6 Ups & 3 Downs From NXT TakeOver In Your House 2021
4. All Those Retro Mentions!
There was a Stephanie Wyand name drop.
That's it - that's all this entry needs. Maybe not. Todd Pettengill mentioned his old bug-eyed co-host during a backstage skit with McKenzie Mitchell though, and that made this crusty old-schooler smile. Seeing Todd play Karate Fighters with Dexter Lumis later on was also wonderful.
WWE nailed the retro atmosphere TakeOver: In Your House needs. The set looked amazing (again), that Dok Hendrix intro from Michael Hayes was on point, and the "...revolutionary force in sports entertainment" kick off vignette got hairs standing up on the back of this fan's neck.
Crucially, classic In Your House mentions and 90s fan service didn't hog the spotlight. The focus was still very much firmly on the current roster and NXT's usual flavour, but these little easter egg moments didn't hurt. Also, Todd still has that energetic buzzbomb presence.