If you thought you knew wrestling, NXT TakeOver: WarGames (2017) was here to turn your world upside down. Curated by WWE's developmental brand NXT, this thrilling show hit the floor on November 18, 2017, at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. This wasn't just another pay-per-view. It was a resurrection of a classic wrestling concept - WarGames, a match type that disappeared from WWE's radar for almost two decades. So, what made this event jaw-dropping?
First off, the electrifying atmosphere played a critical role. Imagine the WarGames match itself; it featured three dynamic teams - The Undisputed Era, Sanity, and The Authors of Pain teamed with Roderick Strong. Intrigued yet? The cage enclosed two rings, a colossal setup that emphasized grit and defiance over flashy theatrics. Two teams were entertaining enough but throw in a third team, and you've got pure chaos. And yes, the drama soared because there were no pins inside the ring until all competitors had entered. The anticipation built like a storm ready to break.
The pivotal moment was the entrance of Adam Cole, Kyle O'Reilly, and Bobby Fish, known as The Undisputed Era. Their tactics were cold and calculated. Watching these individuals showcase athleticism while wielding the kind of raw, violent energy that one might associate with a medieval battlefield was nothing short of awe-inspiring. And you know who doesn't understand the beauty of this structured chaos? Those naysayers who think the world should conform into neat, invasion-free boxes.
Let’s not forget about Sanity; Eric Young, Alexander Wolfe, and Killian Dain brought their A-game. Killian Dain, the human wrecking ball, added tension with his unimaginable spots, including a colossal top-rope jump that screamed 'match over' to many watching. Dain was like an unpredictable storm, leaving destruction in his path. Seeing him storm through adversaries was indeed a sight to behold.
Roderick Strong teaming up with The Authors of Pain was a testimony to his resilience. Their blend of high-speed moves and sheer power kept the audience gripping their seats. For those who believe wrestling is like ballet with muscles, this trio hammered down such assumptions to dust.
It wasn’t just the headline WarGames match that grabbed attention. Aleister Black and Velveteen Dream provided a contrast, offering sophisticated storytelling within the ropes. Their match was a testament to the powerful narrative that wrestling can deliver. When they engaged in their psychological warfare, it elevated their game beyond mere grappling, offering glimpses of a drama laced with rivalry and respect.
The women's Fatal 4-Way match for the vacant NXT Women's Championship was a clinical show-stealer. Between Ember Moon, Nikki Cross, Kairi Sane, and Peyton Royce, the adrenaline didn't drop for a second. They delivered non-stop action and remembered, dear reader, that's an interjected reminder of how far women's wrestling has come. Real competition separated from any agenda.
Speaking of Ember Moon, she earned the decisive victory, shedding light on NXT's dedication to nurturing genuine talent. No handouts, no free rides. Just pure, unadulterated competition driving athletes to their pinnacle.
Drew McIntyre vs. Andrade 'Cien' Almas for the NXT Championship brought a phenomenal end to individual rivalries. The surprise? Almas walked away with the title, a twist that shook not only the audience but echoed throughout the industry. A powerhouse with a sharp strategy outsmarting physical strength? It's the underdogs with strategic brilliance who often end up pulling the rug.
All this thrilling action reflected the creative genius of Triple H, who demonstrated once again why NXT is considered a vibrant alternative to the sometimes stagnant main roster. He validated why wrestling is not just an art; it’s a revolution against predictability, much like what's happening in the broader cultural context where independence thrives over conformity.
NXT TakeOver: WarGames (2017) proved to be more than just matches. It was a spectacle of dominance, strategy, and raw athletic prowess that challenged norms at every step. Its hard-hitting lineup showed how unpredictable, high-stakes competition stimulates enthusiasm and resonates deeply with hardcore fans.
The fire NXT set ablaze that night charred away assumptions about the wrestling industry being mere pandemonium without purpose. Instead, it radiated pure energy and unmatched narratives that kept viewers on the edge, igniting the spirit of wrestling across generations.