Every NXT TakeOver Main Event In History: Ranked

Here it is, one of the aforementioned times that a sequel eclipsed the original contest.

Despite the first chunk of the match being pretty generic with what Michael Cole would call a ‘methodical’ control of the match by Bobby Roode, these two were able to ramp up the action throughout the match. It built excellently throughout, with the two vastly improving their pacing compared to San Antonio.

The story was also a major improvement as Roode went with the classic “Let’s target Nakamura’s Knee” once again, but Nakamura countered by targeting Roode’s arm and shoulder, making things a little more balanced. This made the last bit of the match a serious back and forth contest that was made more and more dramatic with every heavy hit and near fall.

It was simple yet effective stories like this that Roode became known for in NXT and it was just as effective here. The fans enjoyed it and so did the critics, with Nakamura sent out on a high after so many lows of his final months in NXT.