WWE NXT Takeover 31 Report Card: Grades Are In!

NXT was back with five matches, including four WWE titles being decided. Enough talk, as it is time for the NXT Takeover 31 report card.

WWE NXT Takeover 31 Report Card: Grades Are In!

NXT Women’s Championship: Io Shirai vs. Candice LeRae

The card opened with Jonny Gargano unable to bring home gold. Therefore, it was up to his wife, Candice LeRae, to get the job done.

They both connected with similar moves, yet Io Shirai does it so smoothly. LeRae as a heel continues to impress.

Johnny’s outside interference seemed like enough for LeRae to bring home the bacon. Overall, the match was better than I imagined. Grade: B

KUSHIDA vs. The Velveteen Dream

First off, The Velveteen Dream continues to produce some interesting attire. He looked like someone dumped a bunch of crushed chalk over him.

As for KUSHIDA, we have not seen him in any high-profile NXT matches as he made his Takeover debut. If you did not know KUSHIDA, his aggressive style might have changed that.

It will be inserting if WWE decides to bring Velveteen Dream to the main roster during the upcoming draft. KUSHIDA left an impression, although I would like to see him as a heel that breaks arms. Grade: B+

NXT Championship: Finn Balor vs. Kyle O’Reilly

A month ago, Karrion Kross and Keith Lee were in the main event. Now, Lee is on the main roster and Kross is hurt.

Toss in COVID-19 and that brings us to Finn Balor taking on Kyle O’Reilly. Two amazing talents that made the most of an opportunity.

O’Reilly showed there is more than one Undisputed Era member who can be NXT Champion. For those who love pure wrestling and not all the frills, Balor vs. O’Reilly is must watch match. Grade: A-

NXT North American Championship: Damian Priest vs. Johnny Gargano

Due his size, Jonny Gargano is usually faster than his opponents. Although, Damian Priest has freakish ability for someone that size.

A great opening contest and maybe one of the best North American Championship matches. Gargano took some big bumps and you have to question why he continues to wrestle such a reckless style.

Gargano always makes a great face, but he really makes you want to hate him. Since Priest only won the title at the last Takeover, I like how WWE did not rush a title change. Grade: A-

NXT Cruiserweight Championship: Santos Escobar vs. Isaiah “Swerve” Scott

After missing some episodes of NXT over AEW, I forgot about the Cruiserweight Championship. Although, Santos Escobar and Isaiah “Swerve” Scott quickly made me realize my error.

“Swerve” Scott reminds me of a young AJ Styles from his Impact Wrestling days. Santos Escobar just oozes heel.

There was no one moment that stood out because everything was awesome. “Swerve” Scott totally missed the steel turnbuckle and that was the only flaw, but it was a massive botch. Grade: A-