10 LIVE Observations From NXT TakeOver: New York

7. The Velveteen Dream Is Even More Of A Star Than You Might Think

Ciampa Gargano
WWE.com

I never had the pleasure of watching Shawn Michaels perform live, sadly. But in the crowd's reaction to the Velveteen Dream, it felt like I experienced it indirectly.

Not in such a way that it felt remotely on-the-nose, you understand. In terms of layout (but not the character-stuffed, state-of-the-art execution), this played out like a spiritual successor to Michaels Vs. Kurt Angle from WrestleMania 21. Pitting a shredded, legitimate destroyer against peacocking prey, who put up such a hell of a fight that I couldn't help but get behind him, the last five-to-seven minutes of this were intoxicating. Dream wasn't really powered by the spirit of the Hulkster, but rather the empowering effects of pure theatre and the immortality the ego massage bestows.

This was absolutely tremendous pro wrestling storytelling, not just in itself but in its reach. Unlike Pete Dunne Vs. WALTER, a superb match in its own markedly different way, everybody in the upper deck reacted to its broad physical execution.

This is what they talk about when they say the Velveteen Dream is a star. His superb, totally unique built is destined for the main event of WrestleMania.

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!