Imagine a WrestleMania without a single title changing hands! NXT Takeover on WrestleMania weekend is NXT’s version of WrestleMania and hence, it was disappointing to not see any titles change hands at the show.
While we understand the move from a long-term storytelling perspective, something to shake the status quo would have been welcome.
#4 Best: On this day, they see clearly
Definitely a mark out moment for everyone in the arena! We’ll see you in 24 hours with the Best and Worst of Wrestlemania 33. Signing off, until then.
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