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You know, there are so many pay-per-views we keep going back to, on the WWE Network. Royal Rumble 1992, for instance, when Ric Flair overcame the odds and stood tall in a star-studded lineup. Or even WrestleMania 30, where Daniel Bryan realized his destiny. Who can forget WrestleMania 25 and 26, when The Undertaker and Michaels made history?
We believe NXT Takeover: Philadelphia will rank in that elite club, going forward. The last two matches in particular, will have people coming back to it, and become the blueprint for the younger generation. NXT is a special brand, and the matches did deliver this week, in a big way.
It's time for our 'Best and Worst' countdown, as always, folks. Let us know in the comments below what you thought of the show.
As we've done several times in the past, let's begin at the very end.
#1 Best: Best NXT match ever?
Before this match even took place, there were quite a few souls on the internet putting it down. They were not convinced that Gargano and Almas belonged in the main event picture. We're glad to report that these two men (and their ladies) proved their detractors wrong. Presenting a 'Match of the Year' candidate.
These two men had been in two classic matches in the past. They stepped up their game even more so this week, and had a clash that will be remembered in the NXT annals. The crowd cried themselves hoarse chanting- 'Fight Forever'.
It is clear that both Gargano and Almas are destined for greatness. Kudos are also due for Zelina Vega and Candice LeRae who played their part quite admirably.
It is an often used and abused chant, but 'this was awesome'!
#1 Worst: No title changes
Perhaps the most admirable thing about NXT is how their performers have long title runs. At the same time, a Takeover event often signals and ushers in another era, with a new champion. When a title does change hands, the landscape of the promotion changes as well. Such was not the case at NXT Takeover: Philadelphia
Every Champion managed to retain their Championship in Philadelphia. The dynamics of the promotion did not really change at all, on this night. It was a great night of wrestling, but this remains a grouse nevertheless.
#2 Best: Another 'Match of the Year' candidate
Aleister Black and Adam Cole will be battered and bruised, on this special night. Yet, there will be a feeling of satisfaction, knowing that they stole the show at Takeover: Philadelphia.
This match was just as extreme as was advertised. The cameos from Fish/O'Reilly and SAnitY added a dimension of excitement to the match as well. Had it not been for the main event, we'd have been heaping a lot of praise on this amazing match.
So will Black go on to face Almas on Wrestlemania 34 weekend, then? That should be one amazing feud.
Adam Cole did suffer a loss, but we're certain it will not hinder his push at all.
#2 Worst: No Nigel McGuinness
Mauro Ranallo may be the best play-by-play announcer in all of wrestling today. However, without Nigel McGuinness on colour, he does not sound nearly as effective. Percy Watson tried his best, but even he has his limitations. It did not help that Ranallo muddled up a few names (Adam Black) on commentary.
We wish McGuinness a very speedy recovery from whatever's ailing him. He was definitely missed at TakeOver. Much like he does, we too hope he never misses another edition.
#3 Best: Ringside appearances
NXT has been on a hiring spree and it was great to see some of the names that we know they've signed at ringside. We've already mentioned Mrs. Gargano, Candice LeRae. War Machine, the tag team we know so well from NJPW and ROH was spotted at ringside too. As was Ricochet, one of the best high-flyers in the industry.
The biggest surprise of the night was none other than Dixie Carter's nephew (in kayfabe)- EC3. He got the biggest pop of the evening and could be a valuable edition to the NXT roster.
#3 Worst: Comparatively weaker
This match can be best compared to Jay White vs. Tanahashi at Wrestle Kingdom 12. Now that wasn't a bad match at all. However, there were so many other great matches on the card, that it fell by the wayside somehow. Such was the case with the Authors of Pain vs. The Undisputed ERA for the NXT Tag Team Championships too.
It did not help that this was a heel vs. heel contest. The audience did not know whom to root for, really. The finish did not deliver either, and overall, it was a disappointment.
#4 Best: The return of Ciampa
Tommaso Ciampa had been ruled out of action, thanks to an injury, not long ago. Well, he's back and he's out to destroy his former tag-team partner. Shortly after Gargano wrestled the match of his life, Ciampa came over to knock him out. Their ensuing feud should be a classic.
And that leads us to the end of this TakeOver review. We invite you to share your own thoughts about the event. Tell us if you agree or disagree with our assessment.
In conclusion, this was one of the best nights of wrestling in NXT history. We loved every second of it, despite all the 'Worsts' we've chronicled.
Join us in a few hours, for live coverage of the Royal Rumble as well!
