WWE NXT TakeOver: Vengeance Day was a significant event in the history of professional wrestling, and it's no wonder it's often overlooked due to the pandemic. The show featured a mix of tag team action, singles matches, and a heel turn, all of which were memorable for different reasons.
Here are three things we loved and three things we hated about the event:
Loved:
The Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classics: The tournament was a highlight, with the men's and women's finals delivering high-quality matches. The men's final between Grizzled Young Veterans and MSK was a clash of styles, while the women's final between Ember Moon and Shotzi Blackheart, and Dakota Kai and Raquel Gonzalez, showcased the talent and chemistry of the wrestlers.
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European Fight Ends In Style: The technical showcase between Finn Balor and Pete Dunne was a highlight of the show. The match was grounded in a setting where there was no crowd, and it showcased the intensity and skill of the wrestlers. The match was a testament to the ability of the wrestlers to create something different to what would have worked in a full arena.
Hated:
The Death Spot For The Women: The triple threat match between Io Shirai, Toni Storm, and Mercedes Martinez was fine, but it was let down by the fact that it was in the dreaded death spot. The match could have been improved by making it a straight singles match between Shirai and Storm, who had a history and were two of the best in the world at the time.
The Piped In Noise: The piped-in crowd noise was a significant issue during the show. The audio track of what was probably a crowd from an episode of WWE Raw or SmackDown was layered over the top of the actual audio, making it a less pleasant experience. The noise was so bad that it had to be muted during the opening stages of the match between Kushida and Johnny Gargano.
The Pandemic: The pandemic was a significant issue for the show, and it's no wonder it's often overlooked. The minimal crowd that was on hand to see it live made it difficult to generate the atmosphere that the show needed. The pandemic also affected the overall experience of the show, with the lack of a rabid TakeOver audience and the forced move to behind closed doors.
Overall, NXT TakeOver: Vengeance Day is a show that showcases the talent and skill of the wrestlers, but it's also a show that highlights the challenges of the pandemic and the impact it had on the wrestling industry.
