Ranking every match from NXT TakeOver: XXX

#2 Adam Cole vs. Pat McAfee

Good morning beautiful people..I woke up a bit sore.. I couldn’t fully understand why then I hopped on the TwitterOoohhhhhh, that’s right #NXTTakeOver pic.twitter.com/cMqoDf5y4O

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) August 23, 2020

The TakeOver: XXX feud between Adam Cole and Pat McAfee had to be the most polarizing NXT rivalry since the inception of the brand right from the start. The controversial episode of the Pat McAfee Show that kickstarted this feud was seen as a desperate attempt at presenting a shoot to some fans. However, to others, it was extremely intriguing.

Through the work of both men over the past month on WWE NXT, they created a compelling animosity that has been simmering for over two years. In the process of the buildup, the leader of the Undisputed Era and self-proclaimed king of NXT has gone from the cunning top heel of the brand to a confident babyface. A lot of the credit for that turn has to be given to the promo work of Pat McAfee.

The former Super Bowl Champion has been a revelation as a character and stellar with a mic in hand. He expresses himself with a cockiness that is truly annoying on purpose. Although McAfee has been great on the mic and been training in his own personal ring for a few years now, there was certainly a lot of doubt heading into his first official match on NXT.

This NXT TakeOver: XXX encounter exceeded all expectations to deliver one of the best celebrity matches of all time. Pat McAfee showed a level of agility, athleticism, and poise in the ring that made you believe this man was born to be a professional wrestler. McAfee's incredible senton dive on to a pile on the outside as well as flip off the top rope, then one jump leap into a Superplex were the highlights of an entertaining contest.

I’m never surprised by anything @PatMcAfeeShow does anymore. But god damn if that wasn’t one of the most impressive, entertaining things I’ve ever seen. Couldn’t be more proud to call him boss #NXTTakeOver pic.twitter.com/3GKLHx6kov

— Ty Schmit (@tyschmit) August 23, 2020

Adam Cole deserves plenty of credit for leading the way, like the true ring general he is. He led the less-experienced McAfee to a match that he could truly be proud of. His selling of McAfee's offense and athleticism left you believing that the former NFL punter could defeat the longest reigning NXT Champion of all time. This was highly entertaining and surprising to watch throughout.

Coming out of this NXT TakeOver: XXX match, you have to wonder if this was just some one-off match or the beginning of a career for Pat McAfee. One thing is for sure, McAfee put any doubt in regards to him in his rearview mirror with a fantastic performance.