For The Second Year In A Row NXT Takeover: Brooklyn Outshines SummerSlam
One would think that following the call up's of several talents to the main roster that the energy and intensity of the fans would be waning. But just as last year Triple H and his staff with NXT have proven that the premier "must-see" brand is still NXT. From the long overdue debut of Ember Moon, a Tag Team Classic from The Revival and the aptly named D.I.Y. to a main event between two of the best in the world, Nakamura and Samoa Joe, that actually lived up to the hype.
NXT consistently proves that a "name" is only as good as the product they produce. As a self-proclaimed "smark" I constantly harp on "work rate" and "believability". It’s clear that those two attributes are a focal point for those working in the performance center. All the matches felt important, all the athletes (yes athletes) gave 1000% and the crowd was into every moment. When you combined those elements it creates an atmosphere that can be unmatched.
Once again, NXT had the better show from the main roster and the question remains at what point will Vince and his yes men take notice and hand over the keys?
Match of The Night: The Revival vs D.I.Y.
If there ever was an example of what tag team wrestling is all about this is it. This match felt very “Indy” which is a good thing. What is even more evident is the fact that The Revival has a chemistry that is rivaled by few if any. This contest really had it all and the finish was as dramatic a finish as we have seen all weekend. Definitely a match to watch for and a Match of The Year Candidate.
Performance of The Night: Bobby Roode
What a glorious debut (see what I did there). Bobby Roode showed us all why he is one of wrestling’s best kept secrets. And while his entrance music is beyond epic and ridiculously over, Bobby Roode has that ever elusive "IT" factor. In the ring Bobby Roode can hang with the best and from watching his battle with one of the world's best luchadores, his skill set translates to any style.
Story of The Night: Samoa Joe is a relentless beast
Samoa Joe is an absolute beast. Nakamura and Joe went to war and the story of the match was who can hit the "knockout blow". For those that don’t know Joe suffered a dislocated jaw following a shining wizard popped his jaw back in and followed that by being the recipient of a Kinshasa further cementing, himself as an all-out work horse and straight up bad ass.
Where Do We Go From Here?
- Hideo Itami walked out hit a GTS and let it be known that Aries is in the way. Let's all hope this is a short feud that gets us to Nakamura/Itami by Mania weekend.
- Will DIY get a rematch?
- Where do Bayley and Samoa Joe's NXT futures lie? Are they both main roster bound?
- Is Ember Moon on the fast track to facing Asuka?
Austin Aries defeated No Way Jose by submission (** 1/2)
Ember Moon defeated Billie Kay (**)
Bobby Roode defeated Andrade Almas (***)
NXT Tag Team Champions: The Revival (Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder) (c) defeated DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) by submission (**** 1/2)
NXT Womens Championship: Asuka (c) defeated Bayley (****)
NXT Championship Shinsuke Nakamura defeated Samoa Joe (c) (****)
