10 Underrated WWE NXT TakeOver Matches You Need To See
Time to do some NXT binge watching on the WWE Network before Brooklyn.
If you're hungry for exhilarating action, look no further than NXT, specifically the TakeOver specials that are held every few months on the WWE Network. It started with the successful Arrival event in February 2014 before becoming what it is today: TakeOver, NXT's version of pay-per-views (but better). As WWE's foundation for the future, NXT never ceases to impress, and TakeOver will almost always surpasses anything WWE does during their own pay-per-views.
It is an incredible feat that of the 11 installments that have occurred thus far, every one has ranged from good to great to absolutely amazing. The upcoming Brooklyn special should be no different given the stacked card on tap; Samoa Joe vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Bayley vs. Asuka, and even The Revival vs. Johnny Gargano and Tomasso Ciampa have the potential to be show-stealers.
For every memorable matchup to take place at TakeOver, such as Bayley vs. Sasha Banks and Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Sami Zayn, there have been hidden gems from those same shows, such as Jushin Liger vs. Tyler Breeze and Asuka vs. Emma. Whether it was because they were overshadowed by the night's more monumental matches or some other reason, these ten undercard classics simply don't tend to get the recognition they deserve.
Before Brooklyn, they are recommended viewing for any and all fans of NXT.
10. Andrade 'Cien' Almas Vs. Tye Dillinger (The End)
For weeks, mysterious vignettes aired on NXT TV hyping the impending debut of Andrade 'Cien' Almas. As the former Mexican sensation La Sombra, fans were excited to see what he would bring to the table, even more so when it was announced by NXT general manager William Regal that his initial opponent at TakeOver: The End would be Tye Dillinger.
Dillinger has had a reputation in recent years for having phenomenal in-ring performances only to fall short. And in being NXT's No. 1 jobber, fans quickly took a major liking to him, and his "Perfect 10" gimmick is now among the most over acts in the entire promotion.
Combine his immense popularity and excellent ring ability with that of Almas and you had yourself an extremely entertaining match-up that was wisely slotted in the opening match of the show. The crowd was red hot for the bout as a result, and they contested a fairly fun match that showcased the strengths of both competitors.
Granted, the match was designed to be all about Almas, who definitely did shine, but fans came out of this contest wanting to see more of Dillinger. He had the faithful at Full Sail University in the palm of his hand the entire time, and it remains a mystery why NXT isn't doing more with him at the moment.