NXT Takeover – May 29, 2014 – Overview
NXT Takeover, the second live special to be shown on the WWE Network, is coming to Full Sail University on May 29, 2014, and I couldn’t be more excited!
I expect the show to be taken to the next level after the success of the first NXT Special ArRIVAL on the WWE Network where the show had 21 worldwide Twitter trends and was ranked 3rd in overall social mentions for primetime programs on both cable and broadcast with more social mentions than American Idol, the Vikings premiere on History Channel, college basketball on ESPN, and Vampire Diaries on CW.
On Wednesday, May 28, at 10:00 pm EST, the NXT Takeover Preview on the WWE Network will take an in-depth look at the rivalries behind the matches with Renee Young.
During this preview, viewers will also be able to watch exclusive interviews with WWE Hall of Famers Bret “Hit Man” Hart and “Nature Boy” Ric Flair, as they prepare to be ringside for the NXT Women’s Championship Match between Natalya and Charlotte. I am really excited to hear these two WWE Legends talk about their families past, present, and future!
NXT Takeover Preshow begins at 7:30 pm EST on May 29th, as Renee Young and a panel of experts including Christian, Paul Heyman, and Cesaro who will be analyzing each match of the night ahead. You never know what you can expect, so I hoping that there are some special guests that will be joining them!
At 8:00 p.m. EST/5:00 p.m. PST, NXT Takeover begins, and it is sure to be a night packed full of action and great matches.
Speaking of matches, let’s look at what is lined up for NXT Takeover!
NXT Championship Match – Adrian Neville (c) vs. Tyson Kidd
I am going to admit that I am EXTREMELY biased on this match, because I am huge fan of the Man That Gravity Forgot Adrian Neville.
Tyson Kidd, the last graduate of the legendary Hart Dungeon, arrived on the NXT scene and has been gaining wins to help propel him to Takeover the NXT Championship from Adrian Neville.
But even with momentum on his side, Tyson Kidd is going to have a battle on his hands as Adrian Neville is a highly efficient wrestler both on the ground and in the air with his signature finisher he calls the ‘Red Arrow’ (corkscrew shooting star press).
I expect this match to be a ‘slobberknocker’ (thank you JR for the perfect term) full of action and memorable moments.
I am hoping that Neville keeps the NXT Championship, but a loss could set up an amazing rivalry!
NXT Women’s Championship Tournament Finals – Natalya vs. Charlotte
Natalya and Charlotte both come from legendary WWE families, and the intensity of their match is sure to be taken to a new level as family members will be in their corner during this NXT Women’s Championship Tournament Final.
The Flair and Hart families have always had an on and off screen rivalry, so seeing these ladies continue in their family’s legacies is exciting.
Natalya, a third generation WWE Wrestler who’s father is Jim ‘The Anvil’ Neidhartand uncle is Bret Hart who will be accompanying her to the ring, is sure to be tasked with carrying a large majority of this match. Natalya is, again in my opinion, the backbone of the WWE Divas as she is a solid wrestler with her feet firmly on the ground and eyes towards her future.
Charlotte, daughter of WWE Legend Ric Flair who will be in her corner of the ring, is an extremely talented gal who’s star is definitely on the rise. With strong mic skills, an athletic and gymnastic competitor, and will to win Charlotte is going to be a worthy opponent.
Natalya has a lot to gain from helping Charlotte not only win this match, but to help her emerge as a shining diamond among the growing field of NXT Divas. I think that Charlotte takes the NXT Women’s Championship belt, but Natalya wins bigger as she firmly takes a grasp on her role within the WWE.
NXT Tag Team Championship Match – The Ascension (c) vs. El Local and Kalisto
The Ascension has brought a new level of competitiveness that can’t be matched to NXT since they won the Tag Team Championship in October 2013.
The team’s gothic theme plays well, and Konnor and Viktor work extremely well together as a team because their skills and strengths compliment each other well and they always hit a great rhythm in the ring.
Conversely, El Local and Kalisto are a new Tag Team that seem to be confidently putting one toe in the ocean against this NXT powerhouse team. Individually, these two have a lot to offer and watching them put their skills together and grow as a team will be fun.
I don’t think that El Local and Kalisto stand much of a chance against The Ascension, but I do think that the match will give some insight as to where the NXT Tag Team Championship may go in the future.
#1 Contender Match – Sami Zayn vs. Tyler Breeze
WHY DO YOU DO THIS TO ME??? How can I possibly choose in a match between Sami Zayn and Tyler Breeze!!!
Sami Zayn is a powerhouse of a wrestler, who because of his size and build is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Sami Zayn is electric in the ring with a vast repertoire of moves, likeable personality, and strong will to perform to the next level even when he has outdone himself in a match.
You can never count Sami Zayn out, because you don’t know where he will strike from next as he is as fast and deliberate on the ground and accurate when he is jumping from the post.
Tyler Breeze, the self-proclaimed King of Selfies, who’s gimmick has a tendency to overshadow his aggressive and athletic feats in the ring is a great match for Sami Zayn.
Tyler Breeze, again not a big guy, thrives in matches that are fast paced however when he can slow down and grapple his athleticism shines through.
In a battle of these two fan favorites, we all win! Sami Zayn and Tyler Breeze are two great competitors who have a knack for drawing audiences into their matches, so this match is sure to have people chanting and screaming the whole time. I can’t wait!
Adam Rose vs. Camacho
Camacho may have skipped out on his last match with Adam Rose, but the Exotic Express is chugging along and heading right towards him!
Camacho has stumbled a little since parting from Hunico, but his rage and aggression play to his advantage as they are in stark contrast to Adam Rose. He’s a solid wrestler, but he needs to own his anger and let that propel his confidence in the ring. I hope that the crowd really gets involved during this match, as it helps him move the match along with a new fire.
Adam Rose brings back a sense of fun that has been noticeably absent from the WWE for quite some time, but the difference is that he can back up his act with solid performances instead of slapstick.
Adam Rose comes to the ring with an infectious entrance and charismatic personality, but once the bell rings he isn’t there to party he is there to win. Adam Rose is an extremely strong and solid wrestler who performs with intensity and aggression.
I think that Adam Rose is going to execute a solid match to ‘Choo Choo’ right over Camacho to help solidify his role of being more than a party animal and gimmick.
If you were lucky enough to grab a ticket to NXT Takeover, there are a few things that you may want to keep in mind.
Tips for Attending NXT Takeover at Full Sail University
- Arrive at the Full Sail Live Venue early!!! There will be a lot of traffic going in and out of the Full Sail Live Venue with more television equipment and stages than usual, so you can expect parking to take a bit longer. I like to drive down to the end of the rows to find a space, because you can usually score a closer spot that way.
- There will be a ‘Block Party’ outside of the Full Sail Live Venue, so the normal entrance off of University Park Drive (Near McDonalds and Ale House) will be closed so you will want to use the entrance off of 436 (South Semoran Blvd) near Winghouse and Chili’s. There will be signage to help direct you on how to enter the area to park.
- NXT Takeover Preshow is held outside of the Full Sail Live Venue on campus, and if you aren’t close to the stage you don’t have to worry because there is a huge screen and sound system so you won’t miss a thing!
- At the ‘Block Party’ surrounding the Preshow Stage, you will be able to find WWE & NXT merchandise, food, and other offerings from vendors.
- Make sure you know what you can and cannot bring with you into the facility, because you will have to go through bag check. If you are bringing in a poster, they are going to take a look at it to make sure it isn’t obscene. You are allowed to bring in outside food and drink, however if your drink has a screw top you will be asked to throw away the cap.
- The Picture and Video Policy at NXT is strictly enforced by ushers. Photos of the event are permitted, but video is prohibited. If you are caught taking video, you will have to delete it and will be asked to leave. It’s no joke, so don’t even try!
Don’t forget to tune into the WWE Network to catch NXT Takeover with the Preview show on May 28th at 10:00 pm EST, the Preshow on May 29th at 7:30 pm EST, and for the matches of NXT Takeover on May 29th at 8:00 pm EST!
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