NXT Takeover: Brooklyn IV Report Card

There were four title matches and a Last Man Standing gimmick attached to Saturday’s NXT Takeover: Brooklyn IV and the WWE Network exclusive as a whole was decent. Here’s a report on each match from Takeover: Brooklyn IV’s main card, with a grade attached. Don’t agree with a grade, then feel free to score the show.

NXT Women’s Championship: Kairi Sane vs. Shayna Baszler

They met last year in the Mae Young Classic finals and the ending was anticlimactic compared to the entire 32 female tournament. Shayna Baszler later evened the odds, bringing us to the third meeting. Shayna Baszler looked to have an easy night, but Kairi Sane brought the fight and won in somewhat of a shocker. There seemed to be a lengthy title run set for Baszler, but now I wonder if the main roster is calling. Kairi Sane came out with a burst of energy and she might have the potential to make a decent champion. What I consider an upset, might have helped the overall score. Grade: B

NXT Tag Team Championship: Undisputed Era (Roderick Strong & Kyle O’Reilly) vs. Moustache Mountain (Tyler Bate & Trent Seven)

Of the entire card, I thought this match was going to steal the show. While the match was okay, the previous two meetings were a more telling tale. Every match with Roderick Strong & Kyle O’Reilly has been a hit and they continued to keep their groove. I just did not see enough of Trent Seven carrying his load. The highlight for me was the post-match beating from the War Raiders. The announce team even mentioned them during the match, dropping a major hint that the heels were walking out with their titles. For right now, I think we might have seen the last of Moustache Mountain in the title picture. They are geared for NXT UK. Grade: B

EC3 vs. The Velveteen Dream

Both men were looking to score their first Takeover win, which is kind of crazy considering how over they are with the fans. Velveteen Dream continues to control the crowd and I thought EC3 seemed a little out of place. The final sequence was easily the highlight. Velveteen Dream really likes to set the bar early for big spots and this time he did so on the apron. First, he hit the running death valley driver and then hit a massive elbow drop off the top rope. You just do not see that combination too often. It was different and enough to give Velveteen Dream his first Takeover win. I do think Velveteen Dream needs at least another year in NXT to work on in-ring skills. Grade: B+

Last Man Standing Match for the NXT Championship: Johnny Gargano vs. Tommaso Ciampa

For the third consecutive Takeover show, Johnny Gargano vs. Tommaso Ciampa were the main event. I really felt the loss of Aleister Black played a role. While the third time in a row was another classic of hatred, the other meetings scored higher. After seeing these two go to battle so many times over the past few months, some sort of break was needed. The table spot was the only lame moment of the match. Gargano got overzealous at the end and it cost him. The Last Man Standing Match is nothing new in wrestling, although it is not a common occurrence in NXT. The ending was something different and I guess the feud continues. We will have to see how, or if, Black plays into the feud. Grade: B+

NXT North American Championship: Ricochet vs. Adam Cole

We all knew this had the potential and both men did not disappoint. The super kick to the back of Ricochet’s neck during the moonsault was sick and executed beautifully. That looked like it and somehow they went another few minutes. Both men were over, with the crowd seemingly into Cole a bit more. The biggest disappointment is Cole’s North American Championship reign was the first in NXT and also short. If someone was to take the belt, Ricochet is a great choice. I have to wonder how much more time Cole has left in NXT. Once Bobby Fish returns, Cole could be headed to RAW or SmackDown. As for Ricochet, he has a bright future in NXT and could wearing another belt within a year. Grade: A-

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