Thunder Struck - WWE NXT TakeOver: R Evolution Analysis

*Note: I posted statuses of my live reaction during the show, and this my follow up piece covering things with a bit more detail. Enjoy!

Kevin Owens defeats CJ Parker in a three minute squash debut.

^Owens used to be Kevin Steen in Ring of Honor and Pro Wrestling Guerrilla, for those who don't know him. He's a great wrestler and is very athletic for a big man. This was a nice way to introduce him as a top guy and the match went just the right length. We were definitely left wanting more but we were also given a good dose of what Owens can do in the ring. The tears in his eyes on his way to the ring showed just how passionate he is about the sport. Perfect start to this special event!

The Lucha Dragons defeat the Vaudevillains to retain the NXT Tag Team Titles.

^Very good tag team action. Both sides made this one fun and the team of Gotch and English proved their worth of hanging with the champs. The Dragons makes sense for now as champions as they seem to elevate every team who steps in the ring with them. The match was a bit too short for me(around six minutes), but it was still very good.

Baron Corbin defeats Tye Dillinger in under a minute.

^I like Corbin's look and I like his ability. I also think Tye Dillinger is extremely underrated in terms of his ability and has a good look. This was a bit too fast to be anything memorable, but the message we were left with is that Baron Corbin is here to dominate.

Finn Balor and Hideo Atami defeat Konnor and Viktor.

^Awesome 12 minute match. The back and forth action was fun, Balor and Atami showcased their skills, and the Ascension contributed nicely in what I view as their best match to date. Viktor is obviously the superior wrestler between the two, but I think Konnor will be alright in his role as the brute when this tag team appears on Raw or Smackdown. Great match for just twelve minutes!

Charlotte defeats Sasha Banks in a back and forth, physical matchup to retain the NXT Women's Championship.

^Great back and forth physicality here. Charlotte is undeniably amazing and athletic. Banks is a hard hitter who understands how to work a good match inside a wrestling ring. This one was a different style than the technical stuff we saw between Natalya and Charlotte earlier this year, but it was damn good action! Second best women's wrestling match this year by just a hair!

Sami Zayn defeats Adrian Neville in a 23 minute main event. Zayn is the new NXT Champion. The locker room celebrates with Zayn after the match. Kevin Owens attacks Zayn and powerbombs him into the ring apron to close the show.

^Wow! Let's talk about the match first. The ref spots were timed well. Zayn's facial expressions to the crowd and Neville were perfect. The crowd was ON FIRE! The wrestling was excellent, the war was on and we were all treated to the BEST professional wrestling match of 2014. Unbelievable action from two men of whom I have always been a big fan. Great finish, and the Owens turn setting up his new/old rivalry with Zayn was spot on genius!

This NXT event gets a 10 out of 10 from me. I know it's high considering some of the shorter matches, but this is truly what I would call a perfect two hour wrestling event. Nice work by everyone involved; I can't wait for the next one!

Thanks for reading!

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