Every NXT TakeOver Main Event In History: Ranked

In a show that was full of high spots and fast-paced action, this match was a much-needed reminder on just how good NXT can be at turning back the clock.

The formula was pretty simple: put two of NXT’s best old-school wrestlers in a ring together and let them go at it for twenty-five minutes. Black and Ciampa delivered an absolute clinic filled with stiff strikes, psychological warfare and fantastic back and forth sequences. Ciampa went the route of targeting Black’s leg, methodically picking it apart to weaken the Black Mass kick.

While this style of story often slows down a match, Ciampa’s increasing intensity and innovative ways to wear down Black was a nice change of note to an already overplayed song. Plus, the surprising clean finish was a perfect way to continue Ciampa’s solidification as NXT’s resident unstoppable psychopath. Then afterwards, the celebration with frenemy Johnny Gargano was a nice hint that the DIY saga was about to flare up once more.

Unfortunately, after this match, Black’s career started to take a very slow, painful tumble down the drain, but nobody can deny that he finished his run at the top on a high note.