NXT makes it way back to the Windy City as we see the second annual Takeover: Chicago. It's a bit redundant to say this was an action-packed, as that's to be expected. Anyways, let's get into it.
Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch vs. Undisputed Era (Kyle O'Reilly and Roderick Strong), NXT Tag Team Championship Match
Lorcan and Strong start the match out, trading rest holds and jockeying for position. Burch and O'Reilly are tagged in; Burch gets out of a side headlock and the two being throwing strikes. Burch comes out on top and he and Lorcan execute some tandem offense on UE. After a rest outside the ring, O'Reilly tries work Lorcan over with strikes following a distraction from Strong. He's unsuccessful as Lorcan answer back with a series of stiff chops.
Burch is tagged in and the two take O'Reilly down with a low dropkick. Burch gets Strong in the corner and goes to town on him with strikes, culminating in a front missile dropkick from the second rope. Just when he has the advantage, O'Reilly provides a distraction on the outside and Strong delivers a wrecking-ball dropkick to Burch and UE take the control back as Strong and O'Reilly work Burch over.
Burch delivers a desperation headbutt to O'Reilly and Lorcan gets the hot tag; he comes in like a Bat Out Of Hell, throwing uppercuts, chops and lariats at UE before nailing them with a somersault plancha. Back in the ring, Strong kicks out of a pinfall attempt and Lorcan tries to single-handedly take both him and O'Reilly on once again. Lorcan counters the double-team attempt with a double running blockbuster and tags in Burch.
Burch and Lorcan hit their signature double-team elevated DDT on Strong, but O'Reilly manages to break up the pinfall attempt. Burch and Lorcan then attempt a Doomsday-style tag team maneuver, but O'Reilly shoves Lorcan off the rope and he goes crashing down to the outside. O'Reilly gets tagged in, and he and Burch throw strikes; O'Reilly gets the upper hand and plants Burch with a brainbuster, then floats over into a cross armbreaker.
Following a rope-break, Strong is tagged in and UE hit an impressive modified facebuster/penalty kick combo on Burch, who kicks out. He manages to send Strong and O'Reilly to the outside and tags in Lorcan, who delivers a double apron blockbuster to UE. Burch and Lorcan hit O'Reilly with a Doomsday european uppercut, only for Adam Cole to drag him out of the ring to break up the pinfall. Cole is ejected by the referee and Burch and Lorcan try to finish UE off once again.
Strong drags Burch to the outside and O'Reilly locks in a guillotine choke on Lorcan, who fights out of it. Strong is tagged in, and he and Lorcan throw hands; Lorcan plants Strong with a folding powerbomb, then floats over into a single-leg boston crab. O'Reilly tries to break it up with a another guillotine choke, only for Burch to come in and put him in the crossface. O'Reilly breaks up Lorcan's hold and the two teams throw hands in the center of the ring. UE hit Lorcan with a lariat/legsweep combo to pick up the win and retain.
Thoughts: Mighty fuck, what a way to start a show off. I've become way more of a fan of tag team wrestling recently and matches like this are an example why. Everything came together when it came to the in-ring work. Every sequence, every hot tag, every single fucking move was handled with expert precision and technique. You felt every single strike thrown by all four of these men. Above all else, the chemistry here was impeccable; after a first-time viewing, you could've sworn these four men were teaming with and fighting against each other for years.
It's hard to say who was the MVP of this match, because all four men were absolutely impeccable. Everyone looked strong here; Strong and O'Reilly proved their credibility as champions, and Burch and Lorcan showed they deserve to have a constant seat in title contention. If they continue this feud, then count me the fuck in. I love every single second of it. Between those ropes, these four guys can do nothing wrong in my eyes.
Ricochet vs. Velveteen Dream
The two start the match off with a series of collar-and-elbow tie-ups, both trying to gain leverage over the other. Ricochet seemingly has the advantage at the start, with Ricochet employing a much more technical game at the beginning. Dream tries for a tilt-a-whirl headscissors, but Ricochet lands on his feet; the two dodge each other's attacks, displaying some impressive agility. After an exchange of slaps, Ricochet tries for a roll-up, then hits a headscissors/dropkick combo on Dream.
After countering Ricochet on the apron, Dream gets him back in the ring and lands a flurry of punches and stomps in the corner. He then drags Ricochet out of the corner and starts working him over. Dream sends him to the outside, then delivers a springboard somersault plancha. Getting back in the ring, Dream slows the pace down, momentum seemingly in control. Ricochet attempts to take it back with a series of counters, then a tope suicida, then a Fosbury Flop plancha.
Ricochet then hits a corner 619/springboard european uppercut combo; Dream kicks out, only for Ricochet to deliver a jumping neckbreaker/standing shooting star press combo, which Dream also kicks out of. Dream counters whatever top-rope offense Ricochet was conjuring and attempts some of his own; Ricochet dodges as Dream gets hung up on the ropes. Before Ricochet can even think of pulling off more offense, Dream spikes him with a second-rope death valley driver.
Following a kick-out, Dream goes to the top rope, which Ricochet counters.While Dream is on the apron, Ricochet attempts to superplex him from the second rope, only for Dream to counter it and suplex Ricochet to the outside. Back in the ring, Dream connects with another rolling death valley driver; Ricochet kicks out. Staggered, both men throw punches for a bit, just trying to gain some semblance of leverage.
Dream tries for his signature swinging flatliner into a DDT, only for Ricochet to counter. He tries for his northern lights/deadlift vertical suplex combo, only for Dream to block it with a superkick. Dream tries for some more top-rope offense, only to be met with a Ricochet lariat. Dream counters Ricochet's fireman's carry and finally lands his swinging flatliner/DDT maneuver; Ricochet kicks out and Dream talks trash. Ricochet delivers a rolling death valley driver to Dream of his own, then a diving elbow drop, which Dream kicks out of.
Ricochet goes to the top rope once again, hoping for his finishing 630 senton. Dream senses this and rolls further away from him, egging Ricochet on to continue with it. Ricochet then goes for a shooting star press, only for Dream to get the knees up. Following this, Dream attempts a corner-to-corner Purple Rainmaker elbow drop. Ricochet dodges, then is successful with the 630 senton for the victory.
Thoughts: While not as great as the opener, it was certainly a damn fine follow-up. There was nothing but pride on the line here, and both men worked their ass off for it. While he's not one of my favorites, I do have to acquiesce that Ricochet is a fantastic in-ring worker; the combos he pulled off were marvelous, plus I dug the fact he attempted a more technical game at the start, wearing Dream down before he really pulled out the big high-flying guns.
And while we're on the subject, can we just talk about how fucking awesome Dream is for one hot minute? Because holy shit, the work he's been doing is absolutely incredible. Not only does he hold his own and then some in the ring, his character work is off the charts. He's constantly evolving; he tried to out-strike Aleister Black, he tried to out-fly Ricochet. Now all that's left for him to do is fully be the Dream. What that is, I have no idea, but I'm excited for it.
Nikki Cross vs. Shayna Baszler, NXT Women's Championship Match
Cross starts the match off in a rather unorthodox way, refusing to adopt the tradtional style of professional wrestling, opting instead to bait Baszler into attacking her, employing mind games in order to confuse and disorient the champ. It seems to be working, as Baszler doesn't know what the hell to make of Cross begging her to attack. Taking the bait, Baszler attempts the Kirifuda Clutch, only for Cross to counter in the corner.
Baszler then tries for an apron knee strike, only for Cross to counter and trap her in the apron for a series of forearm smashes. Cross tries for sleeper hold for Baszler to drop her on the entrance ramp. Back in the ring, Baszler delivers a knee strike to Cross, who kicks out; this prompts Baszler to hammer Cross with a series of elbow strikes. After toying with her for a bit, Baszler delivers back-to-back knee strikes, only for Cross to come out smiling, seemingly begging for more.
Cross catches another knee strike attempt, then counters a Kirifuda Clutch attempt with a back suplex. Looking to gain the advantage, Cross throws a series of forearms then stomps Baszler down in the corner. Cross then delivers a diving crossbody to Baszler, then a reverse DDT on the ring apron; Baszler kicks out. Cross attempts for her fisherwoman's neckbreaker finisher, only for Baszler to counter with another knee strike.
Baszler attempts the Kirifuda Clutch once again, only for Cross to counter with a rope-hung swinging neckbreaker. Cross attempts for a crucifix pin, only for Baszler to counter with a Kirifuda Clutch, making Cross pass out and retaining her title.
Thoughts: While not as good as the first two matches, this one was still entertaining as hell. I love the dynamic between these two women; one minute Baszler is punishing Cross with strikes and in control, the next minute she's confused as hell and Cross takes advantage of this. I think this plays into how well Cross portrays her character. Whether she's heel or face, you can tell she's 100% committed to being a psychopath, which I absolutely love.
And at the ending, you see Cross with a smile on her face, which seemingly hints that she's not through with Baszler yet and the feud is seemingly going to continue. I don't know about you, but I'm absolutely on board with this.
Aleister Black vs. Lars Sullivan, NXT Championship Match
After a lengthy staredown, Black starts rapidly throwing strikes at Sullivan. He then tries for his Black Mass spinning heel kick, only for Sullivan to catch it. However, Black manages to land a side head kick, sending Sullivan to the outside. Black starts throwing rapid strikes once again at Sullivan, then a double knee strike off the ring apron. Back in the ring, Black delivers a jumping Knee to Sullivan, who kicks out at one. After a quick exchange on the apron, Black attempts a lariat, but Sullivan runs through it and delivers one of his own.
On the outside again, Black shoves Sullivan into the ring post and attempts an asai moonsault, only for Sullivan catch him and dump Black onto the apron. Back in the ring, Sullivan starts working Black over, seemingly in control for the time being. Black attempts to mount a comeback, only for Sullivan to answer back each time. Sullivan goes to the top rope, but Aleister catches him with a big boot and the two jockey for position. Sullivan attempts a diving headbutt, but Black gets his knees up.
Taking advantage of the situation, Black throws several strikes and kicks at Sullivan, then hits him with a springboard moonsault. Sullivan kicks out and Black attempts the Black Mass once again, only for Sullivan to catch it again and deliver a chop block. He then starts working Black's leg over with a stretch muffler. Sullivan tries for the Freak Accident, but Black counters it with a DDT. The two brawl on the apron, with Sullivan coming on top after powerslamming Black.
Back in the ring, Sullivan is finally successful with the diving headbutt; Black kicks out. Sullivan tries for the chop block once again, but Black evades and delivers a double stomp, then connects with a Black Mass; Sullivan kicks out. Sullivan attempts the Freak Accident once more; Black wriggles out, hits another Black Mass and then another to secure the victory and retain his title.
Thoughts: I would consider this match on par with the previous one. Not as good as the first two, but still pretty damn good, all things considered. It was more or less another case of "smol boi taking big boi" down, but it was still entertaining nonetheless. The spots they pulled off (loved the DDT counter off the Freak Accident attempt) caught my attention enough, plus it was nice to see Sullivan break out a stretch muffler (an underrated submission move).
Not the best by any stretch of the imagination, but a decent first-time championship defense from Black. Hopefully this leads to more interesting feuds in the future, because I like the guy and he definitely deserves it.
Johnny Gargano vs. Tommaso Ciampa, Chicago Street Fight
Both men come out wielding crutches; Gargano takes Ciampa down and throws a flurry of punches. On the outside, Ciampa is nailed with an apron superkick then a cannonball. After Gargano tosses Ciampa over the announce the table, the two brawl throughout the crowd. After revealing a Stop Sign from a fan sign, Gargano proceeds to beat Ciampa down with it. Ciampa tries to recover, only for Gargano to deliver a crossbody off the sound stage.
Getting back in the ring, Gargano brings out various weapons. Gargano tries to hit Ciampa with a trash can lid, but Ciampa counters with a german suplex. After Gargano throw more punches, Ciampa delivers another german suplex and holds on for two more. He tries for another, only for Gargano to counter with one of his own. Ciampa rolls to the outside and Gargano nails him with a tope suicida. Gargano tries to get another weapon out from under the apron, but Ciampa drills with a running knee strike before he can get the chance.
Taking control, Ciampa brings out some weapons, taking great pleasure in doing so. He places Gargano's head between a steel chair and throws him into the steel steps. With Gargano kneeling at the steel steps, Ciampa tosses a trash can at Gargano's head. Back in the ring, Ciampa uses his own shirt to try and strangle Gargano; he maintains control as he continues the Gargano beatdown. Ciampa exits the ring to find handcuffs underneath the apron.
On the apron, Gargano plants Ciampa with a slingshot spear; he then takes his belt off and whips Ciampa with it. Gargano the puts Ciampa inside a trash can and superkicks him. Gargano wedges the trash can in between the ropes and attempts the lawn dart, only for Ciampa to rake the eyes and deliver a powerbomb lungblower. Ciampa then drills Gargano with a trash can lid-assisted knee strike; Gargano kicks out.
Ciampa hits Gargano with another trash can lid knee strike, then plants him with an Air Raid Crash on the steel steps. Ciampa brings out a pair of bolt cutters and starts cutting the ropes out in order to peel back the canvas and exposing the hard part of the ring. He attempts a second-rope Air Raid Crash; Gargano wriggles out and attempts a sunset flip powerbomb, only for Ciampa to fight out of it. With Ciampa caught up in the ropes, Gargano nails him with another superkick.
The two throw staggered punches for a while before Gargano delivers an enziguiri. He then superkicks Ciampa once again and hits him with a trash can lid; Ciampa kicks out. Gargano tries for a slingshot plancha, only to be met with trash can lid shot from Ciampa. He tries to hit Gargano with a knee strike on the steel steps, only for Gargano to roll out of the way. Back in the ring, Gargano starts attacking Ciampa's knee. Ciampa then sends Gargano into corner trash can and locks in Gargano's own finisher on him.
Ciampa hits Gargano with the crutch; Gargano kicks out. The two make their way up to the entrance; Ciampa tosses Gargano into the LED boards then lands another knee strike, reminiscent of last year's Takeover: Chicago. Ciampa drags Gargano up upon some stage equipment; Ciampa is distracted by Gargano's wedding ring, allowing Gargano to deliver an Air Raid Crash of his own through a few tables.
Before Ciampa can get stretchered out, Gargano gets him back down to the ring, fighting off security. He then locks in the Gargano-Escape, then fights off secuirty once more. He handcuffs Ciampa and delivers superkick after superkick, locking in the Gargano-Escape once more. Security makes their way back, only for Gargano to fight them off once again. He makes his way up the apron, only for Ciampa to plant him with a DDT on the exposed boards, finally securing victory.
Thoughts: Dear. Fucking. Lord. Who would've thought the show would start with an epic match, then end with one. Watching it again, words really do escape me trying to describe it. They saw their first match and seemingly raised to another level, in terms of emotion and brutality. The Gargano/Ciampa story is one of the best things in WWE right now (not just NXT), and matches like this one prove it.
Whereas the Tag Title match was perfect in terms of pure in-ring work, this match was perfect in terms of storytelling. Here we have two men who to best friends for quite some time, only for one to betray the other. Now, nothing is left but hatred and vitriol; it's evolved past petty squabbling into a pure blood feud. The fighting won't stop until one man is left truly broken and unable to fight. In some ways, it stopped being just professional wrestling and became cinematic, even Shakespearean almost.
Given that each man a victory over the other, I can only figure a third match will be coming down the road. It will be more epic, more violent and it will truly determine the victor in this feud. As far as rubber matches go, I can only ascertain it will go down in the record books as one of the best of all time. And fuck hyperbole, I'm calling it. I might be wrong on that call, but we'll never know until it happens.
Overall
I know it's somewhat douchey and smarky to call NXT the superior brand, but when they put on shows like, can you honestly blame me? This was an absolutely fantastic show with unbelievable opening, solid middle and practically perfect ending. If I had to point out any weak spots, I'd say they were the NXT and Women's Championship matches. While good matches in their own right, they couldn't hold a candle to the rest of the show.
I'm torn between what I want to call to the absolute best part of the show. On one hand, the Tag Title match was the absolute best for the in-ring action, while Gargano/Ciampa told the best story. I'll just say both were the best in their own respective right, because I can't honestly choose. If you do decide to watch the show, make it ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN you watch these matches.
I can't recommend this show enough. If you really need to go out of your way to watch it, then please do so. We don't get shows like this in WWE very often, so take the chance and experience it for yourself.
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