25 Best Wrestling Shows EVER

9. NXT TakeOver: New York

25 Thumb Final
WWE

Undermined only in retrospect by the now-unwatchable Velveteen Dream Vs. Matt Riddle match, TakeOver: New York was otherwise a brilliant show. 

The TakeOver formula was almost cynical. Paul Levesque limited the amount of matches, but in doing so limited the scope for anything to feel baggy and overlong. TakeOver was almost criticism-proof. Levesque tried to manufacture the flawless, which at times scanned as unadventurous and formulaic. On April 5, 2019, he accomplished it. 

Viking Raiders Vs. Aleister Black and Ricochet was outstanding. Erik and Ivar outdoing their opponents at high spots was a wonderful through line that ensured a pop at every turn across its 19 minutes. 

WALTER Vs. Pete Dunne was a more elegant slow-burner of a match, expertly placed where it was on the card. The methodical work drew a fading set of fans in slowly. 

The Women’s title four-way wasn’t the best in TakeOver history, but its constant rate of action was perfect for the pace of the show overall. 

The Johnny Gargano Vs. Adam Cole main event might not age as well as Steve Austin Vs. Bret Hart at WrestleMania 13 - the title of greatest WWE match ever it was thought at the time to have taken. The early exchanges on the mat look more choreographed with each rewatch. 

The last 15 minutes however were outrageously dramatic, as loud and as suspenseful as any WWE match ever, and Johnny Gargano - somehow - turned the crowd. That was evidence of an incredible babyface performance; before the bell sounded, Adam Cole was the most over person in New York City, much less the building. 

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!