10 Best Matches In NXT TakeOver History
1. Neville Vs. Sami Zayn (TakeOver: R Evolution, 2014)
There’s only one match that can conceivably better Sasha and Bayley’s stunning performance in Brooklyn, and it’s right here. Sami Zayn and Neville’s NXT Title clash in December 2014 remains the peak of WWE developmental, and a perfect storm of story, psychology, and pure athletic ability.
Sami’s underdog story had been a constant throughout 2014. Always the bridesmaid and never the bride, Zayn had come agonisingly close to becoming NXT Champion on a number of occasions, but could never quite get the job done. At TakeOver: R Evolution, he finally shook the monkey from his back.
With Zayn as the more natural babyface, Neville switched to a tweener role prior to and throughout the match. The story was clear: Neville was the dominant champion, and his friend Sami was the also-ran. Neville wasn’t shy in criticising his challenger’s inability to win the big one, and continually derided him for not willing to do whatever it took to win, even if it meant getting his hands dirty.
The story was perfect, and the match was off the charts. Zayn showed unbelievable babyface fire throughout, and while they continually teased that Sami’s compassion would once again cost him, he sealed the win with two Helluva Kicks. The NXT roster swarmed the ring to celebrate Sami’s big moment with him, but as one door closed, another opened. Kevin Owens viciously destroyed Zayn in the aftermath to start the latest chapter of their long-running personal rivalry: a flawless aftermath for a flawless match.