Thursday, March 28, 2024
EditorialNXT Takeover II - Who and What Stood Out

NXT Takeover II – Who and What Stood Out

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As most people are aware, NXT held it’s third special, NXT Takeover II, last night. Prior to the event taking place, I felt that, on paper, Takeover II’s card didn’t stand out compared to its predecessors. As the 2-hour program progressed, there was very little that took place that swayed that opinion. That being said, there were still a number of stand out performances and big time moments that are worth checking out. Here’s a little breakdown of the good, bad, and ugly from the show.

Pre-show. 
Star: Sasha Banks.

There wasn’t much of note that took place on the pre-show. Some video packages, predictions, and CJ Parker asking for, and being granted, a match (against a mystery opponent). Sasha Banks was the single highlight as she cut a 3-ish minute promo about being disrespected. It’s the kind of character that will rub some people the wrong way but I’m a big fan of Banks’ work. A strong character with really confident promo work. I might tire of her in time but so far, I think she’s pretty good. 

Main Show. 

Ascension vs Kalisto and Sin Cara for the NXT tag titles

Star: Kalisto 

I’ve said for the past year that I’m not sold on the Ascension and this match did nothing to change that. A passable tv style match where the heels worked over Sin Cara for awhile before the hot tag was finally made to Kalisto. Kalisto’s offense was flashy but the Ascension are not the kind of guys who will be able to bump for his best stuff. Kalisto hit his finish and we have new NXT tag champs. 

Baron Corbin vs CJ Parker

Star: Baron Corbin

There’s really not much to say. Corbin won in a 30 second squash. That being said, I loved it. I can’t stand Parker and Corbin looked awesome hitting his 3 moves. I have no idea if he’s actually any good but this was one hell of a first impression. 

Enzo Amore (w/ Colin Cassady) vs Sylvester Lefort (w/ Marcus Louis) in a hair vs hair match

Star: Enzo’s promo work

I should say right off the bat I am a big Enzo fan. Love the character, the promo work, his weird little tics. But this match…. Was no good. At all. Pretty much rubbish. Enzo won with a roll up. In general, I don’t like hair vs hair matches because the actual shaving part is really tedious but this match didn’t even deliver that. Lefort managed to keep the hair on his head but Louis lost his later on in the show.

William Regal/Kenta interview segment

Star: Kenta 

A nice segment where both the announcers and Regal hyped the arrival of Kenta as being a big deal. Kenta cut promos both in English as well as his native Japanese. I should note that, yes, Kenta will known as Hideo Itami going forward. No, I don’t have a problem with it. I think what mattered most was that WWE acknowledged that while he may be Itami going forward, this man is/was Kenta and he does have a history in wrestling outside the WWE. 

The Ascension hit the ring and tossed Itami to the outside in an attempt to get their heat back. It’s short lived as Itami quickly recovers and fights them off. I get why they did it but I think CJ Parker would have been a more logically choice if they wanted someone to feed to Itami. He had an axe to grind with Regal after being booked against/killed by Corbin. 

Bull Dempsey vs Mojo Rawley

Star: No one

Don’t like anything about either guy. I did think there was a little bit of two-wrongs-make-a-right when they tagged together briefly but that’s about it. This was nothing. Dempsey won with a shit top rope head butt. 

Charlotte vs Bayley for the NXT women’s title

Star: Charlotte

Weaker then the two previous women’s matches that took place on NXT specials but still better then 95% of what you’ll see on the main roster. Charlotte is possibly the most complete women’s wrestler in the entire company. She’s still got room to grow but just so solid in every aspect. Bayley is ok. She’s improved her selling in recent months and the live crowd bought into her hope spots. Worth a look.  

Adrian Neville vs Sami Zayn vs Tyler Breeze vs Tyson Kidd for the NXT title

Stars: Kidd and Zayn

Prior to the match we got a sit down interview with all four men and wow, Neville is still a horrendous promo, even in a pre tape. 

I’ve heard this match being called outstanding and a match-of-the-year contender. I thought the match was very good, nearly great (think ***3/4) but not near the level others have it at. It’s all a matter of opinion of course. First of all, when the match finished, I couldn’t remember a single thing Tyler Breeze did which tells me this probably should have been a 3-way. A good chunk of the match was Kidd working over Zayn while the other two sold for an ice age on the outside. That being said, this is the best I’ve ever seen Kidd and Zayn did as good as ever at selling his ass off. The finish came when Zayn had the visual pin on Kidd but Neville pulled the ref out of the ring. A shot to Zayn and a red arrow to Kidd and Neville retains as the seeds for a heel turn are planted. 

A good though not great show. Three of the matches (the tag match, Rawley/Dempsey, hair vs hair) aren’t worth your time. Kenta’s introduction, Enzo’s pre match promo, and the Corbin squash match are all a bit of fun while they last. Both the women’s match and main event are worthy of your time. 

So what did you think? Agree or disagree? Let me know.

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