Ranking Every NXT TakeOver From Worst To Best

13. Brooklyn II

Finn Bálor Samoa Joe
WWE Network

A case of style over substance won out for approximately half of NXT's Brooklyn sequel in 2016, but the matches that anchored the top of the pile were stark reminders of the magnificent wrestling promotion Triple H had gradually created away from his father-in-law's withering gaze.

Ember Moon and Bobby Roode both looked fantastic in (relative) squashes of Billie Kay and Andrade 'Cien' Almas respectively, whilst Austin Aries sh*thouse win over No Way Jose triggered an electric return from a Hideo Itami that masked the realities of what would be another injury-ravaged stint.

Shinsuke Nakamura's NXT Championship victory Samoa Joe completed his rapit journey from debutant to deity on the show, but his efforts were overwhelmed by the blissfully brilliant women's and tag divisions. The Revival's tag title retention over #DIY and Asuka's pulsating win against Bayley were yet more entries into NXT's elite file - matches too good to be denied as the brand underwent a transitional phase started that summer.

The Golden Era was coming to an end, but platinum days were still ahead.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael is a writer, editor, podcaster and presenter for WhatCulture Wrestling, and has been with the organisation nearly 8 years. He primarily produces written, audio and video content on WWE and AEW, but also provides knowledge and insights on all aspects of the wrestling industry thanks to a passion for it dating back over 35 years. As one third of "The Dadley Boyz" Michael has contributed to the huge rise in popularity of the WhatCulture Wrestling Podcast and its accompanying YouTube channel, earning it top spot in the UK's wrestling podcast charts with well over 62,000,000 total downloads. He has been featured as a wrestling analyst for the Tampa Bay Times, GRAPPL, GCP, Poisonrana and Sports Guys Talking Wrestling, and has covered milestone events in New York, Dallas, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, London and Cardiff. Michael's background in media stretches beyond wrestling coverage, with a degree in Journalism from the University Of Sunderland (2:1) and a series of published articles in sports, music and culture magazines The Crack, A Love Supreme and Pilot. When not offering his voice up for daily wrestling podcasts, he can be found losing it singing far too loud watching his favourite bands play live. Follow him on X/Twitter - @MichaelHamflett