Do you know what's ironic? The NXT Takeover 31 set looks more like a "Thunderdome" than the Thunderdome.There's not much story behind this match, though, other than both wrestler's motivation to win or stay champ.The result is Gargano feels like a strong threat to the larger Priest in the ring. Priest has a big size advantage, so Gargano should be the underdog, but Gargano has a lot more experience and his cunning, which makes Priest the underdog in a way. There's an interesting dynamic to this match.The chain link on top of the plexiglass adds a nice effect when people are diving or being thrown into it. After an initially strong showing by Priest in the ring, Gargano takes things outside so we can get a tour of the ringside area during a brawl.And the overall look of the set is really gritty, like the Snyder Cut of NXT Takeover 31. The Thunderdome screens make it look much bigger. You've got the real crowd there to provide appropriate crowd noise that fits appropriately with the match.
All are given COVID-19 tests, so hey, it's safer than the White House. Earlier today, Triple H said there was individual plexiglass in the stands as well, where fans from outside are allowed in. There's people surrounding the ring behind the chain link, which does indeed also have plexiglass. The walls are lined with video screens ala the Thunderdome. Then NXT Takeover 31 opens officially, and we see what it looks like in action. There are a lot more lights, and it's a lot bigger. The guardrails have chain link fences instead of (or maybe in addition to) plexiglass. We get our first look at it, filmed earlier before the show. You can also check out a video version of their review on YouTube by going to YouTube.Takeover begins with a video package focused on Jess McMahon's Capitol Wrestling Corporation, which serves as the inspiration for the newly revamped Capitol Wrestling Center, the new home of NXT inside WWE's Performance Center, which is making its debut tonight at NXT Takeover 31. And every Wednesday have a Shot in the Dark w/ John “Cno Evil” Siino (FREE Show).
Plus this past few weeks – upYOURS – The Twilight Zone, Back to the Future, Clash of Champions, and wasNXT.9th – Throwback PPV Review – WCW Halloween Havoc 1993 On the upNXT Patreon, Braden and Davie review AEW Dynamite each Thursday as well as retro NXT reviews, Best Match Ever, and tons of other podcasts. You can also check out a video version of their review on YouTube by going to /upNXT The lads talk in-depth about the show, their thoughts on NXT’s new venue, surprise returns, what they liked and didn’t like, and the epic main event.
The BDE rundown the entire show featuring Finn Balor vs Kyle O’Reilly for the NXT Championship, Io Shirai vs Candice LeRae for the NXT Women’s Championship, Santos Escobar vs Isaiah “Swerve” Scott for the NXT Cruiserweight Championship, Damian Priest vs Johnny Gargano for the NXT North American Championship, and Velveteen Dream vs KUSHIDA. Braden Herrington and Davie Portman review WWE NXT TakeOver 31 from the new Capitol Wrestling Center!