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The Toyota Center in Houston just witnessed one of the best nights of live sports entertainment action in recent memory. In a way it was a relief when the event ended, because too much of a good thing can sometimes leave one completely winded.
NXT Takeover: WarGames started Survivor Series weekend off, and how! There was not a single 'bad' moment across the night, and every 'worst' that we've listed here is little more than a pet peeve.
As is always the case, Survivor Series will have a tough time following this act. NXT has set the bar really high indeed.
Here is our best and worst analysis, as always!
#1 Best: A battle of minds
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How cool is it to see a story told over weeks culminate in the ring, not merely in a flurry of fists and strikes, but with a strong storytelling aspect as well? The Velveteen Dream and Aleister Black stole the show, as they played mindgames, through the duration of their fabulous match.
One could point to The Velveteen Dream's pants and how they showed Velveteen Dream and Black on either leg. One could point to how both men would not give in to the mindgames that the opponent was playing. One could talk about how good both men were, as they told a compelling story.
All we'll say is that it was a near perfect match, with every single element falling into place. You do not need a title to make a match feel special. '
The build for the match had entailed The Velveteen Dream chasing down Aleister Black to say his name out loud. Check out this Tweet from Kevin Owens following their modern day classic.
The match culminated with Black saying The Velveteen Dream's name in a show of respect, and that was absolutely awesome indeed.
In many ways, this match was as close to art as the business of professional wrestling can get.
#1 Worst: Not in the same league
Kassius Ohno and Lars Sullivan had the match they should have had, with Sullivan beating Ohno to a pulp and leaving him bruised and battered in the middle of the ring.
Ohno did get some offense in, as compared to the rest of Sullivan's opponents, but he was mowed down, like the others were before him!
This was a fine match from start to finish, but in a night of classics, it did not seem to fit in with the rest of the showcase. Sullivan goes on to look absolutely unstoppable indeed.
As for Ohno, we wonder what the ceiling for him in NXT is, and if he will get a run with the belt some day.
#2 Best: A really bold decision
Even though he's playing a heel, one can't help but feel a sense of happiness for Andrade 'Cien' Almas. He came into the roster with much fanfare as a babyface, but was unable to connect with the NXT Universe, because something was lacking.
That something was Zelina Vega. Ever since his business associate came on board, Almas has become a transformed man, ascending the ranks to the very top of the ladder. His crowning moment came at NXT Takeover: WarGames where he became the NXT Champion, defeating Drew McIntyre for the NXT Championship.
Both men can have some incredible matches down the road. We also love the pairing with Vega, who got physically involved in the match that transpired this evening. Check out the extremely stunned expression on Vega's expressive face, at one point during this nailbiting contest.
#2 Worst: Far too soon for Ember Moon?
As Mercedes Martinez said in a promo on NXT recently, Ember Moon is a woman who chokes on the big stage. As glad as we are to see her as the NXT Women's Champion and Asuka's successor (after a very good match), we wonder if she should have chased instead.
Putting the title on Peyton Royce or Nikki Cross instead of Moon would have also created a pretty interesting story in which The War Goddess, forever in sight of her destiny, but just falling short every time, could have chased for the gold.
Let's take nothing away from Ember Moon or indeed, any of the women in the roster, who put in their all. Three cheers for the women's division.
#3 Best: WarGames
When you put in three devastating factions in a WarGames match, chances are the match will be quite awesome indeed. This match, exceeded every single expectation. Some may call it a spot fest. But for a spot fest, this was a really good match indeed.
Killian Dain was the hero of the match, even though Adam Cole picked up the final pin. Not only did he swallow the keys to the cage, he hit a sensational Coast to Coast, which was the highlight of the entire evening, considering that he's a significantly larger man than Shane McMahon is.
Every man in the ring brought their A-Game and the result was a showcase of carnage, that even Dave Meltzer appreciated.
Kudos to all three teams for one amazing contest.
#3 Worst: Was it really WarGames though?
As good as the match was, old school NWA/WCW fans must have thought to themselves that this wasn't a WarGames match. Especially considering the fact that victory occurred by pinfall.
Unlike the old WarGames, this structure did not have a roof on top, and the performers from a faction entered the cage together, instead of taking turns. This was a very different match from the WarGames contests that fans have seen the Four Horsemen and the nWo compete in, growing up.
In any case, this was a good match from start to finish. So we'll let WWE have their moment.
#4 Best: The announcing
Mauro Ranallo just made the matches feel bigger than ever, with his trademark mannerisms and highly dramatic calls. How unfortunate is it that the main roster did not hang on to the best play-by-play announcer in the modern era?
Nigel McGuiness and Percy Watson brought their A-Game too, but Ranallo stole the show on this evening. He made the matches feel more special than ever.
One must also mention Charly Caruso, who's really come into her own as a pre-show presenter, in recent times. She's miles ahead of Dasha Fuentes from SmackDown Live.
This was only the beginning, readers. Join us in a few hours for Survivor Series coverage. Until the next time, adios.
