10 Best Matches In NXT TakeOver History

Now firmly established as one of the best tag teams in the world, two-time tag champions The Revival took-on their latest challengers Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa at TakeOver: Brooklyn II. While the show didn’t quite deliver on its early “Show of the Year” potential, that was through no fault of the tag teams, who spared no effort to produce a stunning clash that’ll feature prominently on countless end-of-year ballots.

The Revival hit a new level in this one. Their cut-offs, strategies, and increasingly creative shortcuts continue to make them one of the sport’s most exciting acts, despite their straightforward, bruising style. There’s a strong Arn Anderson/Tully Blanchard vibe about them that just can’t be ignored, and this was them at their virtuoso best.

Gargano and Ciampa were on-fire, too. The duo have outstanding chemistry, and while both are already certified indy darlings, it’s their differing roles that set them apart. Gargano is the undersized and affable underdog who excels at getting the crowd on his side and taking heat, while Ciampa is a ruthless, fired-up berserker who wrestles with the conviction of a dozen men. Both fought to their peak of their abilities, and the near-falls that peppered the match’s final act were nothing short of heart-stopping.

The match ended with Gargano tapping following a brutal leg-work sequence, and the post-match left NXT fans with their hearts in their mouths. The portrayal of Ciampa’s frustration coupled with Gargano’s disappointment was as masterful an acting performance as you’ll ever see from two wrestlers, and if WWE do pull the trigger on their teased split, the ensuing feud is going to be electric.