10 LIVE Observations From NXT TakeOver: New York

6. NXT: More Like The Main Roster Than It Seems...

Ciampa Gargano
WWE.com

A certain match gets over best with the NXT live crowd, which I find interesting.

When taking in Pete Dunne Vs. WALTER - a proper fight of intricate strategy and a brave low-key physicality, in which the two performers sacrificed the easy wincing pops of the Austrian's chops to tell a story of two great ring generals entering the war room - the lack of sustained heat was conspicuous. People were quiet initially - some, as WALTER drew his hand back, encouraged silence to extract the maximum impact - but this soon shifted into a sort of exhaustion and...something else as the action developed.

WALTER's selling was outstanding - he boasts an aura and depth of craft not unlike Brock Lesnar's - as was the best application yet of Dunne's trademark strategy. I took this in from a considerable distance, and watched the big screen more than the ring for the small moments. This translated into a quiet, focused crowd - which detracted from the heat. Before the big bombs at the end, this felt akin to Daniel Bryan Vs. AJ Styles from the Royal Rumble - an incredible piece of work best watched in a more intimate setting. Those bombs though, godd*mn.

And the finish: WALTER's shove-Powerbomb variation look dangerous as hell, a fitting way to put away the dominant champion.

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!