WWE NXT TakeOver: The Legacy
From 2014 to 2021, WWE NXT TakeOver events were consistently the highest-rated shows on the WWE calendar. NXT became the gold standard for professional wrestling — and TakeOver was its crown jewel.
Greatest TakeOver Events
TakeOver: Brooklyn — 2015
Sasha Banks vs Bayley stole the show in a match that changed women's wrestling forever. Samoa Joe's debut and Finn Bálor's entrance made this legendary.
TakeOver: New Orleans — 2018
Johnny Gargano vs Tomasso Ciampa in an Unsanctioned Match produced a 5-star war. Andrade vs Black and Shayna Baszler's debut made this a perfect card.
TakeOver: Chicago — 2017
The Gargano/Ciampa betrayal happened here — one of the most shocking turns in NXT history that set up years of compelling storytelling.
TakeOver: Portland — 2020
Last great TakeOver before the pandemic changed everything. Gargano vs Ciampa's Last Man Standing match is a masterpiece of long-form storytelling payoff.
The Stars TakeOver Built
The Four Horsewomen
Charlotte Flair, Sasha Banks, Bayley, and Becky Lynch all became superstars through NXT TakeOver matches. The division revolution started here.
Johnny Wrestling
Johnny Gargano had more TakeOver matches than any other performer — and his rivalry with Tomasso Ciampa produced some of the era's finest work.
The Revival, DIY, UE
Tag team wrestling hit its peak in NXT's TakeOver era. The Revival, DIY, and the Undisputed Era put on classic tag matches consistently.
Samoa Joe
Joe's NXT Championship reign was a masterclass in dominant villain storytelling — his feuds with Finn Bálor set the standard for NXT title programs.
Aleister/Malakai Black
Few NXT stars arrived with more mystique. Black's undefeated run and striking offense made every TakeOver appearance appointment viewing.
Adam Cole, Bay Bay
Cole's NXT Championship reign was the longest in history — and his TakeOver matches against Gargano and others defined the 2019 era.
NXT TakeOver Highlights
(Raw spoilers) Brock instructs superstar during their segment
Toni Storm is for the children ♥️
The Costco Guys and the Rizzler react to Ospreay's return at AEW Revolution
Hornswoggle explains his most traumatic memory to JBL
[Raw Spoilers] Shedding a tear
[Raw Spoilers] You, are cursed 👏 You, are cursed 👏