NXT TakeOver: Chicago featured one of, if not the most memorable closing sequences in the event's three-plus year history.
After former NXT tag team champions and one of the most popular pairings in NXT history, #DIY, lost an excellent ladder match to the Authors of Pain, they received a standing ovation in what looked like a possible send off to the main roster. However, just as it appeared that the show was going off the air, Tommaso Ciampa delivered a violent beatdown on his now former partner, Johnny Gargano.
Entering this week, the reasoning behind the attack had yet to be answered. Ciampa, with crutches in hand due to a seemingly non-storyline knee injury he suffered at a live event just days before TakeOver, shed some light on the situation.
As the crowd showered him with negative energy, Ciampa invited Gargano to the ring to offer an explanation. But there was one problem -- Gargano wasn't in the building as a result of Ciampa's attack.
Ciampa claimed that when news of his injury broke and uncertainty surrounded his ability to perform at TakeOver that fans were quick to offer up potential replacement partners for Gargano. Knowing that his injury would keep him out for an extended period of time, he was not going to let Gargano ponder that thought.
"Just like you were about replace me just like that, there was no doubt in my mind that Johnny Gargano was gonna do the same damn thing," he said. "If given the opportunity, if I went away, Johnny Gargano wouldn't even hesitate. And I wasn't gonna let that happen. I wasn't going to become an afterthought."
He went on to state, "Tommaso Ciampa is not, nor will he ever be replaceable."
Though splitting up #DIY was a curious move given their massive following and potential to achieve great success as a team on the main roster, the separation offers quite a few intriguing possibilities as well. Ciampa is a natural heel, and both he and Gargano could eventually flourish if they graduate to the 205 Live roster, which is in desperate need of a jolt.
Let's not forget the magic both men created when they faced off in the Cruiserweight Classic last year. They offer just as much appeal as opponents as they do as a team.
UK champion Pete Dunne shines
Coming off a performance alongside Tyler Bate at TakeOver: Chicago that will surely be considered a match of the year candidate, the new United Kingdom Champion Pete Dunne was in action against Danny Burch. As has been the case with a number of the matches starring UK talent, it was another admirable effort.
Mixed in with some early mat-based technical wrestling came the stiff shots from both physical superstars. Dunne nailed Burch with a forceful enziguri to the back of the head against the turnbuckle, but Burch responded with rough looking clothesline that would make JBL proud.
The bout's conclusion saw Dunne German suplex Burch into the turnbuckle followed by one of the most innovative finishing maneuvers in the company, the Bitter End.
A timetable for the recently announced weekly WWE UK series remains uncertain, but keeping the talent on NXT television is a shrewd move. We saw what they can do on the big stage. They should be given every opportunity to continue their rapid rise to success.
Andrade "Cien" Almas stumbles
Almas, who has floundered a bit since his NXT debut last summer, squared off against the physically imposing Cezar Bononi this week.
Almas looked great and controlled 99 percent of the match, showing off a lot of his high-impact offense, but as he lifted up Bononi to attempt a suplex, Bononi reversed it into a small package, snagging an unexpected victory. It was probably one of the biggest upsets we've ever seen on NXT television.
Almas nonchalantly exited the ring, showing no concern over the fact that he dropped yet another match. It will be interesting to see where Almas goes from here. His character has gradually transitioned from a dynamic hotshot into a laxed party enthusiast more focused on excitement outside of the squared circle. Look for some type of catalyst to reel him back in.
SAnitY looks for retribution, but come up short
Roderick Strong accomplished a feat at TakeOver: Chicago that no one else had previously been able to do: he solved the SAnitY puzzle on the TakeOver stage by defeating Eric Young despite being outnumbered.
Young looked for vengeance Wednesday night as he and Alexander Wolfe took on Strong and Kassius Ohno.
Both teams shined in this one, but as has been the case more often than not, the numbers game was once again on SAnitY's side and Killian Dain found a way to sneak in cheap shots when the opportunities presented themselves.
However, Dain attempted to get involved one too many times, which sparked the return of No Way Jose. Jose, who had been out since WrestleMania weekend due to an attack by SAnitY, prevented Dain's interference shifting the odds in favor of Strong and Ohno. That was all the babyfaces needed. It led to Strong executing a suplex/backbreaker combination -- the same move that won him his match at TakeOver -- on Young for the win.
Jose received quite the reaction. Perhaps his extended absence made the Full Sail crowd's hearts grow fonder.
What's on deck?
- Bobby Roode will return next week for the first time since his title defense at TakeOver: Chicago.
- The man who Roode defeated in Chicago, Hideo Itami, will face Oney Lorcan next week.
- In two weeks, there will be a triple threat elimination match for the NXT women's championship in a TakeOver rematch when Asuka will defend against Nikki Cross and Ruby Riot.
This week's bests
- Match of the night: Strong and Ohno versus SAnitY
- Move of the night: Burch's clubbing clothesline turning Dunne inside out
- Moment of the night: No Way Jose's return