10 Greatest NXT Matches of All Time
Since its inception in 2012, NXT has always been more in-ring focused than its main roster counterparts RAW and Smackdown. In 2014, that focus would become even more apparent as Triple H, William Regal and Matt Bloom began bringing in previously-experienced indie talent (who had obviously been afforded the freedom to develop in different, less restrictive places) that helped round out the roster and take it to the next level. Since then, NXT has exploded in popularity, becoming a magnet for much of the global wrestling scene's premier athletes.
The effect of this has led to amazing back to back Takeover specials every 2-3 months where some of the most jaw-dropping, utterly incredible matches in WWE history have taken place - women's in 2015, tag teams in 2016, mid-card guys in 2017, and pretty much everyone in 2018. NXT has shed light on different styles and levels of in-ring prowess, remaining the "hottest brand in sports entertainment" due to its consistent quality in presenting traditional athletic-focused professional wrestling in a modern sports entertainment context.
Although opinions may vary and taste is ultimately subjective, this list can be safely assumed to represent the general consensus among the NXT Universe and Internet wrestling community. These are the top 10 NXT matches of all time (as of January 15, 2019).
#10 6-Man Ladder Match (Takeover: New Orleans)
Rated 5 stars by Dave Meltzer of the legendary Wrestling Observer Newsletter (only the second ladder match to earn the accolade after the first ever ladder match at WrestleMania X), the opening bout of Takeover: New Orleans during WrestleMania 34 weekend featured six hungry upper mid-card members of NXT's roster (Lars Sullivan, Killian Dain, Velveteen Dream, Adam Cole and the debuting Ricochet and EC3) vying for the chance at coveting the brand's new secondary title, the North American Championship, which hung over the ring like bait for a pack of wild animals.
The ensuing match would become an absolute car crash of fantastic, beautiful destruction as six men would simultaneously put their bodies on the line and proceed to create a human demolition derby.
Velveteen Dream's planting of Ricochet onto a ladder with a rolling death valley driver, Killian Dain's Vader bomb onto a ladder with EC3 beneath and Adam Cole on his back, and Lars Sullivan's 'freak accident' slamming of EC3 through a ladder on the outside of the ring were just a few of the stellar moments. Ricochet's moonsault off a falling ladder into several opponents also impressed, but it would be Adam Cole who'd take home the gold in the end, becoming the first ever NXT North American Champion.