NXT TakeOver Chicago II Recap

didic (68)in #news • 7 years ago

Once again, NXT TakeOver has set a bar that next tight's - tonight's - main roster PPV can only hope to come near, and cannot realistically hope to pass. This card had it all: magnificent storytelling, astounding athleticism, and ultra violence. This, as they say, is wrestling.

Undisputed Era vs. Lorcan and Burch for the Tag Titles

This was hard hitting, crisp, and tons of fun. And it could be a real launching pad for Lorcan, who really shined in the loss. The crowd was solidly behind the heels to start, but Lorcan got them on his team's side. The faces got a huge ovation from the crowd as they stood and recovered from the beating.

Ricochet vs. Velveteen Dream

Dream comes out in an outfit that is one half Hogan cosplay, one half ripping off Ricochet's Prince Puma tights. This match took a bit of time to build, but even during the build up, there were "both these guys" chants. That's how good both of these guys are. There was a point in the match where Dream was channeling JBL with "you belong in a bingo hall, I am a wrestling god!" which was hilarious. Both guys did each other's signature moves and finishers. Ricochet finished it off with a staggering 630. Dream is a wrestling prodigy, but Ricochet actually is a wrestling god, right now.

Shayna Baszler vs. Nikki Cross for the Women's Title

This was good, but not as good as I'd hoped. I felt like this wasn't given as much time as it deserved, but the storytelling was really great. Cross dominated parts of this match in a way no one has against Baszler, and her beatific smile before losing consciousness - and the same upon waking up - was incredible. It may be time for Nikki to get called up. She's done everythin except win the title in NXT, and it doesn't look like the plan is for her to win it. Maybe Sanity's SD appearance was delayed to wait for her to rejoin them? As for Shayna, she's good, but she's not great yet. she's got "I am a dominant monster" down, but still needs to work on the rest of her game.

Aleister Black vs. Lars Sullivan for the NXT Title

This match suffered from no one seeming to care about Lars. The storyline was all about how much Black can take. And it had an injury story, which I never like. But in the end, the demonic good guy hit Black Mass for a third time, and left Lars laying and bleeding. My expectations were low, and the match slightly exceeded them. Now, it's time for a challenger people actually believe can win.

Johnny Gargano vs. Tommaso Ciampa

How do you top a perfect wrestling match in the rematch? If you're Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa, you literally try to murder each other. This was the platonic ideal of an ECW match. All of the implements and violence, but with a level of skill the ECW roster never had. These guys are master storytellers. This was the story of ultimate good being driven to the level of ultimate good, and having that come back to bite him. Ciampa, and I've been saying this for some time, is the best heel in wrestling. This rivalry is for the ages. Wrestling fans will be telling their grandkids about what I now assume will be a trilogy of matches.