NXT Take 9-23-20

Battle Royale

Lots of names that I initially had trouble remembering in this match, not a good sign. There were some HARD bumps in this match, I appreciated the effort. The problem came between the spots when people seemed to be going through the motions just waiting on their spot. Indy Hartwell was one notable person just standing around waiting for something to do. The eliminations were done really well and I’m sure some good feuds were sparked. Rhea Ripley and Shotzi were the big stars coming out of this one. Not sure I am in love with the winner though, we’ve seen Io Shirai and Candice LeRae before, how will this be different?

Ciampa vs Atlas

Again, how many times do I have to say how special Jake Atlas is? He deserves more, he isn’t a future WWE Champion but he is a guy that could change my mind and that’s what makes him so special. He’s so talented that he can go where he wants to go in this business. He needs more of an edge and he needs it to show in his matches, he seemed a bit timid in his match with Ciampa even through all of his initial aggression.

Priest [c] vs Theory

Theory has to stop losing these matches. Cesar Bonini was the perfect guy for Priest to have a competitive squash against but he’s somewhere else now, doing nothing. Theory deserves better and he will get it at some point. Gargano attacked Damian Priest after the match to let him know what he’s up against at Takeover.

Tag team turmoil?

Burch & Strong vs Aichner & Mendoza

Strong and Burch win the strange match with big rewards, the winners get to face each other’s tag team and the winner of that faces Breezango. Sure, its seems confusing but I actually liked this. The match was quality as well.

Elimination gauntlet

The most unlikely of men came out on top as Kyle O’ Reilly tapped out Cameron Grimes to punch his ticket to Takeover to face Finn Balor. I was sure someone else was going to get the victory, Brunson Reed was my favorite to win it all. Everyone looked good, except Kushida who was taken out by Velveteen Dream whom WWE continues to put on television. I’m okay with it but they need to say more about his situation, not less. Kushida and Dream for Takeover will be fun though. O’ Reilly isn’t winning but the match is going to be epic.

Honorable mentions

1. Ridge Holland vignette and squash match. Good slow build for him.

2. Swerve scott promo, wants another shot at the Cruiserweight title.

Final take

I didn’t like that two top contenders were determined on one show and right before the big PPV. The build to Takeover is in full swing but I am a bit underwhelmed the more I look at the card, we’ve been here before and nothing feels special, as if it will change. We know Takeover is going to be great because it’s always a great show but the last one fell short of expectations; that’s what happened when the bar is set so high.

#NXTTakeOver #IoShirai #CandiceLeRae #JohnnyGargano #NXT #DamianPriest