Welcome to the newest NXT Takeover edition of SLTD PPV Rewind, a retrospective column looking back at the NXT specials each time a new one comes around. This time, it’s the first show under the NXT Takeover banner.
Adam Rose Vs. Camacho
Some comedic moments during the opening of this one, the whole Adam Rose gimmick worked best in NXT and the Full Sail audience were all over it. Camacho gets some impressive offence in that makes me think that, with a good repackaging, Camacho could have been a real prospect.
Decent opener for the show, Adam Rose wins after hitting the Party Foul.
Rating: 3/5
NXT Tag Team Championships: The Ascension Vs. Kalisto & El Local
A very early version of the Lucha Dragons here? Only difference is that the minimal entrance given to the challengers does not make me think they stand any chance against the dominant champions. Seeing The Ascension lauded so heavily as champions in NXT makes for a poor reflection on where they are now.
Good tag team match, the powerful double team moves from the champions are always fun to watch and it’s clear that Kalisto was still in the process of finding is feet in NXT. I’ll look over Ricardo Rodriquez who slows the pace down considerably after you’ve seen his partner.
The Ascension retain the championships after ending El Local with the Fall of Man.
Rating: 3/5
No.1 Contender’s Match: Sami Zayn Vs. Tyler Breeze
I love having a No.1 Contender’s match as a featured attraction on a big show, makes the championship mean something without it actually being directly involved in match.
I remember when I bought NXT’s Greatest Matches on Blu Ray, I looked straight away to see if this match was included, because I loved it when I first saw it, and it’s not on the set.
This is a great, overlooked match showcasing what we all now know and love about Sami Zayn (countering a beauty shot into a blue thunder bomb anyone?) and exactly what Tyler Breeze has in him, so much potential and the ability to ‘go’ with the best in a big match environment.
Well worth the watch, Tyler Breeze becomes the new No.1 Contender after hitting Zayn with a beauty shot.
Rating: 4/5
NXT Women’s Championship: Charlotte Vs. Natalya
A good match here which I feel we’ve just seen on the main roster, especially with Bret Hart and Ric Flair in the respective corners. Very much forming the foundations of the Women’s revolution and the start of Charlotte’s rise to dominance, Natalya plays the veteran here extremely well and takes a still learning Charlotte to a well fought victory.
Charlotte wins the Women’s Championship after hitting Natural Selection.
Rating: 3/5
NXT Championship: Adrian Neville Vs. Tyson Kidd
I love Tyson Kidd in this spot, much like Natalya in the previous match, he is being used as a solid hand, a veteran with a lot to give and the willingness to teach/help through sheer love of Wrestling. I remember thinking, when Kidd & Cesaro won the Tag Team Championships, that they were being rewarded for their assistance in NXT.
Nevile, on the other hand, is accomplished already. The fans respond to his extravagant move set but I feel these matches with Kidd really polished the edges to prepare him for the main roster.
A very good, well fought championship match that not only elevates Neville but let’s Kidd demonstrate why he is one of the most underrated performers in the company. Adrian Neville retains the NXT Championship after hitting a red arrow for the pin.
Rating: 4/5
Final Thoughts:
Learning exactly what makes a great show, NXT Takeover shows the foundations of what eventually makes these specials ‘don’t miss’ events. Take the focus away from the silly segments (I left out a worthless Rusev Vs. Mojo Rawley flag waving skit from my review) and keep the attention on the matches that everyone will remember. Very good show.
17/25 – B+
NXT Specials Ranking:
- NXT Takeover – B+
- NXT ArRival – C
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