Roderick Strong vs Eric Young
Prediction: Strong
Result: Strong wins via pinfall
Grade: B
Thoughts: A fantastic opener that was allowed to showcase the talent that both men clearly have. If anything; this proves that if a character is built properly like the ‘Who is Roderick Strong’ vignettes, then it means people actually care.
Yes, obviously Chicago is a smarter and smarky crowd but still; they weren’t cheering just because he’s good- they cheered for Roddy because they feel that the good fight is being fought in Strong’s corner. The story was great; Strong getting rid of Sanity at the start, Young taking over then the eventual pinfall for Roddy. With this win- hopefully Strong pushes further and further up the card to the main event where he belongs. Great start.
Tyler Bate vs Pete Dunne- WWE UK Championship Match
Prediction: Bate Retains
Result: Dunne wins via pinfall- New Champion crowned
Grade: A+
Thoughts: First of all; fantastic to see Good Ol’JR back in the WWE. But!!! About the match…it’s just the match of the year. It’s just that amazing. It’s F*CKING amazing. Watch it. For god sake- if you have ANY interest in the slightest about this business, then watch this.
Two standing ovations, ‘Fight Forever’ chants, countless ‘This is Awesome’ chants and a new champion crowned. I can’t say anything else about it because I literally don’t want to tell you ANYTHING that happened because you have to experience it. Watch it. Now. And realize that it’s going to take something special to knock that from Match of the Year.
Asuka vs Nikki Cross vs Ruby Riot- NXT Woman’s Championship Match
Prediction: Nikki Cross
Result: Asuka pins both women
Grade: B-
Thoughts: While this was definitely a really good match- there were a couple of botches and awkward moments where it didn’t really feel like any of the women really knew what to do. Additionally, I feel it was time for Asuka to drop the belt but through one of the other women pinning each other.
You didn’t have to have Asuka physically tap/get pinned in order for the status quo to be changed. While it was definitely a cool image seeing the Princess of Tomorrow pin both the women involved, it still leaves the question…what’s actually next for the woman’s champion? Guess we’ll have to just wait and see.
Use the buttons below for the final two matches of the night from NXT Takeover: Chicago!
