5 Biggest Headlines From NXT TakeOver: XXX
An eventful thirtieth incarnation...
Thirty TakeOvers already? Seems like just yesterday that WWE Network began churning out preferable content to the weekly shenanigans on the main roster (not that *too* much has changed). Having Corey Graves back for a night seemed to add to the latent throwback-ery of a TakeOver whose number ends with a perfectly round zero. On a rare day where TakeOver had a bit of competition in the form of a displaced episode of AEW Dynamite, TakeOver had plenty of headline potential.
When you're putting an NFL punter-turned-media personality (that has no off switch) in a match with the brand's top star of the past year or two, you're ensuring that it's a TakeOver unlike the others preceding it. There were a few familiar creature comforts, like a North American title ladder match, a technical battle between two fine grapplers, and two respected women's wrestlers vying for the title, but no matter - NXT has certainly changed a lot from the first time it ever beamed out a TakeOver.
Here are the top headlines from the thirtieth incarnation.
5. Rhea Ripley Makes The Save For Io Shirai
Io Shirai made her second-overall successful defense of the NXT Women's title, defeating Dakota Kai with a moonsault, following a lengthy match. It wasn't without interference attempts from Raquel Gonzalez, however, and the attacks continued after the match.
When Gonzalez continued the assault on the victor in the aftermath, Rhea Ripley ran in and stood up to Gonzalez, but no physicality ensued. Working alongside the reigning champ has to be considered an upgrade over feuding with the Robert Stone Brand, you'd think.
Written by Justin Henry
In addition to writing lists and commentaries for Cultaholic, Justin is also a features writer and interviewer for Fighting Spirit Magazine, and is co-author of the WWE-related book Titan Screwed: Lost Smiles, Stunners, and Screwjobs.