10 Hidden Gem WWE NXT TakeOver Matches That Deserve A Rewatch

NXT TakeOver: Chicago famously went off the air with Tomasso Ciampa viciously assaulting best friend Johnny Gargano, ending #DIY for the first time. Since this moment is the events main legacy, outstanding contests lower on the card such as Bobby Roode vs. Hideo Itami for the NXT Championship are unfortunately less memorable.

This story was all about Itami seeking redemption, crestfallen by his horrid run of injuries at the worst possible timing, leading to him missing most of NXT’s golden period. As he was known before and after his NXT career, the former KENTA was a monumental signing for the developmental brand in 2014, the first major coup before the likes of Finn Balor, Samoa Joe and Shinsuke Nakamura followed suit. Once considered a certain NXT Champion in waiting, TakeOver Chicago would be his only televised opportunity at the title, held at the time by the Glorious Bobby Roode.

From a work-rate perspective, Roode’s Championship reign could not compare with that of Balor’s before him or Adam Cole’s to come. It was his suave and extremely vain character work, which instead paved the way for a successful tenure.

Roode was intent on ridding his NXT of Itami, the last real spirit of the old NXT. Itami could not get the job done, but this was a great match and easily his best moment in WWE. Whereas Roode turned in an improved showing which powerfully utilized an emotion-heavy story.