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I've been a writer for SportsKeeda Wrestling for almost two years now. NXT TakeOvers are, by far, my favourite events to cover and review. This is because TakeOvers make me proud to be a wrestling fan, in an era when the product may not be as strong as it used to be. Moreover, reviewing an NXT TakeOver hardly feels like work.
Many questions loomed large heading into TakeOver. Would Lars Sullivan be able to deliver on such a grand and massive stage? How would Ciampa and Gargano be able to outdo their recent classic?
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I'm glad to say that we finally have answers to the two questions mentioned above. I'm glad to report that this TakeOver, like most other TakeOvers, was a great show.
At the same time it wasn't perfect and here is my analysis...
#1 Best: The most brutal match in recent memory?
When they were a team and perhaps the most over act in the NXT Universe, would anyone have assumed that they would take each other to the limit in such a manner? Ciampa and Gargano pulverized each other in a match that made me wince on more than one occasion. There was some massive symbolism at play during the contest. It was an epic street fight.
One of the deft touches that I really loved was how Ciampa threw away Gargano's wedding ring, earning him the biggest heel reaction in the entire match. This also incited Gargano, a man who seemed to be at ease with himself into beast mode as he attacked the Sicilian Psychopath again. It really was a fight between good and evil.
I really wouldn't mind another match between the two men, somewhere down the line. Maybe two, three or even a hundred!
#1 Worst: Weakest match of the lot
I don't think one can call Shayna Baszler vs. Nikki Cross a bad match. However, on a night of exceptional wrestling, their match just seemed to be the weakest of the lot. I did like how deranged and insane Nikki Cross can be. I also loved how she did not submit but was choked out with a psychotic smile on her face.
That said, this was by far the weakest match in the card. This could well be because it was sandwiched between four exceptional matches.
#2 Best: A battle of minds
Most wrestling fans know that Ricochet wrestled as Prince Puma for Lucha Underground. To get into his head, The Velveteen Dream paid a little tribute to the Prince. This was a deft touch that set the tone for the remaining contest.
The match itself was absolutely incredible. Both men performed each other's moves and told an incredible story of two hungry performers aiming for the very top spot. One that I'm sure will be theirs very soon.
If not for Ciampa vs. Gargano, this would be the best match of the night. I wonder if Ricochet's win elevates him for title contention, presumably for the North American Championship in the near future.
#2 Worst: No North American Championship match
Adam Cole (BayBay) became the inaugural NXT North American Champion when he defeated several worthy contenders in New Orleans. Does it make sense to introduce a new championship and keep it off the card, at the very next TakeOver event? I certainly do not think so.
Adam Cole was super over when he interfered during the opening contest and was sent to the back, as a result of the same. It just does not make sense to keep your biggest star off a TakeOver card in my opinion!
#3 Best: The opening contest
I mentioned how Ricochet vs. The Velveteen Dream got overshadowed by the Ciampa vs. Gargano match. This was yet another exceptional contest that stands the risk of getting forgotten because of just how amazing the card was. I loved every minute of the contest, really. I even loved the interference spot from Adam Cole!
I really do wonder where Lorcan and Burch go from here now. While they are exceptional performers, they really need to work on their characters to be considered as legitimate contenders in the tag team division.
#3 Worst: No Mauro Ranallo
At the outset, let me just say that Vic Joseph did a commendable job on commentary. That said, he is no Mauro Ranallo. As good as the wrestling was, the voice of NXT was missing. One wonders just how special the night would have been, had Ranallo been around!
I loved how the crowd paid tribute to Ranallo with the 'Mamma Mia' chant, during the main event. Ranallo himself acknowledged it on Twitter.
#4 Best/worst: No title changes
Title changes usually set the pace for the next phase of NXT programming. On this night, no titles changed hands. However, it was probably for the best. Each of the champions is strong, and it just didn't seem like the night for title changes.
I'm curious to hear what you thought of NXT TakeOver: Chicago. Did you have as much fun as I did? Please sound off in the comments section below.
Special marks to Charly Caruso, who's become an absolutely adept presenter from her early days.
How would you like to rate NXT Takeover: Chicago on a scale of 1-10? Sound off in the comments section below. You can also send us news tips at [email protected].
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