10 Greatest NXT TakeOver events of all time

#3 NXT TakeOver: Portland

#NXTTakeOver: Portland has become #NXTLOUD.@poppy pic.twitter.com/2VJ836EdvE

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) February 17, 2020

In the latest edition to our list, we have one of the best events all year with NXT TakeOver: Portland. The rare TakeOver to not take place before a major WWE pay-per-view proved to be one that could stand up to any other event in 2020. The main event of the night saw Adam Cole defending the NXT Championship against former champion, Tommaso Ciampa. Cole and Ciampa built a truly compelling rivalry from Tommaso's return to NXT on October 2nd, 2019 until the February event.

This main event match of NXT TakeOver: Portland had everything you would want in a big-time NXT Title match. There was entertaining back and forth sequences, close near falls, and a dramatic ending. The climax of the match saw Ciampa overcome the interference of the rest of the Undisputed Era. However then, Johnny Gargano came down seemingly to help his #DIY partner, but instead, he nailed Ciampa with the NXT Title costing him the match. This would end The Black Heart's attempt at winning back "Goldie" and set up a restart of their rivalry.

This was not the only time we would see Gargano on the night. Earlier on NXT TakeOver: Portland, we saw a fantastic first time ever match between two of NXT's greatest all-time performers with Johnny Gargano facing Finn Balor. The two men had a contest that lived up to the high standards of both competitors. The conclusion came when Balor went on a flurry ending with a Coup De Grace and the 1916 for the win over Johnny Wrestling.

Between a 2020 #DustyClassic win and an upcoming NXT Tag Team Title Match at #NXTTakeOver: Portland, the #BROserweights are clearly having ALL the fun. @SuperKingofBros @PeteDunneYxB pic.twitter.com/zSzCiHzr4j

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) February 6, 2020

One of the more anticipated contests for NXT TakeOver: Portland was the 2020 Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic winners, The Broserweights of Pete Dunne and Matt Riddle facing the NXT Tag Team Champions The Undisputed Era. The four men went out and stole the show on this stellar card. This was indeed one of the very best tag team matches the entire year. The other standout title match was Keith Lee defeating Dominik Dijakovic to defend the NXT North American Championship. The two frenemies had an amazing opener that set the tone for an all-time great night of TakeOver action.

The NXT women's division was highlighted prominently as well on NXT TakeOver: Portland. NXT Women's Champion Rhea Ripley successfully defended against "The EST of NXT" Bianca Belair in a good match. Earlier on the card, the friends turned enemies battle between Tegan Nox and Dakota Kai delivered a hard-hitting Street Fight as well. The ladies showed early this year that the NXT women's division would have another groundbreaking year in 2020.