NXT Takeover New Orleans is in the books – and what a show it was.
We saw new men’s and women’s champions, the inaugural North American Champion was crowned, and the six participants involved in that ladder match stole the show.
Here’s a rundown of the winners and losers on an action-packed night.
Winners
Adam Cole
Double-gold baby! Not only did Cole climb the ladder to North American title glory, but also was able to hang on to Tag-Team gold alongside Kyle O’Reilly – admittedly with a little help from Roderick Strong. Undisputed Era are now in a position of great strength and have the making of a dominating faction.
😱😱😱😱😱😱😱 #UndisputedERA#NXTTakeOver @roderickstrong @KORcombat @AdamColePro @TheBobbyFish pic.twitter.com/eUcI1ZCabR
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) April 8, 2018
Aleister Black
Black reaped the benefits of a real charge in recent weeks to become the new NXT Champion at the expense of Andrade Cien Almas. The match itself was scintillating, and an extended feud between the two would be gold – that is unless Almas is called up to the main card.
The Era of @WWEAleister has begun.#AndNew #NXTTakeOver #NXTChampionship pic.twitter.com/pvggf3sFOg
— WWE (@WWE) April 8, 2018
Shayna Bayzler
She may not be the member of MMA’s Four Horsewomen with the Mania match this weekend, as with Black, Bayzler was rewarded for consistent form in recent months. The story of the match was strong, with Bayzler fighting through a shoulder injury, while Ember Moon was also able to look strong by not tapping to the rear-naked choke.
Your NEWWW #WWENXT #WomensChampion @QoSBaszler is congratulated by @RondaRousey & @jessamynduke at ringside! #NXTTakeOver #WomensChampionship pic.twitter.com/4BG4qgMaWn
— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) April 8, 2018
Johnny Gargano
Where do we even start with this? A story that was years in the making, months in the build-up, and ultimately had the emotion-filler rollercoaster of a ride it deserved. Tommaso Ciampa was the perfect villain, but this was Gargano’s night to get reinstated and give the fans something to remember for a very long time.
Defeat your friend-turned-rival: ✔️
— WWE (@WWE) April 8, 2018
Get your job back: ✔️
Celebrate: ✔️#NXTTakeOver @JohnnyGargano @CandiceLeRae pic.twitter.com/BlUns6FeSZ
The fans
There will have been no refund requests from those in attendance last night. It was a night of the highest of spots, most enthralling action, and a level of storytelling that is incredibly hard to come by. From minute one this was a card of the highest order – a real treat for the wrestling fan.
Losers
In terms of those performing on the night, there are none. Even those on the wrong side of results can mouthwatering storylines to move into, with stock only rising on the back of performances like the ones we saw.
The WrestleMania card
Follow. That.
Sport 360 is at Wrestlemania with WWE 2K18 – for more information visit https://www.2k.com/games/wwe-2k18
