NXT Takeover Dallas Results and Analysis
The show, airing live from the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, got straight to the in-ring action out of the gate.
American Alpha def. The Revival (NXT Tag Team Championship)
This was just as good of a match as expected, with the champions Dash Wilder and Scott Dawson showing off their blend of fundamental ability and traditional heel wrestling tactics. Any rally they mounted was thwarted by the absolutely red-hot American Alpha. That included an impressive mix of suplexes from Chad Gable and Jason Jordan, who also added his usually injection of energy when he got a “hot tag” toward the middle of the match. In the end, American Alpha uses tag-team guile to pick up the emotional win with a Grand Amplitude suplex combo.
Both of these teams are a throwback to tag teams of old, and having American Alpha take home the tag team titles here was close to a no-brainer decision. The NXT tag division is incredible right now, especially when you include Enzo and Big Cass. There really isn’t anything on the main roster besides New Day that compares to what those three have going in NXT right now.
Japanese lightweight wrestler Kota Ibushi, formerly with New Japan Pro Wrestling, was seen in the crowd after the match. This will perhaps tie in to the recently announced Global Cruiserweight Series.
Austin Aries def. Baron Corbin
Aries and Corbin have two very different styles, and they were on display in the early going of the match. Corbin uses his power well, and Aries is just the right size for him to work with. Aries, meanwhile, is clearly a seasoned veteran in the ring and makes every effort to cut down Corbin. The younger, bigger Corbin takes the advantage early, tossing Aries around the ring and throwing in the nice touch of calling for the bell because his opponent was “done.” Aries rallies back with some strikes, including absolutely thunderous chest chops in the corner. Corbin stems the tide with a vicious “Deep Six” slam outside the ring and climbs back in for the nine count, but Aries counters the “End of Days” into a roll-up for the win.
Corbin is really finding his stride as the anti-Indy star. He’s doing a brilliant job antagonizing the crowd as he beats down one of their “darlings,” and his look fits the part. Aries played the “wily veteran” role well here, but the finish was a bit too much like the main-roster pay-per-view finishes that often leave fans disgruntled. Still, Aries getting the win in this fashion is good for him and doesn’t really hurt Corbin too much since he was dominant for most of the match.