Previously regarded as little more than a developmental division for the WWE’s future stars, NXT has since morphed into the hottest show in professional wrestling today. A viable alternative for hardcore fans, the sub-promotion’s sharp focus on in-ring antics has seen NXT become arguably even more popular than its parent company. Will Unstoppable, the division’s latest special event following the incredible TakeOver: Rival, continue NXT’s fine form?
NXT Championship No.1 Contendership match
Tyler Breeze vs. Finn Bálor
What Happened? Originally scheduled as a triple threat match also featuring Hideo Itami, Breeze and Bálor’s title quest changed significantly when Itami was attacked prior to the show. Now having to keep the action within the confines of the rules, the two prospects engaged in a fast and furious duel which eventually spilled to the outside of the ring. A considerable underdog, Breeze experienced success with his offense, and even nearly defeated ‘The Demon’ after a well placed Beauty Shot superkick. Bálor however fought back, and secured a second crack at the title after another beautifully delivered Coup de Grâce.
Winner: Finn Bálor
Thoughts: While not at the level of previous performances, Bálor and Breeze still managed to put on a solid opening match. Unfortunately overshadowed by Itami’s injury, the contest might have benefitted from the addition of a replacement for the Japanese superstar, but the powers-that-be clearly, and rightfully, had faith that the remaining two competitors would still deliver. With a failed title shot already in the bag, let’s hope that Bálor’s next challenge won’t again be overshadowed by other, more disposable storylines.
★★★★★★★☆☆☆
Dana Brooke & Emma vs. Charlotte & Bayley
What Happened? A feud stemming from personal and professional jealousy, Charlotte and Bayley teamed up for the night to tackle the debutant Dana Brooke and her partner, former NXT standout, Emma. Initially starting strong, Brooke and Emma employed quick tags and isolation tactics to wear Bayley down. The plucky former title contender eventually made the tag however, and the introduction of the former women’s champion Charlotte changed the complexion of the match completely. With Bayley able to prevent Brooke from re-entering the match, Charlotte hit Emma with the Natural Selection for the count.
Winners: Charlotte & Bayley
Thoughts: Excellently performed, but oddly booked, this was one match that the faces really didn’t need to win. With feuds between Brooke and Charlotte and Emma and Bayley still in their infancy, it would have made more sense for Brooke and Emma to pick up a dusty victory to prolong the feud. Charlotte, Bayley and Emma were strong as ever, but the rookie Brooke has done little to impress so far. Young and possessing the look that always excites executives, Brooke needs more time before being thrust into a high-profile match like this one.
★★★★★★☆☆☆☆
Rhyno vs. Baron Corbin
What Happened? Finally finding a competitor to rival his own ferocity, veteran superstar Rhyno sought to reignite his career against the dangerous rookie, Baron Corbin. Pretty much as advertised, the two hit each other with a series of hard-hitting slams and strikes in an attempt to determine the dominant beast of NXT. In the end however it was the young Corbin who prevailed, counting Rhyno’s Gore attempt with a punishing clothesline and an End of Days for the biggest win of his career thus far.
Winner: Baron Corbin
Thoughts: Playing out exactly as expected, Baron Corbin’s strong, but seriously protected push continued in this fun, but ultimately forgettable match. A win over a respected legend in Rhyno adds credibility to Corbin’s resume that has up until now consisted almost solely of quick squashes over faceless local talent. By far the longest match of Corbin’s NXT career, might this be the start of his run to the top of the division?
★★★★★★☆☆☆☆
NXT Tag Team Championship
Blake & Murphy © vs. Enzo Amore & Colin Cassidy
What Happened? After suffering countless attacks and mind games at the hands of the champions, challengers Enzo Amore and Colin Cassidy sought the ultimate revenge as they attempted to capture the gold. Using their excellent team chemistry, Blake and Murphy found success in isolating the smaller Amore. Eventually finding his way into the match, Cassidy was able to balance the match, but the sudden and unexpected arrival of Alexa Bliss proved pivotal. On the verge of securing victory, Amore’s splash attempt was thwarted by Bliss who shockingly pushed ‘The Certified G’ from the top rope, allowing Blake to pick up the win for his team.
Winners and STILL champions: Blake & Murphy
Thoughts: Another strong match unfortunately let down by some questionable booking at the end. The second tag team match of the night bore striking resemblance to the earlier women’s bout in terms of pace and progression, but this was acceptable considering that most tag team matches are booked in this manner. Alexa Bliss’ headline-stealing turn defied expectation that Carmella would be the one responsible for Amore and Cassidy’s defeat. A significant development for the recently returned Bliss, but it felt out of place, out of the blue, and like something one would expect if watching an inferior product.
★★★★★★☆☆☆☆
NXT Women’s Championship
Sasha Banks © vs. Becky Lynch
What Happened? Friends turned bitter rivals, Sasha Banks defended her women’s championship against former ally, Becky Lynch. Hoping to complete her remarkable career resurgence by capturing the belt, the Irish challenger started fast and strong, rocking the champion with a succession of blows. Banks soon took control of the match however after targeting her adversary’s arm. Relentlessly attacking Lynch’s already damaged limb, Banks continued to prove herself as NXT’s most dominant female, and soon ended the hard-fought contest after trapping the challenger in the Bank Statement submission.
Winner and STILL champion: Sasha Banks
Thoughts: Easily the best female wrestling match I’ve seen in well over a decade, maybe even ever. The women in NXT have been afforded time to develop like the Divas on WWE’s main roster can only dream of, and this show-stealing match is proof of how far ahead the developmental division really is. Treated as a high-profile, high-stakes main event match, Banks and Lynch put everything on the line, fully taking advantage of the occasion and delivering an incredibly intricate spectacle. It’s wonderful to see such hard work being recognised, especially in a business that has long been known for its antiquated attitude towards women.
NXT is now unquestionably the destination for any women who’d rather wrestle then appear on a crappy reality show, but let’s hope the WWE can find a way to bring a slice of this amazing action to the mainstream.
★★★★★★★★★☆
NXT Championship
Kevin Owens © vs. Sami Zayn
What Happened? The next chapter in one of NXT’s most personal rivalries to date, former champion Sami Zayn sought revenge against his former best friend Owens. Despite suffering an injury in his epic Raw match with US champion John Cena, Zayn attempted to fight on, but it proved to be a costly mistake as Owens eventually took control. Smashing Zayn into the ring apron with another devastating Pop-up Powerbomb, the current champion refused to relent, prompting match officials, and even general manager William Regal to intervene. Still unwilling to end his brutal assault, Owens was finally halted by the unexpected arrival of former TNA and Ring of Honor star Samoa Joe.
No Contest
Thoughts: What started as a simple friend-turned-foe angle has since developed into a complex web of angles that has even found its way onto WWE’s main programming. The Owens/Zayn feud is one of the best things in NXT at the moment, and now with the exciting arrival of Samoa Joe, this multi-layered saga is only going to get even better. Essentially a retread of their first encounter, Owens continued to show the same intensity and power that has seen him fast become one of the most effective heels in the entire organisation. The finish, while disappointingly inconclusive, showed just how devious Owens can be, and also afforded Zayn a believable exit should he opt for shoulder surgery.
★★★★★★★★☆☆
Overall: Things continue to look up for wrestling’s hottest property. Six solid matches spread over the course of a couple of well-spent hours. Sure, there were some issues with a couple of the finishes, and a smattering of inconsequential botches, but the obvious hunger and passion for excellence shown by the majority of its participants more than made up for these shortcomings. The future belongs to these performers, and whether they end up in the bright lights of the WWE, or a different organisation altogether, they are the innovators in an exciting new era for the sport of professional wrestling.
Moment of the Event: Samoa Joe arrives and faces off with Kevin Owens
Event MVP: Sasha Banks
Show Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆
What did you think of NXT TakeOver: Unstoppable? Leave your thoughts and opinions in the comments section!
All images courtesy of WWE.com
All images courtesy of WWE.com
SHARE THIS!