Amazing.
One of the best two-hours of television in WWE history, NXT Takeover Rival featured some of the best in-ring you’ll ever see in your life.
Check out our NXT Takeover Rival Power Rankings to see who really stole the show.
Don’t Forget The Ladies: Sasha Banks: The Boss of NXT now has some gold around her waist. Although it was in a Fatal Four-Way and Charlotte Flair will definitely look to reclaim the title, Banks put in one of the best performances of her career. Considering that Flair, Bayley and Becky Lynch all turned in one-of-a-kind performances, it makes Bansks stand out even more.
Honorable Mention: Hideo Itami: His best match in NXT thus far, Tyler Breeze brought the fire out of Itami. Although we’d love to see him use the GTS in the WWE, his Diving Yakuza Kick is a wonderful finisher with plenty of “sizzle.†With Breeze out of the way, it’s time for Itami to do one of two things, get in the NXT title picture of find someone else to feud with. Right now, in spite of this great effort, he’s back at square one.
5: Baron Corbin: In his first real test, Corbin proved he had much more stamina than anyone thought. Selling the entire match to the more experienced and solid Bull Dempsey, Corbin got the win with a sloppy version o the End of Days, but sold his tail off and threw in a few moves that we’ve never seen before. As said countless times before, Corbin has a plethora of potential, but it’ll be even tougher from here on out. Can he continue to win, even against better talent in NXT?
4: Buddy Murphy and Wesley Blake: Ah, they have a finish. With their running Brainbuster, Frog Splash combination, Blake and Murphy put the Lucha Dragons away in an offensive-heavy match. With plenty of tricks up their sleeves and plenty of energy, Murphy and Blake are definitely not transitional Tag Team champions. Expect a long run from these guys that eventually gets them to the WWE.
3: Finn Balor: If you needed proof that Balor was the real deal, his win over former NXT Champion Adrian Neville proves he’s everything the WWE thought he was and more. Although a different performer now than when he was in the Bullet Club, Balor is just as charismatic and just as amazing in the ring.
2: Sami Zayn: In one of the best matches in his NXT career, Zayn lost the title to Kevin Owens, but painted the type of picture that wrestling fans dream about. Never pinned, Zayn will get another chance and continue a rivalry the likes of NXT have never seen.
1: Kevin Owens: In just his second match in NXT, Owens proved he’s more than just a big name from the indies. The new NXT Champion, Owens has made an impact faster than anyone could have hoped. Polished and full of moves and a master of psychology, Owens was methodical and evil in his attempt to take the NXT Championship from his former friend Sami Zayn. Regardless of the fact that Owens never pinned Zayn, he won the match and continues what has to be regarded as the hottest feud in the company.
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