WWE NXT TakeOver: Rival Review
By Mike Smith
WWE.com
Hideo Itami vs. Tyler Breeze
Breeze came out aggressive, and that worked for him in the early going. However, when Itami found an early opening, he took advantage of it and dominated Breeze with a bunch of stiff kicks.
Breeze was able to get back into it when he went to the outside and Itami got a little lackadaisical, and Breeze was able to take him out and jump on offense.
Breeze used a bunch of attacks on Itami’s legs, including a Figure-4 on the ring post.
Itami popped up and lifted Breeze, teasing a GTS out of nowhere, but Breeze countered and hit a Super Model Kick for a nearfall. Breeze kept up the advantage, though he was clearly upset and shocked that the kick didn’t put Itami away.
Itami took over and hit a few more kicks, knocking Breeze into the corner. He hit the running dropkick, then followed with a boot to the face off the ropes (much like Roderick Strong’s Sick Kick) for the win.
Itami defeats Breeze via pinfall.
3.5 out of 5 stars – Awesome match. Perfect way to open the show.