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THREAD: “The Roar Of The Crowd”
Every TakeOver match from Arrival to Portland rewatched in order, because I miss audiences and the NXT product I dearly, dearly loved:
Every TakeOver match from Arrival to Portland rewatched in order, because I miss audiences and the NXT product I dearly, dearly loved:
Gonna assess every match based on how fun it was to watch as well as taking into account the context of the time.
In keeping with how most view NXT in 2020, the Official Rating System for each match will simply be either “IT’S STILL GOOD!” or “It’s Gone”
In keeping with how most view NXT in 2020, the Official Rating System for each match will simply be either “IT’S STILL GOOD!” or “It’s Gone”
Let’s Set Sail!
NXT ARRIVAL
Full Sail University, Orlando, Florida
February 27th 2014
NXT ARRIVAL
Full Sail University, Orlando, Florida
February 27th 2014
Cesaro Vs Sami Zayn.
Jesus fucking Christ. Just incredible meaty performances from both as this nearly tops a 2013 MOTYC. Cesaro is JACKED, Zayn is RIPPED and they both beat the everloving shit out of each other. Hard hitting, and dramatic without being grabby.
IT’S STILL GOOD!
Jesus fucking Christ. Just incredible meaty performances from both as this nearly tops a 2013 MOTYC. Cesaro is JACKED, Zayn is RIPPED and they both beat the everloving shit out of each other. Hard hitting, and dramatic without being grabby.
IT’S STILL GOOD!
Mojo Rawley Vs CJ Parker
Pitched as a “showcase” when it was really a let-me-up. Good thing too, because it failed as the former. Mojo’s odd size (is he a big man or not?) a problem then as much as it is now. Juice Robinson unrecognisable from CJ Parker. Big 6 years.
It’s Gone.
Pitched as a “showcase” when it was really a let-me-up. Good thing too, because it failed as the former. Mojo’s odd size (is he a big man or not?) a problem then as much as it is now. Juice Robinson unrecognisable from CJ Parker. Big 6 years.
It’s Gone.
Tag Team Titles: The Ascension (c) Vs Too Cool
Truly bizarre clash of ages and eras with Too Cool there as novelty mystery opponents. Ascension were all the way over, but 6 minutes felt like 10 due to in-ring limitations. Nostalgia couldn’t elevate it beyond just ok.
It’s Gone.
Truly bizarre clash of ages and eras with Too Cool there as novelty mystery opponents. Ascension were all the way over, but 6 minutes felt like 10 due to in-ring limitations. Nostalgia couldn’t elevate it beyond just ok.
It’s Gone.
Women’s Title: Paige (c) Vs Emma
The best WWE-branded women’s match ever when it happened, the work holds up so well that it’d smash plenty of 2020 stuff too. Hard to recall either having many better singles matches and it earns sort-of cult status as a result.
IT’S STILL GOOD!
The best WWE-branded women’s match ever when it happened, the work holds up so well that it’d smash plenty of 2020 stuff too. Hard to recall either having many better singles matches and it earns sort-of cult status as a result.
IT’S STILL GOOD!
Xavier Woods Vs Tyler Breeze
...doesn’t happen, because Alexander Rusev arrives and beats the shit out of them both. Accolade on Woods to stand tall, but this was too pedestrian to make the impact they wanted. Rusev was Strictly Just Alright for a long time, tbh.
It’s Gone.
...doesn’t happen, because Alexander Rusev arrives and beats the shit out of them both. Accolade on Woods to stand tall, but this was too pedestrian to make the impact they wanted. Rusev was Strictly Just Alright for a long time, tbh.
It’s Gone.
Bo Dallas (c) Vs Adrian Neville
Such a tremendous and unique story that they’re loyal to throughout - Neville is an exponentially better wrestler than Dallas and they both know it, but Bo’s lucky and cagey. The ladder match was such an inspired gimmick choice.
IT’S STILL GOOD!
Such a tremendous and unique story that they’re loyal to throughout - Neville is an exponentially better wrestler than Dallas and they both know it, but Bo’s lucky and cagey. The ladder match was such an inspired gimmick choice.
IT’S STILL GOOD!
NXT Arrival Final Score:
- IT’S STILL GOOD: 3
- It’s Gone: 3
Will keep a running total of these as it goes along too. Up next, the first ever actual TakeOver!
- IT’S STILL GOOD: 3
- It’s Gone: 3
Will keep a running total of these as it goes along too. Up next, the first ever actual TakeOver!
NXT TakeOver
Full Sail University, Orlando, Florida
May 29th 2014
Full Sail University, Orlando, Florida
May 29th 2014
Adam Rose Vs Camacho
Tricky. You really, REALLY had to be there to understand how Adam Rose had any buzz let alone so much, but his debut and first few months played as a *magnificent* bit of extended silliness. Main roster bludgeoned it though, and the work’s bland.
It’s Gone.
Tricky. You really, REALLY had to be there to understand how Adam Rose had any buzz let alone so much, but his debut and first few months played as a *magnificent* bit of extended silliness. Main roster bludgeoned it though, and the work’s bland.
It’s Gone.
Tag Team Titles: The Ascension (c) Vs Kalisto & El Local
What a blast. Ascension really peaking at this point. With the right guys, their brute strength heat segments were such a treat, and they worked with a confidence never once realised outside of NXT.
IT’S STILL GOOD!
What a blast. Ascension really peaking at this point. With the right guys, their brute strength heat segments were such a treat, and they worked with a confidence never once realised outside of NXT.
IT’S STILL GOOD!
Sami Zayn Vs Tyler Breeze
Joyous continued growth for both. Breeze’s poise as a cocksure aggressor is mesmerising. Zayn works as both himself AND Cesaro from Arrival to try and learn from the loss, but still can’t crack it. Full Sail’s a FURNACE by the end.
IT’S STILL GOOD!
Joyous continued growth for both. Breeze’s poise as a cocksure aggressor is mesmerising. Zayn works as both himself AND Cesaro from Arrival to try and learn from the loss, but still can’t crack it. Full Sail’s a FURNACE by the end.
IT’S STILL GOOD!
Rusev Vs ???
Lana threw out a challenge to the NXT roster on Twitter earlier that day now that Rusev’s a main roster monster doing his Putin bullshit. Stomach sank when I remembered it was Mojo, but the one-sided beating he took was actually piss funny.
IT’S STILL GOOD!
Lana threw out a challenge to the NXT roster on Twitter earlier that day now that Rusev’s a main roster monster doing his Putin bullshit. Stomach sank when I remembered it was Mojo, but the one-sided beating he took was actually piss funny.
IT’S STILL GOOD!
Women’s Title: Natalya Vs Charlotte
A star is born. Breakout night for Charlotte and surely Natalya’s best ever match. Second show in a row to boast the “best WWE-branded women’s match ever” and a masterclass in escalating heat, limb work and tangible emotion.
IT’S STILL GOOD!
A star is born. Breakout night for Charlotte and surely Natalya’s best ever match. Second show in a row to boast the “best WWE-branded women’s match ever” and a masterclass in escalating heat, limb work and tangible emotion.
IT’S STILL GOOD!
NXT Title: Adrian Neville (c) Vs Tyson Kidd
Less flashy than you’d imagine but hugely gripping. Kidd staying clinical before getting overconfident was great. Neville teased it out of him too, mastering the balance of earnest underdog and shit hot pro wrestler.
IT’S STILL GOOD!
Less flashy than you’d imagine but hugely gripping. Kidd staying clinical before getting overconfident was great. Neville teased it out of him too, mastering the balance of earnest underdog and shit hot pro wrestler.
IT’S STILL GOOD!
NXT TakeOver Final Score:
- IT’S STILL GOOD!: 5
- It’s Gone: 1
TakeOvers Total:
- IT’S STILL GOOD!: 8
- It’s Gone: 4
- IT’S STILL GOOD!: 5
- It’s Gone: 1
TakeOvers Total:
- IT’S STILL GOOD!: 8
- It’s Gone: 4
NXT TakeOver: Fatal 4 Way
Full Sail University, Orlando, Florida
September 11th 2014
Full Sail University, Orlando, Florida
September 11th 2014
Tag Team Titles:
The Ascension (c) Vs Lucha Dragons
Really drab until the closing stretch, which was only any good because Kalisto was in the fucking MOOD. Proper “Next Rey” vibes, though maybe that was because he was tagging with the last one to miss that mark.
It’s Gone.
The Ascension (c) Vs Lucha Dragons
Really drab until the closing stretch, which was only any good because Kalisto was in the fucking MOOD. Proper “Next Rey” vibes, though maybe that was because he was tagging with the last one to miss that mark.
It’s Gone.
CJ Parker Vs Baron Corbin
Parker demanded a match, Corbin’s already in the ring and it’s his debut proper. Cute red herring profiling Parker only for Corbin to flatten him with the then-unnamed End Of Days. Huge pop, “Thank You, Baron” chant, super effective.
IT’S STILL GOOD!
Parker demanded a match, Corbin’s already in the ring and it’s his debut proper. Cute red herring profiling Parker only for Corbin to flatten him with the then-unnamed End Of Days. Huge pop, “Thank You, Baron” chant, super effective.
IT’S STILL GOOD!
Enzo Amore Vs Sylvester Lefort
Over is over and few got Full Sail louder than Enzo & Cass but Enzo singles matches weren’t the way to harness that. Not boring because Amore just pissed ludicrous charisma from every pore, but other than his win, this d r a g g e d.
It’s Gone.
Over is over and few got Full Sail louder than Enzo & Cass but Enzo singles matches weren’t the way to harness that. Not boring because Amore just pissed ludicrous charisma from every pore, but other than his win, this d r a g g e d.
It’s Gone.
Bull Dempsey Vs Mojo Rawley
As shite as it sounds, even if it was just a short squash win for Dempsey. They’ve established a proper “god, not this dickhead AGAIN” energy about Mojo every time the poor bastard comes out. Impossible to get OR stay hype when he pops up.
It’s Gone.
As shite as it sounds, even if it was just a short squash win for Dempsey. They’ve established a proper “god, not this dickhead AGAIN” energy about Mojo every time the poor bastard comes out. Impossible to get OR stay hype when he pops up.
It’s Gone.
Women’s Title: Charlotte (c) Vs Bayley
Kicked fuckin’ ass, obvs. Both were still refining their acts, but their heel/babyface chemistry was sublime. Such an electric feel about the division at this point, especially when Sasha tried to jump Bayley afterwards.
IT’S STILL GOOD!
Kicked fuckin’ ass, obvs. Both were still refining their acts, but their heel/babyface chemistry was sublime. Such an electric feel about the division at this point, especially when Sasha tried to jump Bayley afterwards.
IT’S STILL GOOD!
NXT Title: Adrian Neville Vs Tyson Kidd Vs Tyler Breeze Vs Sami Zayn
Gorgeously detailed. Zayn’s desperation brought the heft and seasoned a meaty action-packed banger. Heartbreak followed exhilaration, especially after Neville shithoused his way to the win.
IT’S STILL GOOD!
Gorgeously detailed. Zayn’s desperation brought the heft and seasoned a meaty action-packed banger. Heartbreak followed exhilaration, especially after Neville shithoused his way to the win.
IT’S STILL GOOD!
Fatal 4 Way Final Score:
- IT’S STILL GOOD!: 3
- It’s Gone: 3
TakeOvers Total:
- IT’S STILL GOOD!: 11
- It’s Gone: 7
- IT’S STILL GOOD!: 3
- It’s Gone: 3
TakeOvers Total:
- IT’S STILL GOOD!: 11
- It’s Gone: 7
