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These NXT Takeovers are the Marvel Movies of wrestling. They rarely disappoint, or let you down, and are captivating enough to watch in one shot. That being said, here's a quick sum-up, in the order of what i remember most / what i enjoyed most.
Super impressed by Asuka. Her body language, mannerisms, moveset, and well, everything else scream awesome. And, i'm beginning to get the appeal of Dana Brooke as well. Also, was this the first time someone mocked Dana's taunts? Those taunts are a huge irritant, especially when Dana does them a hundred times per appearance. Overall, this match had me riveted. Read it somewhere, maybe here, maybe on Reddit, but i'd agree. Asuka was a better Hideo Itami than Hideo Itami.
Both semi-final tag matches. Great stories where all the participants looked brilliant. I'd give the edge to Jordan/Gable VS Corbin/Rhyno. Insane pacing, and a few really sweet spots. Gable's suplex to Corbin and that bridge pin attempt should make it to highlight reels. Corbin's growth has been great as well. Have Jordan/Gable faced the Vaudevillians yet? Can't wait to see Gotch / Gable. The other tag, well, Joe's intensity and Dawson/Dash's no-nonsense style were the highlights.
The commentary. Each one of them know the roles they play, and do their best to keep at it. Insights, opinions, facts, storytelling, everything was top notch, and the smattering of personalities was the cherry on top. From pointing out the significance of the attire for Bayley / Sasha, to calling moves by their names to constantly selling Balor's knee, and why Breeze keeps getting these Takeover matches even though he doesn't seem to win any, it all kept me hooked. Graves is by far the best colour commentator in the WWE today.
The Ironman Match. I have to say, it didn't feel like 30 minutes. Solid storytelling, and some of the spots were excellent. The Banks/Izzy moment was brilliant, and definitely needed to be done to re-establish Banks as a super-heel. I didn't enjoy the ending though. Had me question why Banks couldn't hold on for three seconds more? Though, credit where credit's due. Bayley's submission looked insanely painful, and fit perfectly in to the match story.
Crews VS Breeze. I like Breeze. I get why Crews had to pick up a win, and Breeze was the perfect opponent for him.
Balor/Joe VS Corbin/Rhyno. After the insanity of the semi-finals, the final felt a bit flat. Credit where credit's due though. They all worked their asses of.
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