WWE NXT TakeOver: XXX - 6 things we learned from the event

Can SummerSlam match the intensity of TakeOver: XXX?
Can SummerSlam match the intensity of TakeOver: XXX?

#5 Punters are real athletes

McAfee showed off some impressive athleticism.
McAfee showed off some impressive athleticism.

Professional wrestling, WWE and NXT are places where almost any type of athlete can become a star. One of the running jokes in the NFL is about kickers and punters and their status in the league. Since they are only on the field for minutes at a time during a game, a lot of fellow players, analysts and fans don't think of kickers and punters as great athletes.

Anyone that has tried to kick an NFL field goal knows that it is much harder than it looks. Even punting, something that seems like it could be easy, is an intricate skill all its own.

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So when Pat McAfee joined the WWE family, we knew that he'd fit in due to his brash personality. His outspoken nature is reminiscent of an arrogant heel and it's the role he played brilliantly during his NXT feud with Adam Cole.

In his first match in WWE and NXT, McAfee showcased his athleticism. While a lot of American football fans would be surprised to see a kicker jump all around the ring, McAfee and NXT/WWE brass had faith that he could pull off a passable wrestling match.

Compared to recent athletes from other sports having matches in WWE, like Tyson Fury, McAfee's debut was better than that of boxer. McAfee pulled off a flip off of the top rope and dove to the outside into a mob of people. While we're not sure that just every NFL kicker or punter could do the same, the former Indianapolis Colt at least proved that not everything we thought about the special teams in the NFL is true.

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Edited by Nishant Jayaram
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