Hello it’s me The Wrestling Brian, with my review of NXT Takeover: Chicago and lets start with the first match on the card.
Roderick Strong vs Eric Young
This was a perfectly solid opener for the show, the recent video packages to build up Roderick Strong have paid off, as he was over against the leader of SAnitY Eric Young. This was really a 3-1 match, as both Killian Dane and Alexander Wolfe interfered and sneak attacked Strong behind the ref’s back. However Roddy would keep on fighting and he took out both Dane and Wolfe out before finishing off Young for a surprise win.
I imagine that due to Roddy’s recent push on NXT he could be in line for an NXT Title shot, as for Eric Young and SAnitY, I really hope they don’t become Wyatt Family 2.0 and always look strong in promos heading into the matches, only to go and lose matches consistently.
Pete Dunne vs Tyler Bate (WWE UK Championship)
Wow, just wow, from watching this match as a British fan, I was so happy that both Tyler Bate and Pete Dunne absolutely nailed it out there and probably gave us match of the night. It was a slow burn match, where the first few minutes was pure technical wrestling, then from there, both Dunne and Bate would go and up the anti with every passing move, and the Chicago crowd ate it up. This was a great sign, because if the crowd had been dead and had shown no interest the match wouldn’t have felt special and sometimes the crowd makes the match even more memorable.
Pete Dunne was absolutely the right choice to win this match, even though Tyler provided more out of this world moves like a Spiral Tap off the top rope, Dunne feels more of an overall character.
Asuka vs Ruby Riot vs Nikki Cross (NXT Women’s Championship)
The 3 women had a tough time following the UK Championship match, but they lived to up my expectations. I think this was the most predictable match on the card, as Asuka reign of terror over the women’s division continued. I think it’s easy to say that Asuka will likely lose to Ember Moon some point down the line but she needs to stay on the roster for as long as possible. Asuka is the most complete female wrestler in NXT, and losing her would be massive hit to the brand as there really isn’t a strong women’s division yet.
Both Nikki Cross and Ruby Riot had there moments in the sun and showed promise. I’d like to see a no holds barred match in the future between the two to bring out their crazy and unpredictable nature.
I was very surprised to see this match not main eventing as the Glorious Bobby Roode defended his title against Hideo Itami. From watching this match live the crowd actually seemed quite quiet, it was only when Itami set up for the GTS that the crowd popped. I actually enjoyed this match, it had the perfect pacing, perfect psychology and a good finish, however my only issue is that Bobby Roode was probably more over than his opponent who’s a face.
In my opinion Roode is very much like Kevin Owens, he’s a cool heel but how do you make a cool heel a dastardly one? Get them to attack someone who’s loved by the NXT universe! Now I’m not sure who that person is, but the fact he’s received a big push recently I think we’ll see Roode vs Strong at NXT Takeover: Brooklyn and hopefully Strong is over enough, for Roode to be booed.
This was another solid match, as Akam and Rezar defended their tag titles against one of my favourite tag teams Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa. #DIY used their speed and agility, whereas Authors of Pain used their power to their advantage.
At one point it looked as though Gargano was regaining the tag titles for his team until Paul Ellering entered the ring and stopped Johnny from capturing the bells, Ellering was gifted with a Superkick for his troubles.
Gargano and Ciampa would hit a stereo splash off the ladder onto two ladders bridging on the outside of the ring onto both members of Authors of Pain.
It looked as though #DIY were going to win back the titles as both Gargano and Ciampa had the belts in their hands, however Authors of Pain made a quick recovery and removed the ladder from under #DIY who were left hanging in the air, Akam and Rezar would then simultaneously hit a Powerbomb onto both Gargano and Ciampa then hit the Supercollider and climb the ladder to retain their titles.
Then this happened… Tommaso Ciampa turned heel and attacked Johnny Gargano
It looked as though even though they lost, #DIY would still get a happy ending as they walked towards the entrance ramp, as the crowd applauded them and seemingly gave them a farewell. Then just as the closing credits appeared Tommaso Ciampa assaulted his tag partner and his best friend, he hit two vicious knee tremblers followed by a White Noise like move off the announcers table through a perfectly placed set of tables. To end the Takeover in Chicago on a shocking note.
I honestly thought this Takeover was the best in a while, with 5 solid matches and several memorable moments. Match of the night and possible match of the year contender belongs to 2 men from Birmingham Tyler Bate and Pete Dunne, but for me the closing images of Tommaso Ciampa viciously attacking Johnny Gargano will continue to shock, surprise and sadden me.
I leave with these closing words Why Ciampa Why?
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