Written by: Kevin Berge (All Images Courtesy of: WWE.com)
It happened. Everything that this week could me came to fruition in a Royal Rumble weekend for the ages. The number of great matches was so staggering that I had to break my own rules to make sure I covered everything.
More importantly, the Road to WrestleMania was set by two impactful victories that will now make this 'Mania one of the most exciting in recent memory. Sure, it will probably still be far too long to be as good as it should be, but at least the matches should be really good.
There's so much to talk about, so I won't delay any longer with this intro.
More importantly, the Road to WrestleMania was set by two impactful victories that will now make this 'Mania one of the most exciting in recent memory. Sure, it will probably still be far too long to be as good as it should be, but at least the matches should be really good.
There's so much to talk about, so I won't delay any longer with this intro.
The Man and the multiple-time world champion who tried to be The Man and has only now recovered from being so fully overshadowed by The Man.
Last Week's WWE Review
WWE Royal Rumble 2019
Predictable Is Not a Bad Thing When It's the Right Move
Overview: Asuka made Becky Lynch tap to a modified Asuka Lock, leaving The Irish Lass Kicker frustrated. However, she managed to overcome her frustration when the opportunity presented itself, taking Lana's spot after she was forced to forfeit her spot.
The Man won the Rumble despite Nia Jax injuring her again, last eliminating Charlotte Flair. Later, after Bobby Lashley sent Seth Rollins through the announce table, The Architect recovered just in time to get make it back and knocked The Monster Among Men out of the ring to take the victory.
Analysis: While there were potential alternatives, the best options were also the most likely ones as Lynch and Rollins emerged as the Royal Rumble winners to go on to face Ronda Rousey and Brock Lesnar in the biggest matches at WrestleMania.
Often predictability is the bane of WWE. It makes matches and shows less exciting as they telegraph finishes. Here though it all worked. Sure, Rollins winning wasn't all that exciting, but it worked. Meanwhile, The Man's victory was one of the coolest Rumble endings in recent memory.
Rowan is a Bizarre Pairing for Daniel Bryan, But I'm Okay With It
Overview: Bryan and Styles fought in a vicious war for the WWE Championship with both getting close to the victory. After the champ knocked out the referee with an enzuigiri, The Phenomenal One looked poised to win only for Rowan to make his return and slam Styles to the mat to set up an easy pinfall.
Analysis: Styles and Bryan struggled for multiple reasons despite the best efforts of both men, but the biggest problem with a largely strong final chapter in this rivalry was the ending. It was bizarre to see The Beard suddenly relying on someone like Rowan to fight his battles for him.
Still, it's both amusing and a fascinating twist. He's the latest heel to preach so strongly for a style of living that he gets followers, and Rowan is certainly not one to ever pass up a chance to follow a charismatic leader.
Conclusion
The Rumble was let down by just two factors: poor card placement and length. That said, this was as much fun as I have had watching WWE in a while. It was a fantastic show with no bad matches. While there were down moments in the Rumble matches, everything delivered overall.
I have no idea why WWE thought it would make sense to end with the predictable victory of Rollins over the far more exciting underdog win of Lynch especially since the placement on the card also made Bryan vs. Styles less interesting, but I can forgive it all.'
I can forgive it precisely because the whole night worked in spite of the pacing. It could have been better surely, but it more than lived up to my high expectations with the right wrestlers winning.
Overview: Asuka made Becky Lynch tap to a modified Asuka Lock, leaving The Irish Lass Kicker frustrated. However, she managed to overcome her frustration when the opportunity presented itself, taking Lana's spot after she was forced to forfeit her spot.
The Man won the Rumble despite Nia Jax injuring her again, last eliminating Charlotte Flair. Later, after Bobby Lashley sent Seth Rollins through the announce table, The Architect recovered just in time to get make it back and knocked The Monster Among Men out of the ring to take the victory.
Analysis: While there were potential alternatives, the best options were also the most likely ones as Lynch and Rollins emerged as the Royal Rumble winners to go on to face Ronda Rousey and Brock Lesnar in the biggest matches at WrestleMania.
Often predictability is the bane of WWE. It makes matches and shows less exciting as they telegraph finishes. Here though it all worked. Sure, Rollins winning wasn't all that exciting, but it worked. Meanwhile, The Man's victory was one of the coolest Rumble endings in recent memory.
Rowan is a Bizarre Pairing for Daniel Bryan, But I'm Okay With It
Overview: Bryan and Styles fought in a vicious war for the WWE Championship with both getting close to the victory. After the champ knocked out the referee with an enzuigiri, The Phenomenal One looked poised to win only for Rowan to make his return and slam Styles to the mat to set up an easy pinfall.
Analysis: Styles and Bryan struggled for multiple reasons despite the best efforts of both men, but the biggest problem with a largely strong final chapter in this rivalry was the ending. It was bizarre to see The Beard suddenly relying on someone like Rowan to fight his battles for him.
Still, it's both amusing and a fascinating twist. He's the latest heel to preach so strongly for a style of living that he gets followers, and Rowan is certainly not one to ever pass up a chance to follow a charismatic leader.
Conclusion
The Rumble was let down by just two factors: poor card placement and length. That said, this was as much fun as I have had watching WWE in a while. It was a fantastic show with no bad matches. While there were down moments in the Rumble matches, everything delivered overall.
I have no idea why WWE thought it would make sense to end with the predictable victory of Rollins over the far more exciting underdog win of Lynch especially since the placement on the card also made Bryan vs. Styles less interesting, but I can forgive it all.'
I can forgive it precisely because the whole night worked in spite of the pacing. It could have been better surely, but it more than lived up to my high expectations with the right wrestlers winning.
Grade: A-
It's going to be so weird when these two leave NXT and become a forgotten tag team on the main roster.
NXT TakeOver: Phoenix
Johnny Gargano Becoming Tommaso Ciampa Has Been One of the Best Wrestling Storylines Ever
Overview: Johnny Gargano fought Ricochet in a competitive showcase that never slowed with The One and Only seemingly completely out of Johnny Wrestling's grasp until he revealed the floor beneath the padding and suplexed Ricochet into the cement before hitting a springboard DDT for the win.
Tommaso Ciampa got into a physical and brutal fight with Aleister Black where the NXT champion targeted the knee of the former champion and connected with the Fairy Tale Ending twice to take the win. Afterward, Ciampa and Gargano stood tall with their titles.
Analysis: Ciampa and Gargano have dominated television time in NXT for far too long, but the storytelling on display has been fantastic. Gargano continues to slowly adopt the heel tactics of his ultimate rival to the point that he has now become him. It will be fascinating to see what comes next.
I keep thinking these two are headed to the main roster, but they need to reach a finale here before they come to the main roster. I will let it reach its natural conclusion whenever it comes especially with how many great matches it has produced.
Bianca Belair is a Star Already and Only Getting Better
Overview: Shayna Baszler quelled an early rally from Bianca Belair but could not keep her down in this fight. Jessamyn Duke and Marina Shafir interfered, but both were taken out. The distraction allowed the women's champion to lock in the Kirifuda Clutch, which The EST fought out of but could not do again when Baszler caught her a second time.
Analysis: The women's championship match felt like it was set to fail more than just about any other match on this card. Belair was thrown into a position that it was hard to say she was ready for, attempting to follow up the work of Ember Moon and Kairi Sane, two of the best wrestlers in the world.
She couldn't quite have a match like that with Baszler, but the two women still told a great story together that felt like The EST finally coming into her own. Her babyface turn was haphazard up until now when it was easy to root for her as her strength allowed her to stay in this at every turn.
Conclusion
The TakeOver formula has always been three standout matches at each event, but I don't think TakeOver has ever had three better matches at the same event. All three were unique but on just about the same level of quality with a hot crowd behind every moment.
While Matt Riddle vs. Kassius Ohno was an expected disappointment, even they worked as hard as they could to make up for a lackluster set up. Everyone delivered on what may be the best TakeOver NXT has ever produced, following up WarGames, which was might have been the weakest TakeOver to date.
This was particularly impressive because I did not have high expectations going in. Sure, I knew Ricochet vs. Gargano would be good, but they were even better than expected. Sure, Ciampa vs. Black already had a great match, but they raised that level as well. Moreover, Undisputed Era vs. War Raiders was better than I could have possible hoped.
Overview: Johnny Gargano fought Ricochet in a competitive showcase that never slowed with The One and Only seemingly completely out of Johnny Wrestling's grasp until he revealed the floor beneath the padding and suplexed Ricochet into the cement before hitting a springboard DDT for the win.
Tommaso Ciampa got into a physical and brutal fight with Aleister Black where the NXT champion targeted the knee of the former champion and connected with the Fairy Tale Ending twice to take the win. Afterward, Ciampa and Gargano stood tall with their titles.
Analysis: Ciampa and Gargano have dominated television time in NXT for far too long, but the storytelling on display has been fantastic. Gargano continues to slowly adopt the heel tactics of his ultimate rival to the point that he has now become him. It will be fascinating to see what comes next.
I keep thinking these two are headed to the main roster, but they need to reach a finale here before they come to the main roster. I will let it reach its natural conclusion whenever it comes especially with how many great matches it has produced.
Bianca Belair is a Star Already and Only Getting Better
Overview: Shayna Baszler quelled an early rally from Bianca Belair but could not keep her down in this fight. Jessamyn Duke and Marina Shafir interfered, but both were taken out. The distraction allowed the women's champion to lock in the Kirifuda Clutch, which The EST fought out of but could not do again when Baszler caught her a second time.
Analysis: The women's championship match felt like it was set to fail more than just about any other match on this card. Belair was thrown into a position that it was hard to say she was ready for, attempting to follow up the work of Ember Moon and Kairi Sane, two of the best wrestlers in the world.
She couldn't quite have a match like that with Baszler, but the two women still told a great story together that felt like The EST finally coming into her own. Her babyface turn was haphazard up until now when it was easy to root for her as her strength allowed her to stay in this at every turn.
Conclusion
The TakeOver formula has always been three standout matches at each event, but I don't think TakeOver has ever had three better matches at the same event. All three were unique but on just about the same level of quality with a hot crowd behind every moment.
While Matt Riddle vs. Kassius Ohno was an expected disappointment, even they worked as hard as they could to make up for a lackluster set up. Everyone delivered on what may be the best TakeOver NXT has ever produced, following up WarGames, which was might have been the weakest TakeOver to date.
This was particularly impressive because I did not have high expectations going in. Sure, I knew Ricochet vs. Gargano would be good, but they were even better than expected. Sure, Ciampa vs. Black already had a great match, but they raised that level as well. Moreover, Undisputed Era vs. War Raiders was better than I could have possible hoped.
Grade: A+
Seth Rollins should have waited until Tuesday to make his decision. No way he'd want the Universal Championship when he could have the greatest title in WWE.
Monday Night Raw January 28, 2019
WWE Slowly Accepting Intergender Matches Are Okay is Best for Everyone
Overview: Nia Jax interrupted Dean Ambrose after he lost to Rollins in the opener, and she sent Ambrose out of the ring despite the former champion wanting to make a statement. This followed up her appearance in the men's Rumble on Sunday.
Analysis: Jax seems to be slowly getting closer to intergender matches, and I would not be surprised if this is only the beginning. While her size makes it easier to see her working with the men, there are many women who could work well with the men, and it opens up a host of fascinating matches.
Finn Balor Better Get Something Out of the End of This Run
Overview: After losing a competitive match to Brock Lesnar, Finn Balor came out to address how close he got to beating The Beast Incarnate. Bobby Lashley interrupted and attacked a still vulnerable Extraordinary Man.
Analysis: Lesnar attacked Balor after the bell in their match, and it felt like it was setting up a rematch down the line. It clearly is not coming right away as The Beast isn't wrestling again until WrestleMania against Rollins, but it would make sense to go there if Lesnar sticks around.
Until then though, I would hope Balor working off Lashley is a sign he will be winning the Intercontinental Championship soon. He's be perfect for that title. Otherwise, all of this was worth nothing.
Conclusion
Raw can be great. It just takes everything lining up in the right way. That's exactly what happened this week. The wrestling was quality. Every segment had meaning. I never felt the three hour run time. It was as if everyone was motivated for once.
Braun Strowman and Balor seem to be the secondary babyfaces on Raw now with Rollins taking that top spot back, and both are being thrown into feud that could be good and could be terrible. For now, I'm invested.
The best part of the show was the women's segments. Teams had to earn their way into the Elimination Chamber match, and Rousey had a great match with Bayley before a sensational segment with Lynch. It was all around great.
Overview: Nia Jax interrupted Dean Ambrose after he lost to Rollins in the opener, and she sent Ambrose out of the ring despite the former champion wanting to make a statement. This followed up her appearance in the men's Rumble on Sunday.
Analysis: Jax seems to be slowly getting closer to intergender matches, and I would not be surprised if this is only the beginning. While her size makes it easier to see her working with the men, there are many women who could work well with the men, and it opens up a host of fascinating matches.
Finn Balor Better Get Something Out of the End of This Run
Overview: After losing a competitive match to Brock Lesnar, Finn Balor came out to address how close he got to beating The Beast Incarnate. Bobby Lashley interrupted and attacked a still vulnerable Extraordinary Man.
Analysis: Lesnar attacked Balor after the bell in their match, and it felt like it was setting up a rematch down the line. It clearly is not coming right away as The Beast isn't wrestling again until WrestleMania against Rollins, but it would make sense to go there if Lesnar sticks around.
Until then though, I would hope Balor working off Lashley is a sign he will be winning the Intercontinental Championship soon. He's be perfect for that title. Otherwise, all of this was worth nothing.
Conclusion
Raw can be great. It just takes everything lining up in the right way. That's exactly what happened this week. The wrestling was quality. Every segment had meaning. I never felt the three hour run time. It was as if everyone was motivated for once.
Braun Strowman and Balor seem to be the secondary babyfaces on Raw now with Rollins taking that top spot back, and both are being thrown into feud that could be good and could be terrible. For now, I'm invested.
The best part of the show was the women's segments. Teams had to earn their way into the Elimination Chamber match, and Rousey had a great match with Bayley before a sensational segment with Lynch. It was all around great.
Grade: A-
SmackDown Live January 29, 2019
SmackDown Needs to Stop Turning Good Faces Heel on a Whim
Overview: R-Truth was given a title shot against Shinsuke Nakamura to make up for his stolen spot in the Royal Rumble. He made the most of it by rolling up The Artist for three. Afterward, Rusev came out and immediately challenged Truth to a match. Truth won again with a roll up.
Rusev and Nakamura joined forces to beat down the new United States champion in their frustration. The Bulgarian Brute later agreed to team with Nakamura against Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson next week.
Analysis: Elias was turned heel at the Rumble, and it seems to have been permanent. Now Rusev has also been turned. It's absurd. Both were massively over, more popular than many babyfaces that are more highly regarded.
Turning both of them was unfair to them as they had not even gotten a legitimate chance in the role. The Drifter makes sense as a villain at least, but I cannot explain turning The Super Athlete. He has been a heel so long.
Andrade and Rey Mysterio Should Have Been in Elimination Chamber, But At Least We Get Another Andrade/Mysterio Match
Overview: Rey Mysterio was supposed to fight Samoa Joe, but Zelina Vega distracted before the match to allow Andrade to beat him down. Later, in the main event after Bryan revealed his new WWE Championship, Styles, Randy Orton, Jeff Hardy, Mustafa Ali, and Joe were given spots inside Elimination Chamber against Bryan.
Analysis: If you were to ask me who I would have had challenge Bryan next, Mysterio and Andrade would have been one and two. Maybe WWE is delaying one of those contests for WrestleMania, but they still would have made (an admittedly pretty stacked) Chamber match better.
Still, I cannot complain about getting these two one more time on PPV. They can steal the show together even on a night with two high stakes Chamber matches.
Conclusion
This SmackDown was a bit hit and miss. There were several points where I was invested but also confused. How did WWE managed to make the main event segment feel so rushed with 15 minutes to deliver it? Why does Truth becoming champion also mean Rusev has to turn heel?
Still, the overall quality was clear. Lynch again starts off SmackDown hot, working perfectly off Charlotte. Andrade and Mysterio are still going at it. I'm even really starting to get sold on The Miz and Shane McMahon, who now get to fight The Usos.
This brand can rarely do wrong and is engrossing even on off weeks.
Overview: R-Truth was given a title shot against Shinsuke Nakamura to make up for his stolen spot in the Royal Rumble. He made the most of it by rolling up The Artist for three. Afterward, Rusev came out and immediately challenged Truth to a match. Truth won again with a roll up.
Rusev and Nakamura joined forces to beat down the new United States champion in their frustration. The Bulgarian Brute later agreed to team with Nakamura against Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson next week.
Analysis: Elias was turned heel at the Rumble, and it seems to have been permanent. Now Rusev has also been turned. It's absurd. Both were massively over, more popular than many babyfaces that are more highly regarded.
Turning both of them was unfair to them as they had not even gotten a legitimate chance in the role. The Drifter makes sense as a villain at least, but I cannot explain turning The Super Athlete. He has been a heel so long.
Andrade and Rey Mysterio Should Have Been in Elimination Chamber, But At Least We Get Another Andrade/Mysterio Match
Overview: Rey Mysterio was supposed to fight Samoa Joe, but Zelina Vega distracted before the match to allow Andrade to beat him down. Later, in the main event after Bryan revealed his new WWE Championship, Styles, Randy Orton, Jeff Hardy, Mustafa Ali, and Joe were given spots inside Elimination Chamber against Bryan.
Analysis: If you were to ask me who I would have had challenge Bryan next, Mysterio and Andrade would have been one and two. Maybe WWE is delaying one of those contests for WrestleMania, but they still would have made (an admittedly pretty stacked) Chamber match better.
Still, I cannot complain about getting these two one more time on PPV. They can steal the show together even on a night with two high stakes Chamber matches.
Conclusion
This SmackDown was a bit hit and miss. There were several points where I was invested but also confused. How did WWE managed to make the main event segment feel so rushed with 15 minutes to deliver it? Why does Truth becoming champion also mean Rusev has to turn heel?
Still, the overall quality was clear. Lynch again starts off SmackDown hot, working perfectly off Charlotte. Andrade and Mysterio are still going at it. I'm even really starting to get sold on The Miz and Shane McMahon, who now get to fight The Usos.
This brand can rarely do wrong and is engrossing even on off weeks.
Grade: B
Goodbye, sweet prince. I hope for your sake you never come back and get to kill people with strikes for the rest of your career.
205 Live January 29, 2019
Hideo Itami Will Do Better for Himself Outside WWE
Overview: Akira Tozawa fought Hideo Itami in a physical competition with the former cruiserweight champion taking the win with a diving senton. After the match, Ariya Daivari turned on Itami and laid him out. It was announced that same night that the former KENTA has been released from his contract.
Analysis: It's a shame that just as Itami is hitting his stride with Daviari by his side, he leaves, but this was a long time coming. He needs to get away from the company that has largely marginalized him, leading to repeated performances where he never looked comfortable.
Overview: Akira Tozawa fought Hideo Itami in a physical competition with the former cruiserweight champion taking the win with a diving senton. After the match, Ariya Daivari turned on Itami and laid him out. It was announced that same night that the former KENTA has been released from his contract.
Analysis: It's a shame that just as Itami is hitting his stride with Daviari by his side, he leaves, but this was a long time coming. He needs to get away from the company that has largely marginalized him, leading to repeated performances where he never looked comfortable.
NXT and NXT UK January 30, 2019
Jessamyn Duke and Marina Shafir Are Still Far From Ready, but Kairi Sane and Io Shirai are Completely Ready
Overview: Jessamyn Duke and Marina Shafir faced their biggest challenge in the cohesive unit of Kairi Sane and Io Shirai. The Sky Pirates dominated even with the best heel tactics Shayna Baszler's allies could muster, and they won after Sane connected with the inSane Elbow.
Analysis: Duke and Shafir have a lot riding on them taking a major step up, and I'm not convinced they are getting there fast enough for the stories WWE has planned. It doesn't help when Sane and Shirai make everything look effortless though.
At this point, Sane and Shirai could go to the main roster tomorrow and win the women's tag team championships at Elimination Chamber, and it would not surprise me. I do think they still have unfinished business in NXT, but right now it's NXT that needs them not the other way around.
European Union Might Be My Favorite Tag Team in WWE
Overview: Moustache Mountain challenge Fabian Aichner and Marcel Barthel in the main event. The two fought in a competitive back-and-forth fight that would have been worthy of TakeOver: Blackpool before Tyler Bate and Trent Seven hit their finisher for the win.
Analysis: I was on board with Barthel and Aichner from the moment it started, but they only seem to get better with each appearance. They are putting on absolute spectacles every week on NXT and NXT UK, and, at times, it felt like they were the better wrestlers in a match with one of the best tag teams in the world.
Overview: Jessamyn Duke and Marina Shafir faced their biggest challenge in the cohesive unit of Kairi Sane and Io Shirai. The Sky Pirates dominated even with the best heel tactics Shayna Baszler's allies could muster, and they won after Sane connected with the inSane Elbow.
Analysis: Duke and Shafir have a lot riding on them taking a major step up, and I'm not convinced they are getting there fast enough for the stories WWE has planned. It doesn't help when Sane and Shirai make everything look effortless though.
At this point, Sane and Shirai could go to the main roster tomorrow and win the women's tag team championships at Elimination Chamber, and it would not surprise me. I do think they still have unfinished business in NXT, but right now it's NXT that needs them not the other way around.
European Union Might Be My Favorite Tag Team in WWE
Overview: Moustache Mountain challenge Fabian Aichner and Marcel Barthel in the main event. The two fought in a competitive back-and-forth fight that would have been worthy of TakeOver: Blackpool before Tyler Bate and Trent Seven hit their finisher for the win.
Analysis: I was on board with Barthel and Aichner from the moment it started, but they only seem to get better with each appearance. They are putting on absolute spectacles every week on NXT and NXT UK, and, at times, it felt like they were the better wrestlers in a match with one of the best tag teams in the world.
Match of the Week
SmackDown Women's Champion Asuka vs. Becky Lynch, Royal Rumble (Rating: 9.75/10)
The frontrunner for match of the year for me has been established in a close race. I have long waited to see exactly what Asuka and Lynch would be able to do together, and they blew away my every expectation. This was spectacular. It was one of the best women's matches ever, and it has an argument for taking the top spot.
These two laid into each other, and the psychology of how they each went for their own submissions as well as the signature offense of their rival worked wonders for the variety of movesets. You could feel how much both women wanted to win.
There wasn't just one stretch of this match that stood out because of its pacing. It was nonstop. Every minute had something to latch onto. Asuka ultimately resorting to a modification of her finisher to get a submission out The Man landed perfectly and set up for Lynch's return in the Rumble.
NXT North American Champion Ricochet vs. Johnny Gargano, NXT TakeOver: Phoenix (Rating: 9.75/10)
Few men have been better in NXT for the past year than Ricochet, but one of them is Gargano. The two were incredible together. Sure, they played loose with selling throughout, but this wasn't Ricochet vs. Adam Cole, just a great showcase of talent. It had a complete story behind it.
The One and Only consistently looked like the better man in this match. The ways he continued to counter the best shots of Johnny Wrestling had the challenger on edge, pushing him to take more risks and shortcuts until he became what he hates just to win.
He utilized the tactics that ruined his life, and he won. Now he had to face the reality that he is what he has always hated, and Ricochet is still breathing down his neck, so good that he might just take his title right back the next time they fight.
Honorable Mention: NXT Champion Tommaso Ciampa vs. Aleister Black, NXT TakeOver: Phoenix (Rating: 9.75/10)
This was a close second for the week. After a night of impressive athletic displays, Ciampa and Black got down and dirty in this as the champion used many unique tactics to torture The Anti-Hero. The focused limb work never slowed the pacing while remaining driven.
The opening took a little bit to get going, but it was unstoppable once the two hit their stride. The homestretch was even more insane than Ricochet vs. Gargano even if it devolved a bit into finisher spam.
Honorable Mention: NXT Tag Team Champions Undisputed Era vs. War Raiders, NXT TakeOver: Phoenix (Rating: 9.5/10)
This was sloppy but in the best way possible. I had basically no experience going in with what War Raiders can really do in the ring. They felt a bit secondary in WarGames, and they had almost no other big matches to their name. That made this one a complete shock.
Hanson and Rowe did things at their size that shouldn't be possible. They just kept moving, and their style was electric to watch. The power and speed on display was remarkable. This might be the best Undisputed Era tag title match yet, and they've never slacked.
The frontrunner for match of the year for me has been established in a close race. I have long waited to see exactly what Asuka and Lynch would be able to do together, and they blew away my every expectation. This was spectacular. It was one of the best women's matches ever, and it has an argument for taking the top spot.
These two laid into each other, and the psychology of how they each went for their own submissions as well as the signature offense of their rival worked wonders for the variety of movesets. You could feel how much both women wanted to win.
There wasn't just one stretch of this match that stood out because of its pacing. It was nonstop. Every minute had something to latch onto. Asuka ultimately resorting to a modification of her finisher to get a submission out The Man landed perfectly and set up for Lynch's return in the Rumble.
NXT North American Champion Ricochet vs. Johnny Gargano, NXT TakeOver: Phoenix (Rating: 9.75/10)
Few men have been better in NXT for the past year than Ricochet, but one of them is Gargano. The two were incredible together. Sure, they played loose with selling throughout, but this wasn't Ricochet vs. Adam Cole, just a great showcase of talent. It had a complete story behind it.
The One and Only consistently looked like the better man in this match. The ways he continued to counter the best shots of Johnny Wrestling had the challenger on edge, pushing him to take more risks and shortcuts until he became what he hates just to win.
He utilized the tactics that ruined his life, and he won. Now he had to face the reality that he is what he has always hated, and Ricochet is still breathing down his neck, so good that he might just take his title right back the next time they fight.
Honorable Mention: NXT Champion Tommaso Ciampa vs. Aleister Black, NXT TakeOver: Phoenix (Rating: 9.75/10)
This was a close second for the week. After a night of impressive athletic displays, Ciampa and Black got down and dirty in this as the champion used many unique tactics to torture The Anti-Hero. The focused limb work never slowed the pacing while remaining driven.
The opening took a little bit to get going, but it was unstoppable once the two hit their stride. The homestretch was even more insane than Ricochet vs. Gargano even if it devolved a bit into finisher spam.
Honorable Mention: NXT Tag Team Champions Undisputed Era vs. War Raiders, NXT TakeOver: Phoenix (Rating: 9.5/10)
This was sloppy but in the best way possible. I had basically no experience going in with what War Raiders can really do in the ring. They felt a bit secondary in WarGames, and they had almost no other big matches to their name. That made this one a complete shock.
Hanson and Rowe did things at their size that shouldn't be possible. They just kept moving, and their style was electric to watch. The power and speed on display was remarkable. This might be the best Undisputed Era tag title match yet, and they've never slacked.
