NXT TakeOver: XXV vs. Double or Nothing - which show was better?

Spectacle

Even setting aside the shock debut, this moment exceeded anything at TakeOver.

A professional wrestling event isn't just about the actual wrestling, though. Spectacle is important. Vince McMahon knew that well when he set up the first WrestleMania in 1985.

As far as spectacle goes, Double or Nothing easily exceeded TakeOver: XXV, and it wasn't just because of the novelty factor. Cody vs. Dustin was a moment that will define both of their careers. The former Goldust probably had his biggest moment ever at the ripe age of 50.

Aside from that, there was the shock appearance of Awesome Kong in the women's match, which got the place buzzing, but that was just a preview of things to come.

The biggest story was the AEW debut of Jon Moxley. The former Dean Ambrose caused the place to come unglued and he laid out both Chris Jericho and Kenny Omega to end the show on the highest note possible.

Box score:

TakeOver: XXV - 3

Double or Nothing - 2

So, TakeOver XXV comes away with the victory, but it was by no means a landslide. With more experience in producing shows, AEW is only going to get better still.

If NXT feels the need to step up its game to compete with AEW, we can only expect even better times ahead. We can only hope the main roster actually follows suit.