10 Reasons NXT TakeOver Events Always Overshadow WWE PPVs
3. A More Forgiving Fanbase
Not only are TakeOver crowds more passionate on the whole, they also seem to be more forgiving of weaker moments.
"Smark" fans are often characterised as overly-cynical and quick to judge, but NXT audiences seem to have proven that if a brand attempts to stay in tune with its fanbase, they'll repay it.
Take the main event of NXT TakeOver: Dallas, which saw its momentum stall after an early cut to Samoa Joe. Although slightly restless, the crowd almost palpably willed things to be okay; there was no hijacking of the match, which may well have happened on a main roster PPV.
Additionally, NXT crowds seem more willing to play their part in storylines. Although many were probably delighted at Ciampa's turn last week, the reaction was almost entirely heel heat - adding to the moment rather than placing the focus on 'smart' fans.