NXT Takeover: San Antonio Review - 6 Big Talking Points

3. A Bravura Carry-Job

DIY Authors
WWE.com

The team name selected by Johnny Gargano and Tomasso Ciampa - DIY - took on a rather literal meaning during their Tag Team Title defense opposite the Authors Of Pain.

The match was so much better than it had any right to be, and the vast majority of the credit must be apportioned to the now former champs. Selling with a gripping fusion of athleticism and conviction, expertly leading their opponents through the sort of convoluted sequences the narrow psychological mode should, by all rights, have disallowed, it was an ingenious performance.

For a match limited in psychological scope by the limitations of the challengers, it was somehow as a ballsy as it was unambitious. Towards the finish, Gargano and Ciampa ensnared the Authors in a stereo submission attempt in a direct callback to their TakeOver: Toronto title capture. Inviting comparison to such a classic, the likes of which this had no chance of topping, was a dangerous tactic - but in crafting such a beautifully sequential tale, the Authors, even if strictly edited, proved themselves capable of advanced storytelling.

The outcome might not prove as popular as the content - but Gargano and Ciampa are better suited to chase gold than to hold it. Besides which, they have created intrigue around a sequel for an original few wanted. That is some achievement.

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Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!