Every NXT TakeOver Main Event In History: Ranked
21. The Undisputed Era Vs. Roderick Strong & Authors Of Pain Vs. SAnitY – Takeover: War Games 2017
The return of the double ring and massive cage structure was all that the wrestling world could talk about in late 2017. It was a match type that nobody realised they missed until William Regal announced the thunderous return of “WAR GAMES!” for a somewhat un-traditional format.
Despite the three teams of three formats causing the match to feel clunky and overcrowded at times, all nine men were able to ensure the match hadn’t returned in vain. Undisputed Era seemed to sweat star power throughout, with all three of the indy veterans showing WWE crowds why they were so beloved everywhere they went. The match also served as an excellent launchpad for a star-making performance from Killian Dain, with the big man stealing the whole match with his displays of brute force and incredible agility.
Unfortunately, despite their best efforts, Authors of Pain seemed out of place for a lot of the contest, especially since their partner was a still face, cosplaying Roderick Strong. Their only inclusion in the match was to make up for the fact that SAniTy and Undisputed Era just wasn’t an eight-man feud. It was a great match, just not as good as it could have been.