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NXT TakeOver always provides the black and gold brand with a chance to stand out as performers. The WarGames event is usually the most grueling night of the year with the two-ring steel cage providing a spectacle that gives the Superstars a platform to impress. With two titular matches as well as other contests throughout the night, this was another captivating evening of action.
NXT TakeOver: WarGames 2020 featured five matches with 23 Superstars from the roster. Everyone put on absorbing efforts in a bid to break out from the pack.
Whether it was through memorable moments, spectacular spots, or incredible bouts, the stars on this roster once again did not disappoint at this special event. In this article, let's take a look at the top five performers from NXT TakeOver: WarGames 2020.
#5 Pete Dunne (NXT TakeOver: WarGames 2020)
The best one on one display of wrestling that took place in the two-ring steel cage at NXT TakeOver: WarGames 2020 had to be between Pete Dunne and Kyle O'Reilly. The Bruiserweight has been on a tear on the brand since turning heel and aligning with Pat McAfee at Halloween Havoc. His brilliant ability inside the ring is no secret, but he has been given a bigger platform as of late to show off.
In his second appearance inside of WarGames, Dunne was the enforcer of Team McAfee. He was a force to be reckoned with and immediately showcased his toughness by choosing to be the first competitor from his team to enter the cage. Throughout the 45 minute contest, the former NXT UK Champion constantly cut off the members of Undisputed Era with intensity and vigor.
His Bitter End on a steel chair to Adam Cole had to be one of the most wince-inducing moments of this main event matchup. Through sheer will and brutality, Dunne proved once again why he has what it takes to be a top heel on the brand. His new attitude and alliance with McAfee have given him an extra layer of character that should take him a long way.
#4 Timothy Thatcher (NXT TakeOver: WarGames 2020)
Timothy Thatcher has had an interesting run-in NXT so far. After coming in and winning his introductory feud with Matt Riddle in the clim Fight Pit Match, the master of Thatch-As Thatch-Can has kind of wandered from one feud to another without a clear direction or decisive win of note ahead of NXT TakeOver: WarGames 2020.
In only his second major match on a TakeOver card, Timothy Thatcher met Tommaso Ciampa on this WarGames event. The two men have had a brief feud, but the physical nature of this bout carried a bitterness that you expect from long-time rivals. This contest built from grappling on the ground in the early portion to hard-hitting strikes as the match went on.
The bombs that the two competitors were laying in caused a bloody ear for Thatcher that will be one of the unforgettable sights of this NXT TakeOver: WarGames 2020 show. This developed into a great fight that was intense yet left you wanting more between the two opponents.
The mutual stares between Thatcher and Ciampa left the viewers thinking that this rivalry is not over just yet. Although the former NXT Champion walked away with the victory, it was Thatcher's effort that was the standout from this bout and make him the best performer from this banger.
#3 Kyle O'Reilly (NXT TakeOver: WarGames 2020)
After a breakthrough performance at TakeOver 31 in the main event against NXT Champion Finn Balor, Kyle O'Reilly had raised the bar for his level of output. At NXT TakeOver: WarGames, he would take part in the titular match along with seven other competitors. However, through his splendid selling, intensity and in-ring skills, O'Reilly once again stood out from the pack.
Starting the Men's WarGames Match against Pete Dunne, the two men once again showed the phenomenal chemistry that they displayed in their engrossing ladder match from a few weeks prior. His tremendous selling was on showcase throughout with Team McAfee holding the WarGames advantage always putting him at disadvantage.
The former three-time NXT Tag Team Champion showed a compelling amount of bravado when he challenged Pat McAfee to give him his best shot. He constantly delivered individual and double team innovations being back in the ring with his Undisputed Era teammates. O'Reilly felt renewed in this WarGames main event.
Being the MVP for his team, it was Kyle who got the decisive fall that gave Undisputed Era their first victory in WarGames since their inaugural voyage into the steel cage structure. This was a master class in babyface fire and engaging in-ring prowess. Kyle O'Reilly is an indisputable main event level player and proved it once again in his effort here.
#2 Raquel Gonzalez (NXT TakeOver: WarGames 2020)
Despite the questionable booking surrounding the bout, the Women's WarGames delivered so much magnificent action that kept the fans engaged. It was spectacular spot after spectacular spot in a riveting contest that put the best women's division in wrestling on showcase.
Although Rhea Ripley, Io Shirai and Shotzi Blackheart all stood out, it was Raquel Gonzalez who was the star who saw their stock risen the most. Coming into the battle as the second competitor from Team Candice, Gonzalez immediately made her presence known, dominating every opponent in her way. She imposed her will on every member of Team Shotzi.
Her showdowns with Rhea Ripley were the most captivating of this Women's WarGames match and allowed both ladies to stand out. This is a money clash that needs to be given the TakeOver stage in the future with the NXT Women's Championship on the line.
Speaking of the title, Raquel Gonzalez pinned the NXT Women's Champion Io Shirai to give Team Candice the victory in this opener. She has now put herself in line for a shot at the championship in the future. Her association with Dakota Kai has had many speculate if the two ladies would be in line for the WWE Women's Tag Team Titles in the future, but it now seems like singles glory is ahead for her.
This was a truly outstanding star-making performance for Raquel Gonzalez. She has gone from a bodyguard to a potential No.1 contender. That is one of the biggest jumps in perception anyone made at NXT TakeOver: WarGames.
#1 Pat McAfee (NXT TakeOver: WarGames 2020)
There was no bigger star on NXT TakeOver: WarGames 2020 than Pat McAfee. In the main event contest, this was only McAfee's second professional wrestling match. No fan would have even noticed as he performed well beyond his experience level and was heavily featured in all of the premier set pieces in this spectacle.
The Men's WarGames Match has been highlighted by some awe-inspiring spots and bumps over the past few years. It was staggering to see a rookie be involved in every big-time spot in the contest this year. From his athletic display with a beautiful moonsault to send Roderick Strong through a table to the crazy back bump from the top rope, McAfee willingly put his body on the line.
His selling, facial expressions, and overall cockiness were that of a main event level performer. Pat McAfee's brazenness to get punishment from his opponent makes him a perfect heel. The look on his face, when surrounded by Undisputed Era, made the fans want to see him get decimated by his opponents. This ability cannot be praised enough because it begs for crowd engagement.
The stunning Swanton Bomb off the top of the cage onto the rest of the Superstars was an amazing sight that was among the biggest highlights of the entire night at NXT TakeOver: WarGames 2020. Pat McAfee is a pro wrestling star, and it is time for everyone to admit it.
