NXT TakeOver Chicago: Every Match Ranked From Worst To Best

NXT TakeOver: Chicago is yet another reminder of how much more consistent and satisfying NXT's big shows are than the majority of WWE's core PPVs, with booking that actually makes sense and a greater focus on, you know, wrestling.

It's not hyperbolic to suggest that Chicago might be the best TakeOver event yet, serving up three must-see matches, with the other two being well above-average, highly entertaining bouts.

Like the better TakeOver shows, the big matches were loaded with drama and heart, and though a few of the recent TakeOvers have felt like wheel-spinning exercises when it comes to the big picture, Chicago's brutal final twist ensures it's going to have significant ramifications moving forward.

Good luck matching this, Backlash...

5. Roderick Strong Vs. Eric Young

Result: Strong nailed the End of Heartache to score the win (13:42).

Rating: The show's worst match was still a riveting opener once the pair got past a sluggish start and kicked into gear for the remainder, feeding off the crowd's incredible energy throughout.

Sure, it was a pretty standard NXT opening match for the most part. It could've gone either way, but the right man absolutely won and both of them came out of it looking strong. Plus, how awesome was that brutal finish? The future's looking very bright for Strong indeed, and deservedly so.

On another card this would've stood out as a corker, but considering how excellent the rest of the show was, it sadly has to take last place. 7/10