10 LIVE Observations From NXT TakeOver: New York

8. The Overwhelmingly Awesome Majority

Ciampa Gargano
WWE.com

The reaction to Ricochet and Aleister Black's NXT swansong was almost profound in its earnestness and passion.

The match itself was worthy of sustained, deafening applause. The symmetrical storytelling was so well-executed that it succeeded in transferring Black's stoic warrior aura to Rowe. The high spots, too, Jesus Christ. At one point, I was screaming "No, no," as the absolutely massive Hansen scaled the top rope - and I'm a godd*mn ghoul who is bang into his 1990s AJPW neck-droppin'. I popped my t*ts off when he actually landed, but I was gotten to. This amazing, artful and physical opener sold me on everything - the danger the story promised, and the spectacular execution of it. Having lost, Ricochet and Black commanded a standing ovation.

Untainted by the cynicism of a modern wrestling crowd designed to get this over as a moment in time, it was simply a moment in time: a pure and heartfelt gesture of gratitude to the artistry with which the two beloved workers brushed the NXT canvas.

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!