10 LIVE Observations From NXT TakeOver: New York

10. A Somewhat Strange Opening Atmosphere

The atmosphere surrounding a live TakeOver event, at least this one, is eerie. Daunting.

Despite the best efforts of the swaggering Street Profits and the relentless ball of lunging energy that is Oney Lorcan in particular, the crowd gave the Kickoff nothing. Only when a performer directly appealed to our support did we let out a default cheer or boo. It felt interesting to be a part of and to influence, in some small way. It didn't feel to me like a gesture or disrespect, or even disinterest. I'm one of many dorky hardcore fans, of the sort that attends these events, who wishes to see more of the chronically under-used Candice LaRae. And yet, she performed to near-silence. It felt like an almost collective oath to conserve our energy.

The TakeOver brand is so incredibly strong that we knew we needed all of it to last until the main event. The sobering lack of heat underscored just how vital a loud and supportive crowd is in loosening up the performer; I will remember only two very noticeable botches from the otherwise regulation fare of the three-match Kickoff. Spoiler: next week's NXT TV isn't particularly great.

TakeOver: New York was unbelievably f*cking great, however.