Tonight, NXT hosted TakeOver: New Orleans, which is the developmental brand’s biggest show of the year. Taking place one night before WrestleMania 34, this card is stacked on its own. Highlights include a six-man ladder match for the new North American Championship, Andrade “Cien” Almas defending the NXT Championship against Aleister Black, and Johnny Gargano taking on Tommaso Ciampa.
EC3 vs. Lars Sullivan vs. Ricochet vs. Adam Cole vs. Killian Dain vs. Velveteen Dream – NXT North American Championship (Ladder Match)
A couple weeks ago, General Manager William Regal announced the new North American Championship as a “standard-bearer” that acts similarly to the United States and Intercontinental Championships. This is the perfect opportunity to introduce some of the new signees, so while NXT mainstays of the last years are competing for the gold, EC3 and Ricochet are also making their debuts.
Lars Sullivan looks to grab the title above the ring when Ricochet springboards onto his back and sends him and two ladders crashing. Ricochet then tries to grab the title but after Adam Cole pushes him off, Cole ascends to the top to win the match. Winner, and FIRST-EVER NXT North American Champion: Adam Cole
Predicted Winner: Velveteen Dream (0/1)
Ember Moon (c) vs. Shayna Baszler – NXT Women’s Championship
Even though Ember Moon retained her Women’s Championship against Shayna Baszler at TakeOver: Philadephia, Baszler is getting another opportunity. The story has not changed, except that the rivalry is now more intense than ever.
Even with only one fully functioning arm, Shayna Baszler locks in the rear naked choke on Ember Moon. Moon keeps trying to fight out, but the grip is too strong and Moon fades until she is motionless. The referee has no choice but to call for the bell. Winner, and NEW NXT Women’s Champion (via submission): Shayna Baszler
Predicted Winner: Shayna Baszler (1/2)
The Undisputed ERA (c) vs. The Authors of Pain vs. Roderick Strong & Pete Dunne – NXT Tag Team Championships (Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic Finals)
Thanks to Adam Cole and Kyle O’Reilly ruining the finals of the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic, this is a triple threat match. On top of winning the NXT Tag Team Championships, whoever wins this match takes home the Dusty Cup. After already winning the North American Championship, Cole now competes in his second match of the night.
Adam Cole gets powerbombed through the announce table, so Kyle O’Reilly spends the entire match defending the NXT Tag Team Championships by himself. After disposing of the Authors of Pain, Pete Dunne hits O’Reilly with the Bitter End. When Dunne goes for the cover, Roderick Strong breaks it up and hits his own partner with the End of Heartbreak. Strong drags O’Reilly onto Dunne to give him the win as he joins the Undisputed ERA. Winners, and STILL NXT Tag Team Champions: The Undisputed ERA
Predicted Winners: The Undisputed ERA (2/3)
Andrade “Cien” Almas (c) (w/Zelina Vega) vs. Aleister Black – NXT Championship
Since capturing the NXT Championship from Drew McIntyre, Andrade “Cien” Almas has gotten to another level. This confidence has led to arrogance, which in turn has seen Almas disrespecting Aleister Black. There have been some assaults and segments between Black and Zelina Vega, but outside of that, this is a standard build for an undoubtedly amazing match.
Zelina Vega interferes one too many times and instead of jumping onto Aleister Black, she is caught by Andrade “Cien” Almas. While Almas holds Vega, he is hit with the Black Mass. Black goes for the cover and becomes the 13th man to hold the title. Winner, and NEW NXT Champion: Aleister Black
Predicted Winner: Andrade “Cien” Almas (2/4)
Johnny Gargano vs. Tommaso Ciampa – Unsanctioned Match
After losing a Tag Team Championship ladder match to the Authors of Pain, Tommaso Ciampa turned on Johnny Gargano before needed surgery on a torn ACL. After the time away, the hatred for Gargano remained and Ciampa was tired of feeling like an afterthought. He cost Gargano title opportunities, his career, and their friendship. The feud is so past its boiling point that it is an Unsanctioned Match, meaning that there are no rules.
Tons and tons of near falls later, Johnny Gargano locks Tommaso Ciampa in an STF, pulling Ciampa’s face with Ciampa’s own knee brace. Ciampa has no choice but to tap, meaning that Johnny Gargano is an NXT Superstar once again. Winner (via submission): Johnny Gargano
Predicted Winner: Tommaso Ciampa (2/5)
