The best match in WWE NXT history

NXT It first debuted in WWE programming in 2010, and debuted as a hybrid reality wrestling show to find the next one WWE The superstar later moved to WWE’s developmental brand, replacing FCW. From there, under the leadership of Triple H, NXT grew into WWE’s definitive third brand, becoming “super indie” in many ways, offering an alternative to both Raw and Smackdown.

Over the years, some of the best in the world have come through NXT, and some of the best matches of WWE’s history are played at weekly shows or special events. The Sportster rating system determines the best NXT matches in history. These ratings are compared to Dave Meltzer’s ratings on Wrestling Observer Newsletter and cagematch.net.

14

Sami Zayn vs. Cesaro (arrived by NXT)

Overall rating from TheSportster: 9/10

• Dave Meltzer Rating: 4.25 stars
• cagematch.net Rating: 9.17

The match between Sami Zayn and Cesaro was one of the most important in NXT history. He started his first live show on the WWE Network with a bang and showed us exactly what the brand was at the time.

Zayn not only has a smooth run of movement, but also tried to overcome the more powerful and dominant Cesaro in a beautifully wrestled match that felt like a very realistic struggle from both men, adding a lot of good psychology to the match. The audience grew in the match, giving both men a big applause following the sequence, near fall etc. Cesaro is well told that Zayn is too much to overcome in the end, and Zayn becomes an even bigger loser in his defeat.

13

Johnny Gargano Vs. Tommaso Ciampa (NXT Takeover New Orleans 2018)

Overall rating from TheSportster: 9/10

• Dave Meltzer Rating: 5 stars
• cagematch.net Rating: 9.43

One of the most personal rivals in NXT history led to this brutal, unauthorized match in the New Orleans acquisition between Johnny Gargano and Tomasociampa. Some of the spots may have been a bit overloaded, but for the most part this was the first match of the year in WWE that carried this level of authentic hostility and hatred.

Their feud ultimately turned into a long overdue, but this first match was a spectacular display and a great way to continue the storyline with each other. The audience was on fire, and the work of both male characters was fantastic, and the decision to give Gargano a victory was bold, but it was a great call, especially about how the finish was done.

12

North American Championship Ladder Match (WWE NXT Takeover: New Orleans 2018)

Overall rating from TheSportster: 9/10

• Dave Meltzer Rating: 5 stars
• cagematch.net Rating: 9.24

The new North American championship debuted in NXT Takeover: New Orleans and featured the famous field of wrestlers fighting in ladder matches. Despite a completely different style and range of wrestlers, this was a chaotic masterpiece of ladder matches and one of the best multiman matches in WWE history.

The pace of the match was non-stop, with the multiman spots cleverly put together and big moments were constructed wonderfully. There were many great character works, especially from Cole, Dream, and EC3. Ultimately, Cole was able to sneak up on the path to victory as an inaugurated champion.

11

Gunther vs. Ilja Dragunov (NXT UK 2020)

Overall rating from TheSportster: 9/10

• Dave Meltzer Rating: 5 stars
• cagematch.net Rating: 9.67

The most praised match of WWE’s pandemic era came when Gunther (Then Walter) fought Ilja Dragunov in NXT UK. Of course, any match would be better for live crowds, but these two were able to use empty arenas to defeat each other hell, delivering all the strikes, chops and movements to some extent of their most impact.

It’s not something that everyone will taste because of the difficult nature of watching a crowdless wrestling show, but it was great for them to let the audience forget about it at home and buy the authenticity of their fight.

10

Bailey Vs. Sasha Banks (WWE NXT Takeover: Respect 2015)

Overall rating from TheSportster: 9/10

• Dave Meltzer Rating: 4.25 stars
• cagematch.net Rating: 9.19

Bayley and Sasha Banks had an iconic feud at NXT, completing the feud in a thrilling Iron Woman match.

This exhibited an incredible heel piece from Sasha Banks, built from their first match, and an equally fiery, thrilling babyface piece from Bailey. The structure of the match helped carry the crowd along with a great journey as Bailey clearly beat the bank to end his rivalry in NXT.

9

Revival vs. DIY (WWE NXT Takeover Brooklyn 2016)

Overall rating from TheSportster: 9.25/10

• Dave Meltzer Rating: 4.5 Stars
• cagematch.net Rating: 9.05

Revival and DIY had multiple spectacular matches (reaching later).

The psychology of the tag team was breathtaking. In particular, it was a tandem attack on the heels of the revival, which showed off world-class tactics, fraud and more. The DIY underdog story is classic and well told, shortened with devastating losses. The audience was absolutely wild in this match and it really boosted it.

8

Johnny Gargano Vs. Andrade Almas (WWE NXT Takeover: Philadelphia)

Overall rating from TheSportster: 9.25/10

• Dave Meltzer Rating: 5 stars
• cagematch.net Rating: 9.65

NXT Takeover: Philadelphia, Johnny Gargano and Andrade Almas took one of the most beautifully executed matches in WWE history. All the moves in this match were delivered to vivid and perfection. The fluidity was amazing, the sequence was gorgeous, and the round-trip frenzyed the fans.

The match grew, grew, and as it went on, it got better and better. Gargano rose to the next level in this match, and Andredo gained the respect he definitely didn’t have before.

7

Becky Lynch vs. Sasha Banks (NXT Takeover: Unstoppable 2015)

Overall rating from TheSportster: 9.25/10

• Dave Meltzer Rating: 4 stars
• cagematch.net Rating: 8.85

One of the least-leading matches in NXT history was the match where Becky Lynch became a star. She showed off an astounding babyface heart in this match, sold her arms and fought through a vicious attack that Sasha Banks had eaten up.

The match got better as it progressed, and the fans were slower behind the lynch, the deeper they got into the match. Applause she got after Bell showed how effective this match was.

6

Uncontroversial Era vs. Moustache Mountain (WWE NXT 07/11/2018)

Overall rating from TheSportster: 9.5/10

• Dave Meltzer Rating: 5 stars
• cagematch.net Rating: 9.24

When it comes to weekly NXT TV, there are no more games than the indisputable times and Mustache Mountain. The match sequence was completely done and avoided the feeling of choreography at any time.

The storytelling of this match drove that. The psychology surrounding Trent Seven’s legs has secured a seductive and emotional match that Tyler Bait had to fight against the prospect of throwing a towel. The build up to the finish was one of the most tense stretches of any NXT match so far.

5

Gunther vs. Tyler Bate (NXT UK Takeover Cardiff 2019)

Overall rating from TheSportster: 9.5/10

• Dave Meltzer Rating: 5.25 Stars
• cagematch.net Rating: 9.61

Gunther and Tyler Bate fought in the fantastic “David vs. Goliath” match at NXT UK Takeover: Cardiff. The strength and heart of the bait was fully displayed here. Sometimes he seemed to be trying to pull away from the impossible, and he was trying to defeat Gunther, who felt like an unstoppable beast in this match.

The impact of all the moves was felt well and the length of the match became very “epic.” Eventually, Gunther threw all his big moves with his bait, eventually defeating him.