On November 19, 2016 the WWE Network presented NXT Takeover: Toronto! The event featured several important matches, featuring multiple championships being defended. Fan reaction has been mostly positive, with every match getting nice acclaim. The match of the night however is definitely one sided, it seems, with one match being primarily the favorite. Be sure to vote and let your voice be heard, but what did we think of the show? Let’s take a look.
Bobby Roode vs. Tye Dillinger
Steve: What a hot opener! The crowd was so electric for this match. You’d expect it, being an NXT crowd and a Canada crowd, both known for being rowdy, and then if you factor in two of the more over guys in the company, both being Canadian, it only made sense that the crowd would be so into it. While Roode picked up the win with his implant DDT, this was a huge coming out party for Tye. He had a standing ovation, he was treated like a star, and it was the most competitive they’ve had him.
Some people think Tye is being called up. I think its possible, however I hope it doesn’t happen yet. I’d love to see him get a bit more of a push, and maybe not be called up until the Royal Rumble. Is there a better time to debut the Perfect 10 than in the Rumble… at number ten?
Winner: Bobby Roode
Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic Cup
Paul Ellering In A Shark Tank
Authors of Pain vs. TM61 (Shane Thorne and Nick Miller)
Steve: While this was probably the worst match of the night, it was still a lot of fun. The Ellering stipulation while relatively unimportant helped make the match feel different. And the fact that he still managed to cheat despite it was such a good heel move. And the Authors were always going to win this.
With that being said, TM61 finally have a shot now. I felt like they’ve been treated as a bland tag team for awhile. The big spot from Shane Thorne and the booking of this match felt like it was done to make TM61 a bigger deal. And it worked, in my eyes. I’m very much looking forward to what they do next. If Aries is back in time for the January Takeover, Aries and Strong vs. TM61 could be a really good match to have on the show.
Winners: The Authors of Pain
NXT Tag Team Championship
2 Out Of 3 Falls
DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) vs. The Revival (Dash Wilder and Scott Dawson)
Steve: What can you say about this? This was as good of a match as it gets. This was everything perfect about professional wrestling. First of all, we had the build to it. DIY were constantly so close to the mountaintop. Revival were sneaky, dirty heels. They were so condescending. Then we had the match, which told an amazing story, had perfect psychology, exciting action, and the crowd fed off of every single moment.
To me, this is a perfect match. I am so happy with how this turned out, and I could easily call this my Match of the Year for 2016. Obviously, that means its my match of the night. Now after this is the Revival called up? And do the Authors take over as the next challengers?
Winners: DIY (New Champions)
NXT Women’s Championship
Asuka vs. Mickie James
Steve: This was probably my second least favorite match of the night, and I still thought it was really good. Mickie James unquestionably brought it. She worked hard and stood in there with Asuka and looked good doing it. I’d love for Mickie to be brought back full time, as I think she has a lot more to offer after seeing this.
Asuka ended up being the winner with the Asuka Lock, which seemed a bit abrupt but it works because she’s Asuka. Where does she go from here? I know we have the inevitable Ember Moon match, but do they hold it off until Wrestlemania weekend? And if so, what happens in January? I’m intrigued, for sure.
Winner: Asuka (Still Champion)
NXT Championship
Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Samoa Joe
Steve: This was a great match. I definitely think it was better than their prior match, and Joe really brought it here. Nakamura’s selling might have been a bit off at times for what I like, but overall I thought it was really good/great. The story told was fun, the action was good, but neither of those things are the main talking point now.
Samoa Joe is the NXT Champion. The first ever two time NXT Champion in history. The finish protected Nakamura, but the big question is what’s next? I thought Joe would be called up soon for sure, so him winning here was a bit surprising. Does Nakamura win the title back in Japan then they have their blow off at the January show? I could see that happening. Either way, when I don’t know the answers I’m excited to see where it goes.
Winner: Shinsuke Nakamura (Still Champion)
Closing Thoughts
Steve: Wow. What a show. This is probably the show of the year, in my eyes. I thought every match was good-amazing and everything delivered to my expectations or higher. With two title changes, one expected and one less so, fans definitely were given a lot to enjoy. What happens from here? I can’t say I’m sure, but I’m very excited to see it.
Remember to bookmark WWE Network News for more of this daily content and follow us on Twitter via @WWENetworkChron!