Pro Wrestling

NXT Takeover XXV Recap

Posted on Author Jeremy Laracuente Comment(0)

NXT Takeover specials have been something special and a reason to purchase the WWE Network. And as expected NXT Takeover XXV delivered the kind of brilliance that has become a staple of these Network specials.

Matt Riddle vs. Roderick Strong

Laracuente Ledger Rating: 4.75/5
Predicted Winner: Matt Riddle
Actual Winner: Matt Riddle

This matchup is very intriguing because of the variation in styles. The legitimate fighting background of Matt Riddle facing off against the well-balanced pro wrestling skills of Roderick Strong. Riddle would display his power game with a series of gutwrench suplexes. The two men would exchange hard hitting strikes against one another. Roderick Strong would gain the upper hand on Riddle for the early outset of th matchup. The master of the Backbreaker would attack the midsection of Matt Riddle to soften Riddle up. But Riddle wouldn’t stay down for long. Matt Riddle would fight back with vicious strikes. This was the perfect match to begin the evening as the intensity between both men and near falls would drive the crowd wild.

NXT Tag Team Championships: Street Profits vs. Forgotten Sons vs. Oney Lorcan & Danny Burch vs. Undisputed Era

Laracuente Ledger Rating: 5.25/5
Predicted Winners: Undisputed Era
Actual Winners: Street Profits

This tag team fatal four-way ladder match would start in favor of the Undisputed Era. And as one would expect in a ladder match, there would be some incredible highspots. We would witness some devastating spots as well. I would love to be able to explain everything that I witnessed in this matchup. However, this fatal four way is something that the eyes need to behold two maybe even three times to comprehend. What an awesome match.

NXT North American Championship: Velveteen Dream vs. Tyler Breeze

Laracuente Ledger Rating: 3.75/5
Predicted Winner: Velveteen Dream
Actual Winner: Velveteen Dream

Much like nearly every match in NXT, this matchup was intruding. But the reason this match was intriguing is because of the similarity in their characters. Tyler Breeze would show an aggressive side we have not seen in quite some time. Tyler Breeze would also display an intelligence in the ring that we were not allowed to see on Raw or Smackdown Live. The pageantry and technique by both men would have an opportunity to shine. And the crowd would give both men a massive show of support throughout the match. Tyler Breeze would begin to bleed from his ear at one point. And the commentary team would do an excellent job of explaining the detriment of such an injury. The styles of both men and their selling ability would make each and every fall so believable. Now Velveteen Dream would use some less than “babyface” methods to catch Breeze off guard. But Dream would walk away the victor.

NXT Women’s Championship: Shayna Baszler vs. Io Shirai

Laracuente Ledger Rating: 4.5/5
Predicted Winner: Shayna Baszler
Actual Winner: Shayna Baszler

Shayna Baszler has such an air of believability to everything she does in the ring. Io Shirai would also display her speed and aerial prowess early on in the matchup. Baszler would take her usual assault of the left arm approach to control the early going. The viciousness that Baszler displays is unprecedented in NXT’s Women’s Division. But Io Shirai would have Baszler scouted exceptionally well and have counters prepared for Shayna. And just to make it clear, there is not a more perfect Moonsault in the wrestling business than Io Shirai. We would also see the attempted interference by Marina Shafir and Jessamyn Duke, but Candice LaRae would make the save. Shayna would try to capitalize but would be thwarted by Io Shirai. And after a beautiful exchange of counters, Baszler would lock in the Kirfuda Cluth on Shirai. Io would be locked in for so long she would have no choice but to tap to the Queen of Spades, Shayna Baszler.

Following the matchup, Io Shirai would attack Baszler with a Kendo Stick and would deliver a picture perfect Moonsault. And then would follow it up with another beautiful Moonsault while holding a steel chair. The attack would leave Shayna Baszler looking vulnerable.

NXT Championship: Johnny Gargano vs. Adam Cole (Bay Bay)

Laracuente Ledger Rating: 8.5/5
Predicted Winner: Johnny Gargano
Actual Winner: Adam Cole

As one would expect, these two men would begin the contest on fire. The intensity in the strikes by both men were brutal and incredible. And both men would have each other very well scouted. The 2 of 3 falls match at NXT Takeover New York was one of the best matches this year. And this match would give the same exact feel. Johnny Wrestling would focus on the left arm to set up the Gargano Escape (submission.) Adam Cole would concentrate on the knee on Johnny Gargano in order to remove the foundation of Gargano’s attacks. The NXT Universe would be evenly divided for this matchup as evidence by dueling chants. These two men would bring “IT” in an indescribable way. Adam Cole and Johnny Gargano would deliver a performance worthy of an NXT Takeover Main Event.

Overall NXT Takeover XXV Rating: 5.45/5

NXT Takeover specials continuously deliver some of the most incredible pro wrestling events in every year. And this significant event NXT Takeover XXV was just more of the same adding to the allure and mystique of NXT.

Jeremy Laracuente

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