Ranking Every WWE PPV Of 2020 (So Far)

3. NXT TakeOver: Portland

Tommaso Ciampa Johnny Gargano
WWE.com

NXT has undoubtedly dipped since it moved to USA Network and (theoretically) received more attention from one Vincent Kennedy McMahon. That said, the brand's bookers still know how to give their audience what they want, and that's sensational wrestling matches that are pinned down with easy-to-follow narrative.

TakeOver: Portland ticked a lot of boxes.

Keith Lee vs. Dominik Dijakovic scratched an itch for those who like big lads throwing one another around, the 'Street Fight' between Tegan Nox and Dakota Kai extended their rivalry, Bianca Belair shone against Rhea Ripley in a perfectly acceptable Women's Title match and Finn Bálor vs. Johnny Gargano was predictably smooth.

Then, Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly vs. Pete Dunne and Matt Riddle soared for the tag belts, and Tommaso Ciampa proved a credible challenger for Adam Cole's NXT Title crown. Capping things off was Gargano's heel turn on Ciampa to end the night and steal his old DIY partner's moment.

Excellent stuff.

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Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.