Namaste and welcome all my WWE NXT and NXT UK fans out there. Last night was NXT Takeover at the sold out Barclay's Center in NYC which I watched on the WWE Network. Let's go over the results. Spoilers ahead if you did not already watch the ppv.
NXT Tag Team Championship
War Raiders ( "modern day Vikings" Rowe and Hansen) vs. Aleister Black "the Dutch Destroyer" and "the one and only" Riccochet.
This was a long match of epic proportions with a lot of back and forth action. Lots of kicks from Black. Lots of high flying from Ricochet, but the tides turned with Hansen's hand spring back elbow and top rope leg drop to seal the win and retain the illustrious tag team titles.
WINNER: War Raiders
NXT North American Championship
"The Experience" Velveteen Dream vs. "the King of Bros" Matt Riddle.
There was a short buildup on the Wednesday night show for this match that turned into an instant classic. Riddle is famous for his running knees and bro-mission, however the Dream-valley-driver, Purple Rainmaker, and a slick reversal of the bro-mission meant DREAM OVER for Riddle's chances at the North American championship. For now. I don't think that this feud is going to be over anytime soon as both are elite young NXT stars.
Winner: Velveteen Dream
NXT Women's Championship match
"Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler vs. "the Un-da-feat-ed EST" Bianca Bellaire vs. "the Pirate Princess" Kairi Sane vs. "the Genius of the Sky" Io Shirai.
Honestly speaking, in a solid A ppv, this was easily the weakest match. I felt this way because I think that Sane and Shirai, despite their talent and success in Japan, did not belong in this main event. I think the fans wanted to see Bellaire get a 1 on 1 rematch with Baszler. The high flying Japanese women did amazing moves, ending with a double slam on both from the EST. The Queen of Spades managed to take advantage of the situation and lock in the Kirifuda clutch tapping out Bellaire.
Winner: Shayna Baszler
NXT UK Championship
"The Bruiserweight" Pete Dunne vs. "The Ring General" Walter
This match really felt like your David vs. Goliath as the smaller ring-savvy Dunne took Walter's best chops, big boot kicks, and hammering forearm shots across the chest and back. The Bruiserweight fought valiantly back with the finger joint manipulation, even managing to get Walter with his finisher "The Bitter End". In the end, however, it was not enough and after a flurry of shots and a MASSIVE splash from the top rope by the 300 lb. Austrian... 1, 2, 3... we saw the crowning of a new NXT UK Championship, ending the impressive 685 day reign of the Bruiserweight Pete Dunne.
Winner: Walter
NXT Heavyweight Championship (2 out of 3 falls match)
"The Panama City Playboy" Adam Cole (baby!) vs. "Johnny Wrestling/ Johnny Takeover" Gargano.
As expected and as predicted this by far was the match of the night. For years now, as fans, we have been privy to watching an amazing story in Gargano of love, hate, failure, distrust, and ultimately REDEMPTION. Adam Cole and the Undisputed Era are no joke. There will be gold again in their futures, no doubt. The first fall went to Cole after a last shot kick to the back of the head and neck on Gargano. Johnny Wrestling battled back and forth, but ultimately was able to lock in his signature move "the Gargano escape" for a tap out submission, tying the field even at one point apiece. Blood on his face and a fire in his heart, the underdog Johnny Takeover, after 3 massive super kicks to the chin , somehow rallied back with the second rope spear and locked in the Gargano Escape submission tapping out Adam Cole. The redemption arc came full circle when Johnny Wrestling stood up proudly in the ring with wife Candice LeRay holding the shiny gold NXT Championship above his head, to the disbelief of many fans. Former champ, friend, and sometimes foe Tomasso Chiampa came to the top of the ramp to congratulate his former friend and DIY tag team partner. The moment was surreal and heartfelt for all the fans who felt vindicated by this victory proving that Gargano is NOT Johnny Failure, but Johnny Champion!
Winner: Johnny Wrestling Gargano
As I said, this was a solid A Wrestling PPV that has me, among others I'm sure, hyped and ready for WWE Wrestlemania on Sunday. Tonight is the Hall of Fame induction ceremony featuring the likes of DX, Harlem Heat, Brutus "the barber" Beefcake, Torrie Wilson, Honkey Tonk Man, and the Hart Foundation. It's been a pleasure recapping the events of last night and getting hyped up for the big 15 match card tomorrow. This has been the one and only Quiet Mouse.
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