Every NXT TakeOver Main Event In History: Ranked

A marquee match if there ever were one. Adam Cole was in the middle of arguably the best NXT Title reign that the brand had ever seen and standing in his way was a psychopath, hell-bent on reclaiming the title that he never lost.

Ciampa was at his fiery best here with every single one of his strikes being delivered with seething intensity and strategic purpose. In turn, Cole responded with a meticulous targeting of Ciampa’s surgically repaired neck that made even the most bloodthirsty fan cringe. The scene of Ciampa’s neck bouncing off the edge of the announce table after a thunderous wheelbarrow suplex from Cole alone was purely sickening.

The match eventually devolved into a war of attrition, both men throwing everything they had at each other, desperate to hear the ref's hand slap the mat for the third time, but neither man gave in. With every kick out it became more believable that Ciampa was going to reclaim his ‘Goldie’. Even Undisputed Era’s interference couldn’t keep Ciampa down, but the shocking turn of Johnny Gargano could.

Cole had escaped by the skin of his teeth, while DIY began to write yet another chapter in their harrowing story. Take a bow, all involved.