My reviews were looking slightly unorganised (my database decided to completely randomise itself) so (after adding to this in order to sort my Reviews Monday-Friday this week) I decided to put it into a different system. Using this system I can see my reviews more clearly in a better format. This streamline gave me a chance to watch some wrestling to enjoy. With working on some 1990's - 2000's I decided to freshen it up and modernize it. Due to this, I am able to give you guys 2 Required Rewatches over this weekend for NXT's first two TakeOver specials.
REQUIRED REWATCH: NXT: ARRIVAL
Full Sail University, Orlando, FL - 27th February 2014
Our commentary team tonight consists of William Regal, Tom Phillips and Byron Saxton.
MATCH 1: ANTONIO CESARO VS. SAMI ZAYN
original review here
©World Wrestling Entertainment Inc.
Upon Rewatch
General Manager at the time John “Bradshaw” Layfield said during the pre-show that this match will set the pace. What a match to pick too, two indy darlings that can work a good match from nearly anybody facing off in the blow-off to their feud. Even with those factors, this match exceeded expectations. Sami Zayn took everything Cesaro had and earned his respect from his performance in this match. He took countless European Uppercuts (including running and free-fall variations) before falling victim to The Neutralizer. If that's the pace NXT wants to replicate they have one hell of a job ahead. WORKRATE – 4.5/5 PERSONAL ENJOYMENT 4.5/5 OVERALL: 9/10
MATCH 2: CJ PARKER VS. MOJO RAWLEY
©World Wrestling Entertainment Inc
Upon Rewatch
Mojo got a showcase here, CJ Parker got a quick and easy (but still painful) check. He also got some basic offence in so he wasn't completely steamrolled over. WORKRATE – 1/5 PERSONAL ENJOYMENT 1/5 OVERALL: 2/10
MATCH 3: THE ASCENSION © VS. TOO COOL (NXT TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS)
Original Review here
Upon Rewatch
It was sweet for the older fans seeing Too Cool answer the challenge, since it's a nostalgia act they recognised. The Ascension dominated the match as they should have but during Scotty 2 Hotty being on top the fans believed it could happen, and that was all that needed to happen here. The Ascension beat Too Cool in a symbolic passing of the torch. With Viktor robbing the fans the chance of seeing The Worm instantly amplifying his heat. WORKRATE – 2.75/5 PERSONAL ENJOYMENT 3/5 OVERALL: 5.75/10
Original Review here
©World Wrestling Entertainment Inc
Upon Rewatch
I really could have done without Stephanie McMahon's Women Empowerment speech before the match. I get the point, but just let the women tell that story in the ring. Emma has recently returned under the name Emmalina. If she's given the chances in that role that she's given here I look forward to seeing it. As for Paige, I'm anxious for her return. I'm unsure how much effort she'll be willing to put into her work, or if she'll just phone it in until her contract ends. Either way that doesn't mean jack for this match. Paige looked ruthless, and Emma fought back with everything she's got. They set the bar really high for future NXT Women's matches and Paige having to pull out a new submission move to retain her championship was a simple but effective end to the match.
WORKRATE – 3.75/5 PERSONAL ENJOYMENT 3/5 OVERALL: 6.75/10
MATCH 5: BO DALLAS © VS. ADRIAN NEVILLE (LADDER MATCH – NXT CHAMPIONSHIP)
Original Review here
©World Wrestling Entertainment Inc
Upon Rewatch
This was a hard-hitting match from bell to bell. It gave the main event a big feel-good moment and a title change in its first ladder match. What I want to know is what the hell happened to this Bo Dallas? He was a completely different guy to the goof on the main roster. I need to check out his other NXT work now the earlier days are on the WWE Network. WORKRATE – 4.5/5 PERSONAL ENJOYMENT 4.25/5 OVERALL: 8.75/10
Show Thoughts
As a show this had everything. Something for the older fans to look on and enjoy from their more innocent days, it showed what a lot of the roster in NXT can do from their performances and they all made the most of their big stage. The only exceptions being Xavier Woods and Tyler Breeze so Alexander Rusev got to look like a beast. On the whole I'd rate it 8.3/10
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