10 Live Observations From NXT TakeOver: Dallas

9. Apollo Crews And Elias Samson Were Bumped Off The Show

The program between Apollo Crews and Elias Samson only began two weeks ago, and to be fair, their match was never officially announced for TakeOver. Still, many outlets were reporting that it was scheduled to be part of the special proper. Many of the previous TakeOver shows have aired six live matches, and this one potentially could have done the same.

Crews ended up winning a match that was a little slow simply because Samson controlled so much of it. "The Drifter" (who tried to cut a song-promo prior to the match but was booed so loudly he was inaudible) knows his character and had a few good spots, but he's just not that good, and his lack of talent stuck out like a sore thumb on this show. Fans were into the bout, loved Crews, and were ecstatic to see him win.

Hopefully, this victory kickstarts a larger push for Crews, who hasn't had as many high-profile matches since his loss to Baron Corbin.