Best and worst of NXT Takeover: WarGames
The Toyota Center in Houston just witnessed one of the best nights of live sports entertainment action in recent memory. In a way it was a relief when the event ended, because too much of a good thing can sometimes leave one completely winded.
NXT Takeover: WarGames started Survivor Series weekend off, and how! There was not a single 'bad' moment across the night, and every 'worst' that we've listed here is little more than a pet peeve.
As is always the case, Survivor Series will have a tough time following this act. NXT has set the bar really high indeed.
Here is our best and worst analysis, as always!
#1 Best: A battle of minds
How cool is it to see a story told over weeks culminate in the ring, not merely in a flurry of fists and strikes, but with a strong storytelling aspect as well? The Velveteen Dream and Aleister Black stole the show, as they played mindgames, through the duration of their fabulous match.
One could point to The Velveteen Dream's pants and how they showed Velveteen Dream and Black on either leg. One could point to how both men would not give in to the mindgames that the opponent was playing. One could talk about how good both men were, as they told a compelling story.
All we'll say is that it was a near perfect match, with every single element falling into place. You do not need a title to make a match feel special. '
The build for the match had entailed The Velveteen Dream chasing down Aleister Black to say his name out loud. Check out this Tweet from Kevin Owens following their modern day classic.
The match culminated with Black saying The Velveteen Dream's name in a show of respect, and that was absolutely awesome indeed.
In many ways, this match was as close to art as the business of professional wrestling can get.