WWE NXT: Ranking every ladder match in the brand’s history (so far)

#1. Adam Cole vs. Velveteen Dream vs. Ricochet vs. Lars Sullivan vs. EC3 vs. Killian Dain – WWE NXT North American Championship – TakeOver: New Orleans (Apr. 7, 2018)

It was the opening match of one of the best TakeOver events ever. And it is absolutely the best ladder match in WWE NXT history so far. (Though I think it’ll be pretty hard to top.)

I can still remember my jaw hitting the floor when I heard these six men were going to compete in a ladder match for NXT’s newest singles title. We had two behemoths in Lars and Killian, two entertainers in Velveteen and EC3, and two workhorses in Cole and Ricochet. Not to mention this was the in-ring coming out party for Lars, EC3, and Ricochet.

This one ranks so highly on my list because of the insane bumps and carnage. Everyone did their part to make sure the opener stole the show on a card where every other match could’ve done just that. Cole established himself as the first-ever North American Champion, while the match itself established new feuds for the months to follow. It doesn’t get much better than this.

Where will the eventual 6-woman ladder match rank?

Before plans were halted, Chelsea Green, Mia Yim, and Tegan Nox qualified to compete in the ladder match at TakeOver: Tampa to determine the new number one contender. I have to believe that the rest of the field would’ve consisted of Candice LeRae, Bianca Belair, and hopefully Io Shirai if she was cleared.

Much like the North American Title ladder match, I believe this would’ve been a fun clash of styles with seasoned veterans and rising stars putting their bodies on the line just for a shot at the gold. I sincerely hope we get to see this match eventually when the wrestling world goes back to normal.

In the meantime, be sure to relive all the previous WWE NXT ladder matches on the WWE Network, and let us know which one you think is the best!