8 Secrets We Learned From WWE's Leaked NXT TakeOver Script

7. Matt Riddle Vs. Kassius Ohno: 18 Minutes?!

Shawn Michaels NXT Script
WWE.com

Hardcore fans were left disappointed when WWE seemingly cut Kassius Ohno vs. Matt Riddle from TakeOver: War Games 2 mere days before the show, though the story was revealed as a work as soon as Riddle's music hit at the top of the broadcast. He cut a brief promo, noting that although he and Ohno were set to collide the following week, he wanted to face the former Chris Hero there and then.

Ohno emerged... and had his lights knocked out in just seven seconds. A single flying knee was all it took to send Kassius to the shadow realm. A shocking turn of events, but one that put the former UFC fighter over huge, though it seems likely that the duo will work a longer, more substantial match sometime in the near future.

Oddly, Mauro's list has this bout scheduled for 18 minutes. This suggests that WWE either switched things up on short notice, or put a false runtime on the sheet through fear of it getting leaked ahead of time.

Even as a complete package - from Riddle's entrance to the closing shot - didn't come to 18 minutes, weighing in at just over four instead.

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.