It’s incredibly difficult to do a best and worst of any NXT TakeOver indeed. The simple reason for the same is that each TakeOver show invariably always delivers. Doesn’t matter who's on the card, there’s a certain standard that is always maintained at a TakeOver event.
So picking a ‘worst’ from a TakeOver event is more difficult than taking on Brock Lesnar in a real life fight. While we have managed to pick a few points that we are unhappy with, bear in mind that we are nitpicking.
Follow our WWE Royal Rumble 2017 Results and live coverage
Before we start our countdown, let’s just say that we're happy to report that Royal Rumble weekend has started with a bang! Rather, with a ‘glorious bomb’.
#1 Best: Brand new NXT Champion
Let’s face it. If there’s one superstar who does not need a belt because of his charisma, it is Shinsuke Nakamura. While fans may be dismayed about him dropping the title, bear in mind that he’s held on to the championship for two reigns now, and we’ve revelled as subjects in the Kingdom of Strong Style.
Bobby Roode changes the dynamics at the top of the food chain in NXT and looks like a legitimate contender to carry the brand as well as the company into the future.
We liked how the booking did not make Nakamura look weak, but instead made it seem like he dropped the belt by getting injured from a freak accident. It took two Glorious Bombs and a Half Boston Crab to do it.
Does this mean that Nakamura will be appearing in the Royal Rumble? We should find out in about 24 hours from now. For now, let’s see where the Roode-Nakamura rivalry eventually leads.
#1 Worst: No more Corey Graves
NXT is like a pit-stop for every superstar before they go to the main roster.
In that sense, every single call-up is heartbreaking in its own way. This one hit us especially hard though. Corey Graves, who is in many ways, the voice of NXT, announced that he will no longer be associated with the brand.
Currently, he juggles between Raw and 205 Live. If there’s ever an NXT Hall of Fame, he should be the first inductee. We’re sure that his replacement Nigel McGuinness will do a stellar job in his absence, but it won't be the same really.
#2 Best: Every single match delivered!
The card for the show, going into the event, looked a little weaker than a TakeOver traditionally is. The lack of bigger stars ensured that the talent that did make it, stepped up to the plate!
From the opening bell to the closing of the show, the event was jam-packed with absolutely stunning wrestling.
From the crowd-pleasing Tye Dillinger vs. Eric Young contest, to the hard hitting Strong vs. Almas encounter, to the breathtaking tag team and women’s title matches, to the psychology-driven main event, each match on the TakeOver card was worth its weight in gold.
While we usually hate these chants, THIS WAS AWESOME CLAP-CLAP-CLAPCLAPCLAP!
#2 Worst: Very short title reign for #DIY
#DIY’s reign as tag team champions ended before they could get into the groove, quite honestly. The two men proved that they can put on a great show even without the presence of the Revival with a hard hitting, breathtaking match on this glorious night in San Antonio.
We understand protecting The Authors of Pain, but did #DIY have to end their title reign this soon? The good news is that even the Authors of Pain looked like they’ve significantly improved inside the ring.
Will #DIY reclaim the tiles at the Wrestlemania weekend TakeOver?
#3 Best: Breathtaking ring entrances
Bobby Roode came to the ring accompanied by 8 beautiful women, clad in a fancy robe, reminiscent of The Nature Boy Ric Flair before he had faced Ricky Steamboat for their classic encounter in WCW.
Nakamura came to the ring in a pretty epic looking cart. There were fireworks and pyrotechnics during other entrances as well. The crowd played their part too, singing along or chanting ‘10’ through the night.
The whole evening had a big fight feel, and it looked like the Royal Rumble weekend had officially begun.
#3 Worst: Percy Watson
Percy Watson is worse than David Otunga, and that's saying something. Why does NXT want to take away the magic of a two man announce booth and bring in this man, who adds almost nothing of value? WWE continues to astound us all.
#4 Best: The Seth Rollins run in
Seth Rollins has been on the hunt for Triple H for many months now. Why wouldn't he simply attend NXT events then, where Triple H is always to be found?
Logic finally shone on ‘The Man' who showed up to confront The Game, who promptly called for security to take him away. This was a super cool distraction and a nice way to spice things up in an already exciting show.
In conclusion, this show was as cool as being led to the ring by 8 super hot women. Main roster, hope you are taking notice here.
Send us news tips at [email protected]
