Tonight, NXT TakeOver: Dallas kicks off WrestleMania weekend with a show that has the potential to be the best of the year. With three high-profile championship matches, along with the debuts of Shinsuke Nakamura and Austin Aries, every match is incredibly exciting.
American Alpha vs. The Revival (c) – NXT Tag Team Championship
American Alpha has done a great job being impressive in the ring, as well as winning over the crowd. Jason Jordan and Chad Gable are two skilled mat technicians, and look to dethrone the dominant team of The Revival, who most recently successfully defended their titles against Enzo Amore and Colin Cassady at WWE Roadblock.
Jason Jordan sneaks a tag while Chad Gable is fighting Scott Dawson, and it leads to American Alpha to hit the launching back suplex double team for the win. Winners, and NEW NXT Tag Team Champions: American Alpha
Something to note is that Japanese wrestler Kota Ibushi is in the crowd, possibly hinting at his involvement with WWE in the future.
Baron Corbin vs. Austin Aries
Austin Aries is making his NXT debut (other than house shows) in this match tonight. Aries is known for his work in the independent scene, as well as in Ring of Honor and TNA. This match was made after Baron Corbin attacked Aries on his first night in NXT, and Aries is looking to teach Corbin a lesson.
Baron Corbin goes to hit the End of Days on Austin Aries, but Aries counters, and rolls up Corbin to pick up the victory in his debut match in NXT. Winner: Austin Aries
Sami Zayn vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
This is a very important match in the careers of both of these men. Sami Zayn just recently debuted on the main roster, and will compete at WrestleMania, so this match is likely his farewell to NXT. Shinsuke Nakamura, on the other hand, is making his NXT debut tonight after wrestling for years in New Japan Pro Wrestling.
To end an amazing match (which included a “fight forever” chant, and is definitely a “Match of the Year” candidate), Shinsuke Nakamura hits Sami Zayn with a vicious running knee to pick up the victory in his debut match. Winner: Shinsuke Nakamura
After the match, Shinsuke Nakamura and Sami Zayn show a great sign of respect. Nakamura goes to the back, and Sami Zayn gives an emotional farewell to the NXT audience. There are amazing things to come from both of these gifted performers as they enter new stages of their wrestling careers.
If you are keeping track, I’m 3/3 on my predictions so far for these matches.
Bayley (c) vs. Asuka – NXT Women’s Championship
This match is perhaps the hardest challenge for Bayley since she has become the NXT Women’s Champion. She has defeated Sasha Banks twice, as well as Eva Marie, Nia Jax and Carmella to retain her title. Asuka is the only female competitor to compete for the NXT Women’s Championship while also being undefeated (at least in singles matches). No matter the result, this is bound to be another great match on this card.
Bayley put up a hard fight, but Asuka got the better of her, making Bayley pass out with the Asuka Lock to win her first title in WWE, and stay undefeated. Winner, and NEW NXT Women’s Champion: Asuka
Another interesting person to note being in the crowd tonight: Former TNA wrestler Bobby Roode.
Finn Balor (c) vs. Samoa Joe – NXT Championship
Balor and Joe know each other very well, being tag team partners and opponents multiple times throughout the last few months. Since Joe last faced Balor for the NXT title (and lost), e has been on a war path, and Joe has been unstoppable.
Not even 30 seconds into the match and Samoa Joe has a nasty cut near his eye. Even though Joe is busted open, Samoa Joe manages to lock in the Coquina Clutch. However, Balor gains leverage during the Coquina Clutch to gain the pinfall victory over Samoa Joe. Winner, and STILL NXT Champion: Finn Balor
NXT TakeOver: Dallas was an amazing show (as expected, although there was no Crews/Samson match as rumored) that provides direction for where NXT is going next. That isn’t all for this weekend, though. Remember to tune in at 7PM EST this Sunday to watch WrestleMania 31 on the WWE Network (which is free for first-time subscribers).
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