NXT TakeOver: top five matches in the event’s history

NXT TakeOver: In Your House is happening on June 13. And to celebrate the 35th edition of the event, I’m going to list the top five matches from the event’s seven-year history.

One of the most important, if not the most important, aspect on this list is storytelling. Matches that just feature moves and spots are fun and some of those matches are great. But matches that have storytelling along with spots and moves take them to another level.

5. Bayley vs Sasha Banks (NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn)

This is by far the greatest women’s match in NXT history. On the July 13, 2015, edition of Monday Night Raw, Sasha Banks, Becky Lynch, and Charlotte Flair debuted on the main roster, putting more focus on the promotion’s women’s division than ever before. However, Bayley was still in NXT because she wasn’t called up with her fellow four Horsewomen. This played a part in the match because Banks said that Bayley wasn’t good enough to be on Raw or SmackDown. Bayley used this for motivation.

Far before this match came close to happening, there were a lot of wrestling fans who were changing their views on women’s wrestling. But this definitely changed the opinions of fans who were still on the fence. These women killed it.

Here are some notable moments from the match. After a couple of minutes, Banks went for her signature Double Knee Stomp in the corner. Bayley tried to reverse it, but Banks hung on to the ropes, grabbed Bayley’s head with her legs, and threw her headfirst into the turnbuckles. After that, she finally hit the Double Knee Stomp, but instead of doing it in the middle rope, she executed it from the top rope.

Banks talked down to Bayley, telling her that she is not better than Banks. She kept taunting her until Bayley kicked her in the face and threw her to the corner ropes. Bayley maintained momentum until Banks killed it when she put Bayley on the apron and pulled her hand with the help of the ropes. She smelled blood and went after the hand and targeted it all match long.

She also pulled out a Somersault Plancha during the bout. Banks then looked to do a springboard armdrag but Bayley pushed her out of the ring. And once again, Bayley was on a roll until Banks attacked the hand once again.

Banks went for the Bank Statement. Bayley tried to reach the ropes, but Banks kept on stomping on Bayley’s injured hand and that prevented her from using it. So, she used her non-injured hand instead, but Banks touched the ropes with her foot and that allowed her to roll both herself and Bayley away from the ropes. Fortunately for Bayley, the rollup allowed her to escape the submission hold and she applied the Bank Statement to Banks.

Moments later, Bayley hit the Bayley to Belly but Banks kicked out at two. She put Banks on the top rope and tried to do a hurricanrana. However, Banks held on to the ropes. Banks hits the middle rope Meteora but Bayley kicked out at two. Banks did everything that she could do but Bayley ended up winning her only NXT Women’s Title after by doing an Inverted Frankensteiner then hitting the Bayley to Belly once again.

After this match, both women hugged each and the other Four Horsewomen celebrated with Bayley and Banks. I wish I could list this higher, but the other four matches are better. The fifth spot is a great one because at least it’s on the list.