NXT Takeover Brooklyn IV

The purest of heelage

This show lived up to expecations - it was awesome. Fell a little short in some areas, excelled beyond my wildest dreams in others.



Moustache Mountain vs. Undisputed Era (Tag Championships): Era will retain. 

And they did. The matdch was actually a little shorter than I thought it’d be and booked normally - minimal shenanigans overall. Nice callback to how MM lost the titles, and the right team went over. Post-match, the War Raiders beat down the Undisputed Era, and I don’t understand the appeal of the War Raiders, so I can’t imagine I’ll enjoy the next tag program much. (1/1)

Velveteen Dream vs. EC3: Dream wins.

He won and he shone, coming out in tights with “VINCE CALL ME UP” emblazoned across his ass. Another Takeover, more glorious wardrobe trolling from the Dream. The match was paced a little show for my tastes, but had some great spots. (2/2)

Ricochet vs. Adam Cole (North American Championship): Ricochet wins the belt.

YEEEEESSSSS. Another straightforwardly booked match, which was nice. Ricochet really shone here and everything flowed nicely. Prince Puma gets more gold! (3/3)

Kairi Sane vs. Shaena Baszler (Women’s Championship): Baszler retains.

Nope. I’ll be damned. WWE seems to think Baszler3 got her win back already and this was the rubber match, which messed with my reasoning. Really good stuff for the most part. The match ended less than competely conclusively, though, so I wonder if the program will continue and the rematch will be at Evolution. (3/4)

Johnny Gargano vs. Tommaso Ciampa (NxT Championship, Last Man Standing): Gargano wins.

Let me be clear. I don’t like the ending, I don’t like Gargano not winning, I don’t like the feud continuing, and I hope Johnny Gargano’s alleged legit knee injury isn’t very bad. That said, holy shit, what a match. It amazes me that they’ve put together three of these things, incorporating so many of the same elements in each, yet still making each one feel exciting, fresh, and unique. (3/5)