10 Reasons NXT TakeOver Events Always Overshadow WWE PPVs
Why does WWE's 'developmental' brand outperform the main roster so consistently?
Another PPV weekend, another example of NXT totally overshadowing its big brother. TakeOver: Chicago was just the latest excellent show in the 'developmental' brand's chronology, a wonderful blend of excellent matches, moments, and storytelling.
Even with the perceived decline of NXT's weekly show (after the departure of leading stars such as Bálor, Bayley, and Nakamura), it still knows how to deliver in a big way.
In contrast, Backlash was a divisive affair. Although certain booking decisions - especially Jinder Mahal's shock victory - dominated the headlines, there's little denying the fact that in terms of quality, TakeOver: Chicago was leagues ahead of its main roster counterpart. Dunne vs. Bate was particularly incredible.
But surely, with more time and money dedicated to it, WWE's main roster should deliver a consistently better product. The consistent brilliance of NXT TakeOver specials is a strange phenomenon, and one with no single answer.
A blend of factors have ensured that, although casual fans may pay attention to the main roster show only, WWE's two-show weekends are almost always dominated by NXT. Let's dissect these and find out why.
10. Better Storytelling
Last weekend's TakeOver had two big talking points: the Match of the Year candidate put on by Pete Dunne and Tyler Bate, and the shocking betrayal of Johnny Gargano by Tomasso Ciampa.
Ciampa's heel turn was a masterful example of storytelling, one full of subtle, visual nuances that are far rarer in main roster rivalries. While feuds on Raw or SmackDown will ram key themes down our throats with soundbite after soundbite, the disintegration of DIY was foreshadowed far more naturally.
From their terse encounter in the Cruiserweight Classic to Ciampa's visible disappointment at TakeOver Brooklyn II (where Gargano tapped out to The Revival), to Saturday's heart-wrenching betrayal, the story has been a brilliant one.
It's far from the only example too. Other highlights from TakeOver history include Sami Zayn wrestling with his conscience (and NXT Champion Neville), Kevin Owens' heel turn, and the glorious rise of Bobby Roode.