10 WWE NXT TakeOver: In Your House Impulse Reactions
3. Tommaso Ciampa Vs. Karrion Kross
Just about perfect in terms of length, tone and physicality, this was both the ideal tonic following on from the disjointed and disappointing Backlot Brawl, and another enormous step forward for NXT Champion-elect Karrion Kross.
From debut through to this massive victory, Kross hasn't just gotten over on the strength of his own ability but from the collective and collaborative effort of just about everybody on the black-and-gold brand.
His entrance and aesthetic remains hugely powerful - literally so here, with the neon In Your House colours blackening in his presence - and an emphatic victory over brand legend Tommaso Ciampa was further indication of the size of the rocket strapped to his broad shoulders.
Ciampa was awesome on the sell here. Growing more and more shocked with the challenge in front of him as the match progressed and appearing as though he'd been mauled like a rookie after the bell, the former NXT Champion made himself Old Yeller and handed Kross the loaded gun. So much more than a violent and protracted squash, this was a fabulously-booked and agented showcase match on the company's biggest current available stage, and it absolutely ruled.