11 Ups & 7 Downs For NXT In 2018

4. The Most Reliable Brand In Wrestling

Tommaso Ciampa Johnny Gargano Air Raid Crash Concrete Nxt Takeover Chicago
WWE

There has never been a bad NXT TakeOver. Ever. Even when anticipation levels aren't particularly high heading into the shows, they always deliver.

Years of consistently destroying whatever main roster events they correspond with have established TakeOver's reputation, and while 2017 was a stellar year for NXT's big Network specials, WWE outdid themselves in 2018. Philadelphia yielded WWE's first five-star match in six-and-a-half years, New Orleans delivered two, before Chicago, Brooklyn, and War Games continued the trend. Some had their disappointing moments, but the overall quality? A step above what we've come to expect.

2018 was the year TakeOver became wrestling's most reliable brand. While the events don't quite match the highs found on New Japan's biggest shows, the average quality levels are way above NJPW's inconsistencies, particularly when it comes to undercards. As far as main roster pay-per-views go, it isn't even a discussion. TakeOver wins.

'Too much of a good thing' is a real concern, so WWE are wise to restrict us to five TakeOvers a year. Host more and they risk oversaturating the easiest 'win' in their arsenal. Thankfully, it seems Triple H and co. are wise to that, and we look forward to seeing what 2019's blockbuster events deliver.

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Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.