10 greatest NXT TakeOver classics of all time

#7 Sami Zayn vs. Shinsuke Nakamura (NXT TakeOver: Dallas)

The 1st match in my countdown of best #NXT takeover matches of 2016 is shinsuke nakamura vs Sami zayn from takeover Dallas in April #WWE pic.twitter.com/gSwRma903s

— WWE/NXT (@wweukfanatic) November 28, 2016

When fans think of famous NXT TakeOver dream matches, they will always bring up Sami Zayn vs. Shinsuke Nakamura from TakeOver: Dallas. This contest marked the WWE debut of Nakamura. The former IWGP Heavyweight Champion came in as a Japanese legend and one of the biggest signings in the history of the black-and-gold brand.

On the other hand, Zayn came into this bout as a NXT legend and a former NXT Champion. He had just returned a few months prior from an injury, and this would be his final match for the brand. The hype for the match was incredible, and it had a fully invested crowd in Dallas, Texas during WrestleMania 32 weekend.

Sami Zayn vs Shinsuke Nakamura from NXT Takeover DallasMeltzer's Rating: 4.5 StarsMy Rating: 5 Stars pic.twitter.com/Zu4qkzywqC

— Fuck Cancel Culture (@chainer2111) July 12, 2017

It began with a feeling-out process that was both simple and effective. It allowed for Nakamura's charisma to shine, as his taunts and mannerisms were loved by the crowd. The two opponents slowly escalated the action and played off the crowd expertly at NXT TakeOver: Dallas. The counters to the wrestlers' signature offense were awesome and the nearfalls were gripping.

In the end, Nakamura hit the Kinshasa for the win. This bout completely lived up to all expectations with an amazing effort from both men. It was a perfect match to debut Nakamura in NXT, and it also felt like a tremendous way to give Zayn a proper sendoff from the brand that he helped build.