10 Hidden Gem WWE NXT TakeOver Matches That Deserve A Rewatch
5. The Revival Vs. American Alpha 2-out-of-3 Falls (NXT TakeOver: The End)
Tag team wrestling went to new heights in NXT. Often considered a wasteland for underappreciated talent on WWE’s main roster, NXT’s duos division was the backbone of the brand’s meteoric rise. The two teams initially responsible for this were American Alpha and The Revival.
In a feud boasting wicked tag-team chemistry, both teams possessed their own throwback qualities. AA acted as this generation's Steiner Brothers, whilst The Revival continue to sensationally honor the legendary Brain Busters. These were always spectacular contests, significantly augmented by Dash and Dawson’s extreme commitment to the art of old-school tag team psychology, mixed with Gable and Jordan’s energetic enthusiasm.
Many pundits prefer their encounter at the WrestleMania weekend TakeOver: Dallas, which saw AA finally win the belts to a roof-raising reaction. However, since that event took place on a more prestigious weekend, their rematch has massively fallen through the cracks. It is not an easy argument, but their encore at TakeOver: The End, back at Full Sail and fought under 2-out-of-3 falls rules, was perhaps the better bout.
The Revival dominated the first half of the match, expertly cutting the ring in half, wearing down both opponents. An explosive Jordan hot tag gave AA the upper hand, and from here the contest got hotter by the second, never once slowing down. Both teams won a fall each by submission, before the frantic finale led to a brutal Shatter Machine on the ring apron to Gable, allowing The Revival to regain the straps. Flawless.