10 Best Wrestling PPVs Of 2017

4. NXT TakeOver: Chicago

Finn Balor AJ Styles TLC 2017 Too Sweet
WWE.com

Enhanced by the typically molten Chicago crowd, this TakeOver special in particular captured the glory of the NXT brand. Doused somewhat by the worn-out Full Sail set-up, it never fails to deliver on Saturday nights, during which, for two and a half wonderful hours, it's impossible to comprehend that the maddeningly inconsistent WWE is responsible for something so wall-to-wall brilliant.

Tyler Bate Vs, Pete Dunne, an iron-sharpens-iron fusion of technicality and fire, symbolised TakeOver's enduring surprise appeal. The two relatively unfamiliar Brits tore the roof off the All State arena, but the deafening chants of "UK!" reverberated around the walls. Roderick Strong deftly demonstrated his pure babyface credentials in a choice opener, while the on-paper underwhelming inclusion of Ruby Riot(t) as a challenger for Asuka's Women's Title overdelivered.

Surprises were sprung throughout; Black cat Hideo Itami wrestled a blinding bout opposite Bobby Roode, temporarily restoring his world class aura, and in an emotionally devastating denouement, Tommaso Ciampa turned on #DIY partner Johnny Gargano in a beautifully foreshadowed but still-shocking betrayal, following an awesome ladder match main event.

There were few, if any, "CM Punk" chants in Chicago that night. NXT avoided them by presenting a card so good, the fans didn't feel the need to put themselves at the forefront of it.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!