How Triple H Brought 5-Star Matches Back To WWE

NXT came close to hitting ***** on several occasions prior to Gargano vs. Almas.

Bayley and Sasha Banks delivered a transcendent epic at TakeOver: Brooklyn, but couldn't hit the full five, despite the bout's significance to women's wrestling. The same goes for Shinsuke Nakamura's explosive introduction in Dallas, and The Revival's tag classics with DIY and American Alpha. Zayn and Neville scored ****3/4 at R Evolution, as did Tyler Bate and Pete Dunne in Chicago - so close, yet so far.

Finally, inevitably, the five star curse was broken in Philadelphia.

Whether or not the bouts before Almas vs. Gargano deserved a higher rating is entirely down to the viewer. Stars are a touchy subject, and it's important to remember that Dave Meltzer is just one guy. His score is designed to reflect his personal enjoyment of the bout, and nobody else's, as the man himself has clarified hundreds of times. It's okay to disagree, because his ratings were never intended to be taken as gospel.

Regardless, Meltzer is comfortably the most influential voice in wrestling media. When he talks, people listen, and that's why this is important.

We can debate whether or not Gargano vs. Almas is one of the best matches in WWE history until we're blue in the face, but what isn't up for debate is Triple H's role in getting us to this point. If it weren't for his changes, NXT would still be a rinky-dink developmental brand filled primarily with NFL flops, fitness models, and a token handful of indie imports. Nakamura vs. Zayn, Bayley vs. Banks, DIY vs. The Revival: these matches may not have happened if not for his influence, and though he largely deserves his reputation as a main roster villain, NXT fans owe 'The Game' a debt of gratitude.

The brand's rebirth was a long, slow process, and offers an encouraging glimpse into the main roster's future. Is this what awaits us when Vince McMahon finally hands control to Triple H and Stephanie? Perhaps, but let's not forget that NXT is essentially a niche product. There's no guarantee that casual fans will take the to this style in the same way as developmental audiences, but after years of chronic stagnation, the least they can do is adapt some of NXT's innovations.

Whatever happens, we'll continue to enjoy the pseudo super-indie Triple H has created in central Florida, and look forward to the brand's next five star match.

If you want to learn a more comprehensive history of NXT's transformation from failed reality show to WWE's most buzz-worthy brand, check out Michael Sidgwick's book "Development Hell: The NXT Story," now available for £13.99 at shop.whatculture.com.