5 Biggest Takeaways from NXT War Games!
Photo Credit: WWE
I like to keep things as positive as possible.
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I like AEW.
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Our first PPV level event for NXT since the rebrand. No more Takeovers. How would this show match up compared to what fans have come to expect from the NXT events? Takeover’s were known as the show of all shows, more times than not, the quality of the show would run circles around all other shows. But enough of living in the past, let us take the focus to War Games. Did it live up to NXT events of old? To my surprise, it almost did. Whereas the show as a whole wasn’t the best, the main event delivered in all areas and we finally got to have a real NXT level tag team title match on the card.
The idea for this show was to let everyone know the NXT 2.0 guys and gals were here to prove themselves. They were there to let the fans know they heard the complaints and were ready to change our minds. Whereas some would succeed, others would fall short in their attempts but nobody completely shit the bed and that’s a good sign for things to come moving forward. So with no further to do, let us take a look at the 5 biggest takeaways coming out of NXT… WAAAR GAAAAMES!
#5: Time to Move On
LA Knight. Cameron Grimes. Grizzled Young Veterans. Io Shirai.
These are all names that are in danger of being lost in the shuffle with this new era. LA Knight hasn’t had much time in NXT to make his mark. Cameron Grimes suffered the same fate as a victim of bad timing as Kyle O’Reilly did. Grizzled Young Veterans don’t fit in NXT at all but are clearly talented enough to have an impact in any tag division. And Io Shirai is amongst one of the best women wrestlers on the planet and has already accomplished everything there is to do in NXT. It is time we let these talents flourish somewhere where they actually have a chance to grow as opposed to continuing to put over young talent. They can only do it for so long before their stock is completely ruined. They all have the tools to succeed on the bigger stage, and all could help fill out Smackdown’s roster.
#4: Not So Fast Kyle
For over a month, it has been widely rumored that Kyle O’Reilly was leaving NXT once his contract ran up. Before the show started, the rumors heated up with the news breaking that he had been offered a contract but was yet to sign it. This led many to believe this would be Kyle’s final match for NXT, and this tag title match would be his final goodbye. It’s only fitting. A major contributor to the amazing tag team division throughout his run as Tag Champs with Roddy and Fish, one final attempt at Tag Team gold with new partner Wagner seemed logical. As expected, Wagner and Kyle came up short to Imperium. After the match though, Von Wagner made the attempt to turn his back on Kyle and attack him but O’Reilly saw it coming from a mile away and dished out an ass whooping of his own. He even flashed a little Undisputed Era hand gesture once Wagner had been taken out. Afterwards, he would challenge Wagner to a match on Tuesday night inside the steel cage. This is a big surprise to many. Has Kyle re-signed? Or does he have a few days left on that contract and is doing another rub on his way out? We’ll find out Tuesday if Kyle has more business at NXT 2.0 or if he’ll be riding off in the sunset on his way to a new… Era.
#3: Cora Jade
With both sides of the women’s war games match having young talent, I was very curious what the angle here was. Io and Raquel on one side have had their time, so seeing them go over here didn’t seem like a real option. Especially when one of the biggest acts on NXT 2.0 is Toxic Attraction and they were on the opposite side here. When the night opened with this match, and Cora Jade was getting the nod to start the match, it became very clear what the goal was. This was Cora Jade’s time to get over and that’s exactly what she did. The first five minutes with Dakota Kai allowed her to finally get a chance to go toe to toe on the big stage. She would soon find herself with the bump of the match with a senton bomb off the top of the cage through the table. From there, she would sell a shoulder injury the rest of the match. At one point, Io Shirai would call off officials and try to help pop her shoulder back in place.
Mandy Rose tried to target her at one point. All four members of Team Mandy would have her cornered at one point as well. Battling the shoulder injury but still trying to make her impact was the story of the night and when it was all said and done, Cora was there to get the pinfall for the win. A star was made in this match, even if it was a little underwhelming, and the goal was achieved. I look forward to seeing how fast this will shoot Cora up in the division. If I was a betting man, I would say she’s champion before 2022 is over and would make for a great opponent to take down Mandy Rose.
#2: Breakking News
It is no secret that Bron Breakker is “the guy” in this new NXT. He has looked impressive with every test thrown his way but War Games would be the biggest one to date, obviously. When it was his time to enter the match, Breakker came in on a mission and started destroying everything that moved. He came across as the big bad monster, overpowering everyone. Whether it be throwing Gargano from one ring to the other, suplexing each member of Team Ciampa all over the ring or spearing Ciampa himself through the table to pick up the victory for Team 2.0. Breakker was the man.
This match was supposed to be all about Johnny Gargano. His curtain call as some expected. Mr. Takeover. The heart and soul of NXT. This was his night. I don’t think Breakker got the memo. Sure, Grayson Waller had a nice big spot. Carmelo Hayes was flashy. Tony D’Angelo was a boss. But Breakker was the guy that made it all possible, softening up Team Black and Gold and doing the heavy lifting when needed. With the pin on Ciampa to get the win, it’s very clear that his next date with Tomasso will be his crowning moment. He will be the next NXT Champion. The only question left to ask is what happens to Ciampa after.
#1: Johnny’s Goodbye
If you didn’t feel anything when Rebel Heart played at War Games, what is wrong with you? As I said in the previous take, the heart and soul of NXT has always been Johnny Gargano. With a baby on the way, a contract coming to an end and no certainty to his future with NXT, this was a very big moment. On top of Rebel Heart, Johnny would pay homage to his Takeover past by incorporating every ring gear worn in the past with a collage of them all put together. Ciampa acknowledged that tonight was about Johnny earlier in the night as well. Gargano would start the War Game match off as he wanted to leave his mark on this night. It is hard to believe this would be Gargano’s first and most likely last War Games match with as much as he has meant to the brand. He and Carmelo Hayes would show out in the first five minutes, giving us that one last look at what Johnny does best.
Hell of a run..
— Not Shawn Michaels (@JohnnyGargano) December 6, 2021
Thank you all. ❤️#JohnnyTakeOver pic.twitter.com/VowS6CEHSg
We would see some trademark Gargano throughout the rest of the match. We got that glimpse of D.I.Y. reunion towards the end as Johnny and Ciampa went to work on Team 2.0 at one point. The end of the match would see Gargano using himself as a sacrifice for Tomasso as he ate a running knee that was supposed to set up the fairy tale ending and the win for Team Black and Gold. It didn’t happen that way though and Team 2.0 would steal the win. Curtain call for Johnny.
But wait, there’s more! Johnny would address the crowd as the show went off, as he always does. It’s part of the reason this crowd loves him so much. He truly cares and he shows it. Back to the moment though, Gargano would let the crowd know he has a lot to say. But right now, he’s too tired and in too much pain so he will be back on Tuesday to address the moment. Is this goodbye? All signs have pointed to yes, but could we be in for a surprise? If there was ever a reason to tune into an episode of NXT, this is it.
There you have it. Agree? Disagree? You know the drill by now. Let me know what you think. It has been awhile since we tackled some NXT and I got to admit, it was fun. But until next time, I’ll see you guys on the Wrestlebuddy Raw Recap!
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