It's Survivor Series weekend, which means we've got another NXT Takeover to enjoy before then. Today, I'll discuss the matches that take place in the second ever NXT Takeover: WarGames. Did this Takeover live up to the classic "death, taxes, Takeover delivers" adage? Read on for my (spoiler-ific) thoughts: Matt Riddle vs. Kassius Ohno - A surprising way to open the show, to say the least. I was under the impression that this match was going to be on the next episode of the NXT show, but nope, this match happened here, and it lasted less than ten seconds. Riddle obliterates Ohno with a running knee and ends the match lickety-split. I don't know if this is the start of a bigger feud between the two, but if it is, hopefully they get a proper match, because they can both go in the ring. Shayna Baszler (c) vs. Kairi Sane (2 out of 3 Falls Match for the NXT Women's Championship) - This marks the fifth meeting between these two fantastic wrestlers, and while it was a solid match, it was rather short and not really much of a rubber match (as a match with this stipulation often tends to be). Shayna's MMA buddies have a more pronounced role in this match than last time, essentially costing Sane the first fall and causing distractions all around. Baszler retains the title in the same manner that she was beaten by Sane initially (countering the other's finisher into a roll-up), but not before Dakota Kai and Io Shirai (who did a fucking beautiful moonsault, in jeans, no less) came in to try and even the odds for Sane. I'm excited to see some faction warfare on the women's side of the roster, and I'm even more excited for Io Shirai in NXT. I can never have too much Io Shirai in my life. Aleister Black vs. Johnny Gargano - While I never really had doubts on the NXT team's ability to deliver compelling storylines, I remain thoroughly impressed with how they turned Aleister Black's unfortunate and sudden injury into one of the hottest angles on NXT this year. The identity of who attacked Black was finally revealed to be Gargano, who has gone to a darker place as his vendetta against Ciampa slowly consumed him. This match was a fitting conclusion to the story, and was the hard-hitting affair everyone was hoping for. Aleister Black avenges himself after delivering the Black Mass twice, "absolving" Gargano of his actions. Tommaso Ciampa (c) vs. Velveteen Dream (NXT Championship match) - Holy shit, what a contest. This match was an exhilarating back-and-forth featuring two of NXT's finest talents, filled to the brim with near falls. Velveteen Dream (dressed today as Hollywood Hogan) constantly amazes me in every Takeover match he's in, as he ends up putting on an even better show than last time. Ciampa was no slouch himself, of course, but Dream is a legend in the making. He may not have won, but goddamn, did he look like a fucking winner after that match. Undisputed Era vs. Pete Dunne, Ricochet, and the War Raiders (WarGames match) - Over the past year or so, the Undisputed Era has run roughshod on NXT, and it's no surprise they've made a good number of enemies along the way. And once again, they must survive the wrath of these enemies in WarGames. In a surprising twist, UE get their comeuppance here, in a match that featured their trademark shenanigans, insane high spots, and eight incredible wrestlers. This match had a lot to live up to considering how amazing the first NXT WarGames match was, but it manages to deliver on all fronts. To nobody's surprise, NXT puts on another amazing Takeover. I don't envy the main roster, who is often stuck with having to follow up NXT's stellar track record. While I do wish that the Women's title match got more time, that and every other match on the show was great to fantastic. I can't wait to see what NXT does next, especially with faction warfare brewing in the women's division.
Before I go, repeat after me: death, taxes, NXT Takeover delivers. - end -
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