I could not experience NXT Takeover New York live this year. As in live, I mean as it aired. With a card as stacked as this, I wanted to see it. The good thing about watching on the Network after something has aired, you know how much time you have to give to it. When I saw this Takeover went 3 hours and 15 minutes, I got insanely giddy. That meant every match got time. And boy, did they. This doesn't bode well for people who are expecting a short Mania. I'm doing a post on the best Takeovers of all time. I meant to have it out by the 5th anniversary of NXT live specials and for the 5th birthday of the WWE Network, but, you know how life works. If the post ever sees the light of day, I will have to update it to reflect this show as it was the best and most rounded NXT special yet.
The NXT Tag Title match was just as amazing as we knew it was going to be but the big moment came at the end. War Raiders retained in a war and shook hands with Ricochet and Black before laying the titles down and bowing to them, paying respect to what they've done for the black and yellow brand. The crowd did as well and it made for a great swan song for them, like we knew it was. It was very reminiscent of Zayn losing at Takeover Dallas. While he wanted to win, there was a big opportunity at Wrestlemania two days later. Black and Ricochet have a big moment as well come Sunday as they both make their Mania debuts and challenge for the Smackdown Tag Titles in their THIRD different tag title match this year. Ricochet has been responsible for both losses so far. Will a third push Black over the edge? Keep an eye on that. Anyway, I suspect The Forgotten Sons will be next for War Raiders. 1-0 on predictions so far.
It was fun seeing Riddle play a heel in this match as the crowd was fully behind Dream. Dream continues to improve and continues to shine in Takeover matches with big stars. This was a fun back and forth contest that saw Riddle really dial it up but it wasn't enough as Dream was able to reverse that Bromission into a pinning combination. Dream retained and both guys showed respect afterwards. Keith Lee might be the next logical step for Dream. 2-0 on predictions.
Walter VS Pete Dunne was violent. Like, almost hard to watch at times. The most surprising thing here was the amount of time these two got. This was almost a half hour long. I thought for sure they were going to get shafted but they went all out with the time received. This was something else. A freaking war. The amount of forearms, slaps, joint manipulation, it's insane. The powerbomb off the top? Forget about it. That was insane. Walter was just too much for Dunne. Walter is now the NEW WWE United Kingdom Champion. Dunne's reign ends at 685 days. I'm sad it's over but glad I was along for the ride. I'd love to see a rematch and then see what's next for Dunne. I can't imagine him leaving NXT UK but the main roster needs a star like him. Walter's challengers in NXT UK are endless. Tyler Bate, Trent Seven, Gallus, Jordan Devlin, etc but I could see Walter having a crazy long run with the title as well. Congrats to Walter, congrats to Dunne, congrats to the whole UK division. That was a firing shot on OG NXT turf. 3-0 on predictions.
NO NO NO NO NO NO! Shayna won?!?! Without the help of Duke and Shafir? What is life?!?! I knew Kairi and Io weren't winning. I'm still sticking with Boss N Hug VS Sky Pirates at Takeover San Jose. Belair needed this win but instead, she was the one to tap. I'm glad she got her mega feat of strength in but come on! I guess it's just not her time. I can only hope this is now leading to Candice LeRae finally getting her chance to win the title. And it would make perfect sense since....
JOHNNY GARGANO IS THE NEW NXT CHAMPION!!!!! I can't believe it! I'm so happy that it FINALLY happened. This main event was everything. Did it have a few too many close calls on Gargano's part? Yeah but it's Mania weekend! The time for ALL the underdogs to overcome the odds. And despite The Undisputed Era trying to save their man, it wasn't meant for Cole to be champion. This was one of the best Takeover main events in history and these two deserve all the credit in the world. Great storytelling, great spots and excellent in ring chemistry. So Johnny wins, his wife Candice comes out like she did at Takeover New Orleans and they celebrate. This was especially emotional because Gargano's father was in attendance unlike at Takeover Philadelphia and he was able to see his son achieve his biggest goal. Johnny and Candice make their way to the top of the ramp, they do the little graphic at the bottom saying it's over but if you've been watching Takeovers, you know that's not the case. Out comes Tommaso Ciampa and the crowd instantly reacts to which Johnny humorously says "He's right behind me isn't he?" Ciampa comes out to hug Gargano and congratulate him. The show ends with Candice and DIY standing tall. It was a full circle moment of a storyline that started 3 years ago. We all know Ciampa would have loved to drop the title to Gargano himself but this was just as good. An amazing moment to start the weekend.
Takeover New York was magical. It was spectacular. It was five stars. I'm not one for Dave Meltzer's ratings but if the NXT Tag Title, the UK Title or NXT Title doesn't get five stars, then I don't know what else WWE could have done. It was an amazing show.
Follow THAT main roster.
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