11 Things We Learned From NXT TakeOver: The End
6. Austin Aries Is Going To Be A Top NXT Heel
Shinsuke Nakamura and Austin Aries had a fantastic match last night, a match that a few people will inevitably rate lower than it deserves due to the fact it wasn't Nakamura vs. Sami Zayn. It was never going to be, but it proved a couple of things pertaining to both men and their future in WWE.
Now that his initial arrival-wave of positivity has passed, it is surely time for Austin Aries to settle into a role as a top heel in NXT. It is practically impossible to expect a crowd to be split 50/50 when Shinsuke Nakamura is involved, and as such Aries was tasked with working a slower pace and controlling the meat of the match, working in a manner that many would describe as 'heel-like'.
It is a manner and role that fits Aries best. The man is undoubtedly stronger on the bad side of the alignment coin, and his performance last night showed that he will be of great value to the company once the turn happens.