NXT Takeover: Brooklyn 4
#NXTTakeOver
Original Air Date: August 18, 2018
Event Date: August 18, 2018 (aired live)
City: Brooklyn, New York, NY
Venue: Barclays Center
Attendance: 14,676
Commentary: Mauro Ranallo, Nigel McGuinness, Percy Watson
Spanish Commentary (ringside): Carlos Cabrera, Marcelo Rodriguez
Ring Announcer: Kayla Braxton
Theme Song: “Blood//Water” by grandson
Video
One moment can forever change the course of history. Tonight, NXT will make history.
Match 1
NXT Tag Team Title Match
Kyle O’Reilly & Roderick Strong (NXT Tag Champs) vs Moustache Mountain
(referee: Drake Wuertz)
Result: Kyle O’Reilly pins Trent Seven after Total Elimination
Time: 18:06
Match Thoughts
Great match! These four always put everything into their matches, and this was no exception. The action was fast and crazy, and everyone was playing to their strengths in great ways. It built up to a moment that mirrored the match where Moustache Mountain lost the tag titles, with Bate in trouble and Seven considering throwing in the towel. I liked the continuity between the matches. It gave this match a feeling of closure (even though I wouldn’t complain if it kept going).
Ring Area
After the match, the War Raiders attack Strong and O’Reilly.
Backstage
Johnny Gargano paces in the locker room.
Video
Chronicling the feud between Velveteen Dream and EC3.
Match 2
Velveteen Dream vs EC3
(referee: Eddie Orengo)
Result: Velveteen Dream wins via pinfall after a Dream Velley Driver and Purple Rainmaker on the apron
Time: 15:05
Match Thoughts
Very good match. Dream seemed to have trouble overcoming EC3’s strength at first, but he eventually started to figure it out. A twisting DDT on the floor and some other wise decisions from Dream helped him put on a great showing. I think Dream really needed this match. People love him, but he’s been losing some high profile matches over the last few months. I was happy with this one.
Ring Area
Matt Riddle is in the crowd!
Video
How Adam Cole and Ricochet crossed paths.
Match 3
North American Title Match
Ricochet vs Adam Cole (NA Champ)
(referee: Darryl Sharma)
Result: Ricochet wins via pinfall after a 630 senton and becomes the new North American Champ
Time: 15:23
Match Thoughts
Really great match! Cole and Ricochet spent a while feeling each other out, and when they started letting loose, things got great. Cole was deadly accurate with his strikes, and he wrestled a very smart match. Ricochet increasingly employed aerial moves to a more and more spectacular result. The last few minutes of this were great. I was kind of sad to see either man lose, but I was also very happy to see either man win.
Ring Area
Kevin Owens and Mark Henry are in the crowd.
Video
The history between Kairi Sane and Shayna Baszler.
Match 4
NXT Women’s Title Match
Kairi Sane vs Shayna Baszler (NXT Women’s Champ)
(referee: Jessika Carr)
Result: Kairi Sane wins via pinfall with a counter to the Kirifuda Clutch
Time: 13:38
Match Thoughts
Great match! Baszler started by shutting down Kairi in nearly everything she did. Eventually Sane started to mount a comeback, but it didn’t seem like it was going anywhere at first. The momentum was started to shift towards Sane, but it didn’t feel like it was enough. Then Sane started hitting some big moves, yet it still felt like Baszler was too far ahead. The last couple of minutes were great, and I loved the finish.
Video
Johnny Gargano and Tomasso Ciampa hate each other, and now they’re fighting for the NXT Title.
Match 5
Last Man Standing NXT Title Match
Johnny Gargano vs Tommaso Ciampa (NXT Champ)
(referee: Eddie Orengo)
Result: Tommaso Ciampa wins when Johnny Gargano fails to meet the ten count
Time: 33:39
Match Thoughts
Great match. It started violent, and it never really let up. I think the most fun I had during this match was an extended striking sequence towards the middle portion of the match. As time passed, the drama became more of a focal point. I think the finish to this might piss some people off, but I was okay with it. I almost didn’t want to see Johnny win the way he was setting things up. Johnny’s lost his way, and he needs to change his path before he can succeed. I think it’s a great story.
Show Impressions
Great show, top to bottom.
Match of the Night
As usual with Takeovers, this is tough. Gargano and Ciampa had the most drama, Sane and Baszler gave me the biggest smile, Cole and Ricochet was the most spectacular, Dream and EC3 felt the most right for the winner, and the tag title match was the most energetic. How do you decide? I don’t think I will this time.