Ranking every NXT Takeover of 2017
There is a promotion/brand today that has created a devoted and passionate following among wrestling fans, and that is WWE's NXT brand. Often heralded as being like independent wrestling with the resources of a major company, fans are invested in the product and celebrate its success.
So it comes as no surprise that, with the increase in popularity there has been an increase in the number of major events it holds.
Over the last few years, these events have coincided with the major pay-per-view for WWE's flagship brands. Throughout 2017, in NXT, a number of talented stars either debuted, turned on their partners, left, or suffered injuries.
It was a year full of highs and lows for the talent, and fans remained faithful to the product and watched keenly with each and every event. What stood out as the best of the best, and what left fans wanting more? Here, we rank every NXT Takeover for 2017.
#5 NXT Takeover: Orlando
Despite falling on April Fool's Day, NXT Takeover: Orlando made sure it was no joke. The event was held at the Amway Centre in Orlando, Florida, and featured interesting matches, including a mixed eight-person tag match pitting all the members of Sanity against Tye Dillinger, Kassius Oho, Roderick Strong and Ruby Riot.
There was a tremendous match where Bobby Roode defended his NXT championship in what would be Shinsuke Nakamura's last match in NXT, and there was an incredible triple threat NXT tag team championship match involving the Authors of Pain, DIY and The Revival.
Other matches didn't hold up, though, because of lack of time or lack of overall storytelling compared to other NXT events during the year.
When Aleister Black defeats Andrade ‘Cien' Almas in less than ten minutes and Asuka defeats Ember Moon in just over twelve minutes there is something wrong. Asuka did everything in her power to come out victorious over the seeming heir apparent in Moon.