PWP Nation’s Caden Moran details five things we learned from NXT Takeover: Phoenix
Another NXT Takeover has come and gone, and as always, the NXT roster has set the bar high for WWE’s main roster. It was a night full of amazing tag team action, new champions crowned, and the creation of a new star in the NXT women’s division. With all that happened, there are a few things we learned from NXT Takeover in Phoenix, Arizona.
#5 – Ricochet is Far From Human
Ricochet‘s match with Johnny Gargano was my personal match of the night, and could easily go down as match of the year, even though it is only January. From the amount of story telling to the incredible sequences of action between both men, Ricochet and Gargano put on one hell of a spectacle. However, all I could think about throughout the match is how insane Ricochet actually is. The man is not human.
Ricochet’s incredible acrobatics, dives, and ability to land on his feet like a cat falling from the sky made him look like a real life Spider-Man, even looking like him with his red and black gear. Obviously, Ricochet pulling out these amazing moves is nothing new from him, but the more I watch Mr. Trevor Mann, the more awe struck I become.
#4 – Aleister Black’s Time in NXT is Over
Aleister Black went to war with Tommaso Ciampa for the NXT Championship, and came out on the losing end. The “Dutch Destroyer” was pinned and lost clean in the middle of the ring to the champion, and now the question for Aleister Black is, now what?
Aleister Black’s time in NXT is over, and it was always going to be over after the event in Phoenix. Black is ready for WWE’s main roster and whether he makes his debut during the Royal Rumble event, the episode of RAW or Smackdown Live after, or post-Wrestlemania, Aleister Black will soon be making his presence felt on WWE TV.
Aleister Black had quite a run in NXT and I have no doubt that his run on the main roster will be very fun to watch.
#3 – Tag Team Wrestling Can be Awesome to Watch
NXT Takeover: Phoenix saw new NXT Tag Team Champions crowned as the War Raiders defeated Undisputed Era in, in my opinion, the second best match of the night. Both teams put on an incredible opener and it helped us as fans realize that tag team wrestling can be some of the best wrestling in the world.
With drama going on behind the scenes involving The Revival and their frustration with the main roster’s handling of the tag team division, NXT continues to remind us that, with the right people behind it, tag team wrestling can be beautiful to watch.
From War Raiders’ seriously phenomenal entrance to both teams ability in the ring, it was almost overwhelming how much fun the entire match was. Tag team wrestling is some of the most beautiful work, and War Raiders and Undisputed Era proved it, once again, tonight.
#2 – Bianca Belair is Worthy
Bianca Belair was made in Phoenix. A new star was born in the eyes of many, including my own, after her inspiring performance against Shayna Baszler for the NXT Women’s Championship.
If you tuned into the NXT Takeover pre-show, you probably heard Sam Roberts go full heel when talking about Belair. For some reason, Sam Roberts claimed that Bianca Belair was “not worthy” of being on a Takeover card. These comments sparked outrage over social media and suddenly, Bianca Belair had something to prove. She did just that.
Bianca has spent most of her NXT career as a heel, but after her performance in Phoenix, Bianca Belair proved that she can be the babyface that we as fans can get behind. Bianca proved herself worthy with her performance. Even though she may not longer be “UN-DE-FEA-TED”, Bianca Belair has a bright future ahead of her.
#1 – All Roads Lead to Brooklyn
At the end of the broadcast for NXT Takeover: Phoenix, the new NXT North American Champion Johnny Gargano stood side by side with his former best friend, NXT Champion, Tommaso Ciampa.
With the former tag team partners now holding both singles titles for the yellow brand, one can only wonder what is next for both men. Johnny Gargano has been fighting with himself for months, but now it seems he is starting to see things Ciampa’s way. However, I would not expect to see a long term reunion between the two.
Johnny Gargano’s destiny is to be the lovable babyface who claims the NXT Championship from the sadistic Ciampa. This will happen at NXT Takeover during Wrestlemania weekend. All roads lead to this and over the next couple of months, we will see this unfold before our eyes.
Gargano vs Ciampa 5 in Brooklyn. Title for title. All roads lead to it.
NXT continues to look more and more interesting after every Takeover event. I look forward to seeing what happens next.
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