NXT TakeOver: Phoenix Report Card

#3 NXT North American Championship: Ricochet (c.) vs Johnny Gargano

This is the best WWE match of the year so far.

Result: Johnny Gargano defeated Ricochet via pinfall with a slingshot DDT.

Grade: A+

Analysis: This was an amazing match. This match was one of the most heavily anticipated bouts of all of Royal Rumble weekend and it most certainly justified the hype that it received. The match started off with an amazing technical wrestling showcase from both men. Johnny Gargano would then take control before Ricochet made his always incredible comeback.

Some incredible counters included Ricochet countering the Super Hurricanrana by landing on his feet, Gargano countering a somersault into a powerbomb, Ricochet countering the Slingshot DDT by throwing Gargano to the floor, and Johnny Gargano countering a fireman's carry into a reverse hurricanrana on the floor.

There were also some incredible near falls including the first slingshot DDT from Johnny Gargano and Ricochet's springboard 450 splash. It looked like Gargano's old self made a return when he elected to not hit Ricochet with a DDT on the concrete but he later would go back to his current evil self when he hit Ricochet with a brainbuster on the concrete floor.

It was surprising to see Ricochet lose the title as he has not done much with his reign but Gargano also has the potential to be a great champion. However, it would not be surprising to see Ricochet win the title back. This was the match that the title needed to make it look like a truly prestigious championship.