10 Times NXT Black & Gold Was Better Than Literally EVERYTHING
5. NXT TakeOver Chicago
When it comes to TakeOvers that show roster depth, few do it better than 2017's Chicago show.
The women's title was defended in a triple-threat match between Asuka, Nikki Cross and Ruby Riott which seems totally star-studded in retrospect. The men's championship meanwhile was contested in a particularly interesting pairing Bobby Roode and Hideo Itami.
Perhaps the gem of the entire show was the masterpiece put on display by Pete Dunne and Tyler Bate, arguably righting the booking mistake of the UK Championship Tournament by having the Bruiserweight take the title that was rightfully his. This began not just an incredible reign, but kicked open the door for the expansion of the Black and Gold. Regardless of its ultimate outcome, it was an attractive advertisement for the NXTUK spin-off.
The whole event closed with the first time the NXT Tag Team Championships had been defended in the main event of a TakeOver, with #DIY being crushed by the Authors of Pain. This, of course, led to their memorable dissolution.
And what about Backlash, also taking place that weekend? Largely not memorable (does the Charlotte Flair hating stable The Welcoming Committee ring any bells at all?) but absolutely tragic where it was, as it saw Jinder Mahal capture the WWE Championship to a general reaction of: "you've got to be kidding".