6 NXT TakeOver: Chicago Reactions Match By Match

6. Roderick Strong Vs. Eric Young

We kick off with the latest chapter of the "Sanity vs. the rest of the roster" story, as leader Eric Young took on latest target Roderick Strong. With Tye Dillinger graduating to the SmackDown Live roster following WrestleMania, Strong has taken up the mantle of leading the charge against the dominant Sanity.

NXT's signature clear, logical booking was immediately evident, as Strong used the distraction of his own entrance music to sneak in through the crowd and attack Young's stablemates Killian Dain and Alexander Wolfe, because really, why wouldn't he? Strong is smart enough to know they're going to get involved at some point, so he is best served to throw the first strike.

With two guys of this caliber and experience in the ring, we knew this would be a great contest, and they didn't disappoint. An excellent blend of technical skill and big spots was on display, marred only by a particularly egregious example of Dodgy WWE Officiating (©) as the referee ignored Dain attacking Strong directly in front of him.

Strong showed some incredibly innovative moves here including a plethora of his signature backbreakers, and Young was perfect in his role as the crazy faction leader. Strong picked up the win with an incredible front suplex into a backbreaker; the show was off to a great start.