Comparing WWE Survivor Series 2016 To NXT TakeOver: Toronto

Both shows started off with the right choice of entrance, as Survivor Series quickly hit the music for Bayley, while NXT presented a huge, serious-faced choir to serenade Bobby Roode to the ring. Roode’s “Glorious Domination” has quickly become a highlight of NXT events (especially with 10,000-plus singing every word); while Bayley’s popularity is almost unchallenged, particularly amongst pay-per-view live audiences.

However, just as beloved on this night was Roode’s opponent, Tye Dillinger. The Canadian native received the biggest reaction of his career, which had to be incredible for a guy who has been struggling for so long to make it in WWE. He was so over, in fact, that the crowd was making full use of his trademark “10” chant throughout both shows, which hopefully sent a message to management as to the talent they have in The Perfect Ten.

However, the 5-on-5 Women’s Elimination match had a nice surprise of its own, as Natalya was moved into the SmackDown Live team to replace Nikki Bella, who had been mysteriously assaulted backstage. One sure-fire way to get a pop in Canada is to bring out a member of the Hart family, and the reaction for Natalya’s entrance did not disappoint.

Unfortunately for the WWE side, the relative inexperience of some of the competitors showed through at times, and they could not hope to match the excellent opening contest between the almost-tag partners, as Roode and Dillinger put on a fantastic match to start the show on the right note.

Winner: NXT