If you thought wrestling was just about slimy, sweaty men, NXT TakeOver: WarGames 2019 would like a word. Held on November 23, 2019, at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois, this battleground wasn’t just a wrestling event; it was a masterclass in both physical and mental prowess. The kind of event that would make even a die-hard liberal question their assumptions about masculinity, competition, and raw grit. Organized by the WWE under its NXT brand, WarGames 2019 was an electrifying blend of athleticism, storylines, and sheer human strength.
First up, let’s talk about the innovative concept of the WarGames match itself. After all, the devil is in the details. For the uninitiated, WarGames matches pit two teams within a steel cage consisting of two rings. Sounds intense, right? If you’re looking for a safe space, you’re at the wrong address under the WWE banner. This match showcases human endurance at its peak, and it certainly doesn’t have time for handholding.
And what a lineup we had! Adam Cole’s Team Undisputed Era versus Tommaso Ciampa’s team, adding Keith Lee, Dominik Dijakovic, and a mystery partner. Little did viewers know that the surprise addition was none other than the man behind the mask, Kevin Owens. Owens’ return added mind-blowing excitement, skill, and that spicy dish of surprise—a four-course meal for the senses! With a team like this, it was clear right from the start that we were in for a night of unforgettable action.
Credit where it’s due, the women of NXT tore the house down in the first-ever women’s WarGames match. Team Baszler against Team Ripley in an epic clash of power, agility, and smarts. It was a show of girl power that didn't require a hashtag to move mountains and fans in equal measure. They set the tone for the night with hard-hitting maneuvers, brilliant teamwork, and yes, some calculated betrayals. But surely this caliber of performance must echo that meritocracy triumphs over social quotas every day of the week.
Let’s not forget the dynamic clash between Finn Balor and Matt Riddle. This wasn’t just about brute force; it was about strategy. Balor’s win was caused by a mixture of agility, skill, and chess-like strategy on a gigantic human-sized board. Yet again, WarGames proved that wrestling is as much a cerebral sport as it is physical. If you think you can throw a punch just because you sit in a weight room all day, think again. Winning here requires not just muscles of steel but a brain to match.
The atmosphere at WarGames 2019 was incendiary. It’s events like these that serve as a reminder of why we love competition: the tension, the strategies, the drama. And let's face it, nothing against protagonists making brooding faces for dramatic depth, but there’s something raw, unfiltered, and dare I say, honest about the whole WarGames experience that you just don’t find in those scripted shows dripping with political correctness.
And where was this theatrical spectacle watched from? Only in the heartland of America, Illinois! A place where real wrestling fans can gather, celebrate, and immerse themselves in a solid sense of camaraderie. It highlights how sports, especially one as tactile as wrestling, is a cultural fabric holding communities together. It’s this kind of shared experience that you just don’t find in divided social media spaces where everyone and their mum have an “opinion.”
As if that wasn’t enough, let's touch on the theme song, as music deserves its own applause—even when it’s the background score. “Unsainted” by Slipknot? Yes, please! It wasn’t soft jazz or a lullaby. It was a blazing anthem that syncs perfectly with the adrenaline-laden, high-octane night. The kind that gets you fired up without needing a therapist or a safe space to discuss your feelings afterward.
It was also a night of so much speculation, promising futures for several wrestlers trying to carve out their spot among NXT’s hierarchy. There’s nothing more American than climbing that ladder based on merit. It’s about calling the navigators to chart their futures, not being stuck in a rote revolving door job because someone said you should be.
NXT TakeOver: WarGames 2019 wasn’t just an event—it was a statement. A statement that challengers and dreamers are alive and well. The fact that it smashed all expectations underscores this reality—a wrestle-fest isn’t just for muscle-bound giants; it’s for anyone with the guts to compete and strategize.
This event wasn’t only about wrestling; it was about everything quintessentially American. So here’s the deal: while some may wring their hands over the supposed perils of competition, WarGames 2019 reminds us that standing tall and battling in the ring of life and not just social media battles will always have its place. Wrestling is profound, dynamic, and unapologetically thrilling. You may frown upon it, but make no mistake, NXT TakeOver: WarGames isn’t just theater; it’s the wrestling version of the American Dream.