1. NXT Championship Match: Sami Zayn vs. Adrian Neville - NXT Takeover: R Evolution
For months, fans watched as Sami Zayn overcame obstacle after obstacle, adversity on top of adversity, to earn himself one final shot at the NXT Championship. Vowing to leave if he could not get the job done, Zayn put even more pressure on himself to finally capture the one thing that had eluded him over the previous 12 months. To do so, he would have to defeat his cocky, arrogant friend and champion Adrian Neville. The Man Who Gravity Forgot had stooped to feigning injury and pulling referees out of the squared circle in the past in order to retain his title, and had admitted that he would do whatever was necessary to leave with his title intact. It was against that background that the two top stars of NXT took to the squared circle for the main event of Takeover: R Evolution. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9U_R29pb3Xk Together, they worked their magic, telling a story that kept the molten hot audience on its feet, in support of the challenger. Chants of "Ole" rained down from the stands while Zayn did everything in his power to remain in the match, no matter how tough a fight Neville put up. In the end, Zayn's trademark resiliency and never-say-die attitude proved beneficial as he fought from underneath, delivered a Helluvah Kick and defeated Neville to become champion. Following the five-star match, Zayn celebrated as stars of NXT came to the ring to applaud the new face of the brand. It was a scenario reminiscent of Bret Hart's championship win at WrestleMania X and one Zayn more-than deserved.
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
