NXT TakeOver: Toronto Review
2. Samoa Joe Def. Shinsuke Nakamura To Become The New NXT Champion
Well, this was a bit of a shock.
In what was something of a slower match, but still physical enough to engage the audience, Samoa Joe handed former NXT Champion Shinsuke Nakamura his first loss in WWE, becoming the first two-time champ in the belt's history. The match itself was what we expect from the two men, wince inducing from stiff strikes, and precise with submissions. In the end, a low blow, a urinage on the steel steps, and a Muscle-Buster spelled the end for the Japanese Jagger.
The match itself was great, and did feel as personal as the video package suggested, but it also felt slower than the night's two previous bouts. I also take issue with Nakamura no-selling his knee injury midway through the match, shaking it off in near Cena-esque fashion.
The decision could mean any number of things. Perhaps this leads to a trilogy between the two hard-hitters at a TakeOver special near the Royal Rumble. Perhaps this means WWE are abandoning their plans to make Nakamura the face of NXT, and will add him to the long line of historic Survivor Series debuts tomorrow night. Either way, it should be entertaining.
For now, Joe can brag about being Nakamura's first loss, and continue being the monster heel that he excels at
Rating: 8.0/10