NXT TakeOver: Orlando Results: Highlights, Analysis, and Grades

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Triple H Opens NXT TakeOver: Orlando

Triple H opened NXT TakeOver: Orlando with a brief soliloquy and led us into the beginning video package.

Tye Dillinger, Roderick Strong, Kassius Ohno and Ruby Riot vs. SAnitY

Result: SAnitY defeats Tye Dillinger, Roderick Strong, Kassius Ohno and Ruby Riot via pinfall.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Earlier Saturday, No Way Jose got taken out by SanitY at WrestleMania 33 Axxess, so Kassius Ohno ended up replacing him. Not a bad way of getting him on the card, especially if they’re lining him up as the next top babyface.

Can anyone explain the reason for SAnitY using thick, black eye makeup? It looked like the world’s worst case of insomnia and doesn’t really do anything for their look. If anything, they look as foolish as the Ascension.

Strong looked fantastic here. He got the biggest reaction he’s received since debuting in NXT, a pleasant surprise and a great development for someone who hasn’t found his footing. The former ROH star went on a strong run in his first tag and sold the hell out of moves from Killian Dain.

Of course, everyone popped for Dillinger and his fiery offense. He went all over the place, taking out Alexander Wolfe and Eric Young, before Dain ended his streak.

We had all the makings here of a Riot vs. Nikki Cross feud being developed. Do not be surprised if this starts at the next taping. They brawled and didn’t really wrestle on maybe three instances.

A little surprised that Team Tye, and Dillinger, specifically, lost. He’s continuing to go down, but it feels like something is going to turn around soon. How quickly? Well, that may be a while.

Overall, a very fun opener. Much better than I thought it would be, and it sets the tone for the rest of the show.