Another Takeover special has snuck up on us. Pretty easy when it’s a month earlier than expected. This was what’s come to be known as a “go home” episode. That’s a term I loathe, for the record. I don’t think it will ever appear on this blog again.

This show featured the semi-final matches in the NXT number on contenders tournament. Adrian Neville faced Baron Corbin and Finn Bálor clashed with Hideo Itami. Both matches were worth a watch. Bálor v Neville in the finals should be excellent, as should Owens versus NXT champion Sami Zayn.

Basically, this episode was more proof that NXT is WWE’s best show.

Intro

Tweet 1: NXTreat.

Tweet 2: Something about the credits first. I like that they flash up the names of the major wrestlers on the show. Makes it easier to get into.

Carmella v Emma

Tweet 3: Enzo. With a nose ring.

Tweet 4: Carmella's still being presented as a face. She's still less over than enhancement talent Blue Pants.
Tweet 5: Also, Carmella is a worse dancer than both Enzo and Cass.

Hot as hell. Allegedly.

 

This was one of the best regular episodes of NXT in some time (which is not to downplay the show’s usual high quality). Bálor versus Kidd and Zayn versus Neville both would have been acceptable main events and the women’s match and Bull versus Baron both would have been logical inclusions on the next special. Basically we were spoilt, and this is an excellent episode for people to start out on the show with.

Tyson Kidd v Finn Bálor

Tweet 1:
November
X-ray
Tango
India
Mike
Echo
SHIELD!!
Tweet 2: Roar of the crowd and so forth.
Tweet 3: Charles Robinson looking confused. Great opening shot.
Tweet 4: Calgary, dramatic pause, Alberta, Canada.
Tweet 5: Bálor versus Kidd as the opener. I'm down with this.
Tweet 6: Bálor is wearing trunks made from Christmas wrapping paper.
Tweet 7: A-Ry's changed his tune on Bálor. It's almost like he's been told off for running down a guy clearly going places.

CATS!