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NXT TakeOver XXX is officially in the history books and what a great show it was. As has been the trend with NXT TakeOvers, the show had some amazing matches, great storytelling, and ended up building multiple new top Superstars for the brand.
While it was certainly not the best NXT TakeOver in history, there was hardly anything significant to complain about. Being the thirtieth edition of NXT TakeOver, it was a monumental show for the Black and Gold brand and hence had several top moments. Two titles changed hands, while one Champion was successful in retaining.
In a nutshell, if you've missed the show due to any reason, you should take some time and watch it. But in any case, I've got you covered as I present the Best and Worst of NXT TakeOver XXX. Keep in mind that this is just my opinion and you could have a completely different one than mine and still enjoy the product.
#1 Best: Karrion Kross is the new NXT Champion; Keith Lee possibly moving to main roster
The biggest talking point coming out of NXT TakeOver XXX is the crowning of the new NXT Champion Karrion Kross, who defeated Keith Lee in a stellar main event to get his hands on the top prize. As much as some fans might not be happy to see The Limitless One's title reign ending so quickly, I think Karrion Kross needed this victory much more than Keith Lee.
Karrion Kross has been on a path of destruction ever since his arrival and with this victory, he is at the top of the NXT mountain. Be sure to check out my analysis of the main reasons why Karrion Kross is the new NXT Champion.
Now, it would be interesting to see what is next Keith Lee after dropping the title to Karrion Kross. Could this be the end of Lee's time in NXT and will we see him move to the main roster soon? There is definitely a huge chance of that.
#1 Worst: Wasted opportunity with Sasha Banks and Bayley at NXT TakeOver XXX
One of the most interesting things tonight on NXT TakeOver XXX was the appearance of multiple main roster Superstars who were there to witness the action on the black and gold brand of WWE. One-half of the SmackDown Tag Team Champions, Cesaro, was seen in the crowd and even the WWE Champion Drew McIntyre joined the commentary team briefly.
But the biggest cameo was made by Sasha Banks and Bayley, the two women who hold all the Women's gold on the main roster of WWE. But I was disappointed to see NXT not use this opportunity and have someone from their roster have a face-off with the Golden Role Models.
Sasha Banks and Bayley are scheduled to defend their WWE Women's Tag Team titles at Payback next Sunday against an unknown team and tonight was a great opportunity to set up a match with a tag team from NXT. The newly formed team of Shotzi Blackheart and Rhea Ripley would have been perfect for that, but it wasn't the case and I think NXT wasted a massive opportunity in that regard.
#2 Best: Damian Priest becomes the new NXT North American Champion
The North American Championship was on the line at NXT TakeOver XXX as Bronson Reed, Damian Priest, Johnny Gargano, Velveteen Dream, and Cameron Grimes took on each other in a thrilling ladder match. There were so many spots and moments where it looked like anyone could win the match.
Ultimately, it was the Archer of Infamy, Damian Priest who battled it out with Gargano, before throwing him off to become the new North American Champion. It was about time Priest got his hands on gold in NXT.
While many in the NXT Universe were rooting for Bronson Reed to win the match, the Thicc Boi of NXT came up a bit short, but still had a great showing. The match overall was amazing and with Damian Priest as the new champion, it would be interesting to see who does he feud with next? Judging by the finish, Gargano could claim that he was the actual winner, setting up a feud between the two.
Or maybe Finn Balor could get himself in the North American title scene. Remember, the Prince defeated Priest at NXT TakeOver: In Your House.
#1 Worst: Mauro Ranallo missing from the commentary at NXT TakeOver XXX
Hours before NXT TakeOver XXX, it was announced that former NXT Superstar and current SmackDown commentator Corey Graves would be returning to commentary for NXT TakeOver XXX. While it was great to see Graves back, especially because he called the first-ever TakeOver as well, I really missed Mauro Ranallo on commentary tonight.
The commentary team at NXT TakeOver XXX consisted of Corey Graves, Beth Phoenix, and Vic Joseph. While the trio didn't do a bad job, they could not hype the action in the ring to the extent that Mauro Ranallo does. The NXT North American championship ladder match had several moments that deserved a "Mamma Mia" but Mauro Ranallo wasn't there.
Triple H mentioned that Corey Graves literally begged and pleaded to be a part of NXT TakeOver XXX and while it looked like we'll see him and Mauro Ranallo call the action together, that was not the case.
After the comments of Corey Graves on Mauro Ranallo last year, it is understandable as to why he decided to step back and miss the show.
#3 Best: Pat McAfee impresses on his NXT debut
One of the most talked-about matches heading into NXT TakeOver XXX was the clash between Adam Cole (Bay Bay) and NFL star, Pat McAfee. I mean, who could have imagined the two would ever face each other in the ring, not to forget at a huge stage like NXT TakeOver XXX.
While WWE has been known to use cross-over stars in their programming in the past to attract a larger audience, it has often resulted in awkward-looking matches. Thankfully, that was not the case at NXT TakeOver XXX as Pat McAfee gave an impressive performance.
While it looked a lot rehearsed, there were so many "spot-on" moments, that you don't usually expect from someone like Pat McAfee. The Swanton from the top rope to the outside, the Superplex, and even taking the Panama Sunrise, Pat McAfee did it all like a professional.
Ultimately it was Adam Cole who walked away with the victory, and deservingly so, but he was helped along the way with a brilliant heel performance from McAfee. Will we see more matches from him in the future? He surely can become a decent pro-wrestler!
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