5 surprising moments from NXT TakeOver 31

#4 Kushida turns heel at NXT TakeOver 31

Kushida lets out some frustration at NXT TakeOver 31.

It is safe to say Kushida has not had the start to his NXT career that any of us truly expected. He has had a few decent matches in 2019, but for one of the greatest Junior Heavyweights in professional wrestling history, it has been disappointing to not see him in meaningful NXT feuds or big TakeOver matches. That seemed to all change against the Velveteen Dream at NXT TakeOver 31.

Back to the future. Right here in the present. 🚀 💜#NXTTakeOver @DreamWWE pic.twitter.com/8tXb4qxz8U

— WWE (@WWE) October 4, 2020

It was a solid match you would have expected between two talented performers. Both performers pulled off some exciting chain wrestling in their 13-minute match. The end of the match saw Dream attempting to get out of the Hoverboard Lock on multiple occasions but failed to do so.

Beat up more, celebrate later.The NEW @KUSHIDA_0904 cannot be stopped. #NXTTakeOver @DreamWWE pic.twitter.com/sKvDksJ16N

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) October 4, 2020

The biggest surprise was what occurred after Kushida picked up the submission victory over Velveteen Dream. Kushida was not content with his TakeOver debut victory as he decided to attack on Velveteen Dream even after their match. He had to be stopped repeatedly by the referees to end his assault on Dream.

It seemed that we had a true heel turn on Sunday night. It looks like Kushida’s frustration over his NXT career will be a significant part of his storyline going forward.