Bobby Roode vs Hideo Itami- NXT Championship Match
Prediction: Roode Retains
Result: Roode Retains via pinfall
Grade: C+
Thoughts: I really don’t know what it is but I’m not buying into Bobby Roode as champion. Obviously I LOVE the music, obviously I view him as a credible champion and that, after all he’s been through in his career, he definitely deserves this chance.
But for two Takeover’s in a row, Orlando and this show, Roode has been involved in my two least favourite Takeover matches. The last five minutes were really exciting and made me buy into the multiple pinfalls but the match didn’t live up to it’s main event status (even though it didn’t go on last). I really hope Roode goes into a program with Drew because that will definitely interest me.
As for Itami- I’m not sure if he goes to the main roster or starts another program in NXT.
Authors of Pain vs #DIY- NXT Tag Team Championship Match
Prediction: AOP Retain
Result: AOP retain their titles
Grade: A-
Thoughts: While it took a while to get into it- this match got insane and just…indescribable with some of the spots that were put in place. The decision is debatable as many people, including myself, feel that the Authors of Pain are incredibly boring but they just need to do something with them in a way that builds their character.
However…then the turn happened. After last year we felt it would happen at the Cruiserweight Classic or at Takeover Brooklyn 2 when they lost against the Revival- it happened. Ciampa turned on the man who put his body on the line for him multiple times during the night after he felt it was just one too many times.
While I didn’t want them to separate; the genuine hatred you felt for Ciampa proves that the heel turn is going to be an effective one. The final cherry on the cake was Tommaso lowering the knee pad, that he couldn’t bring himself to do in the CC, and took Johhnys head off. A shocking end to a fantastic night.
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Article written by @McIverTheMark. Make sure to check out his podcast: @TheFalseFinish_