Opinion

The Good, Bad and Ugly: WWE NXT Takeover Phoenix 2019

Did the “sure thing,” WWE NXT Takeover Phoenix, deliver? Bobby seems to think so in his Good, Bad, and Ugly review!

Published

6 years ago

January 27, 2019

Bobby Fernandes

Did the “sure thing,” WWE NXT Takeover Phoenix, deliver? Bobby lets you know in his Good, Bad, and Ugly review!

The predictions have been made. The stage is set and ready to go. It is the popular opinion, including my own, that Takeover Phoenix will be nothing but Good. Will they be able to live up to the hype? Can they fail?

THE GOOD

NXT Tag Team Championship Match – Undisputed Era (c) vs. War Raiders

“Predicted” Match of the Night. Nothing to lose but everything to gain, the War Raiders Hanson and Rowe undoubtedly demand respect and attention. This being possibly their biggest match in their careers you can expect their best. Undisputed is in the business of showing up, winning and looking Good doing it. Opening Match honors is only going to fuel this more. Underhanded tactics and skill was shown early on by Undisputed Era attempting to isolate either of the two Viking Warriors, and this was just filled the action. The War Raiders however being the wild beast they are continuously countered and overpowered the smaller foes. This went back and forth and as always delivered. A rare but huge miss by Hanson to the outside kept him out of action letting Undisputed Era finally get the upper hand punishing Rowe.

Unfortunately for the Champions, Rowe is an absolute freak. He just kept fighting back, Hanson recovered and came back on fire. Hanson put on a show, outdoing the Champions. All four guys went at it, countering constantly, move after move. War Raiders had it won but only a two count. Strong regained hit a sick “superplex” to Hanson, O’Reilly followed with a flying knee off the top, but Hanson kicked out. No matter what The Champs did, Hanson kicked out. War Raiders took it from there, Hanson and Rowe flattened the Undisputed Era hitting the “Fallout” for the victory. War Raiders win at NXT Takeover are the new Tag Team Champions!

Matt Riddle vs. Kassius Ohno

The “King of Bros” has been a thorn in Mr. KO’s side. It will all come to a head here at Takeover. No doubt physical and brutal right away. Matt Riddle came to impress showing great strength and athleticism. Riddle had full control until getting his face stomped while wrapped in the apron. Ohno then tried to end it several times. Ohno is so stiff, he lays into it making every strike count. Riddle got his face kicked in. His foot stomped on, beaten down, but he still came back fighting. Nothing worked, Ohno even bit Riddle’s toe. Ohno finally got some ground and hat the undefeated rookie beat. Riddle just would not quit though. Instead, Riddle snapped beating Ohno with repeated strikes. He then got Ohno trapped and rained elbows on Ohno making him tap. Matt Riddle continues his Win streak with an impressive showing at NXT Takeover.

NXT North American Championship Match – Ricochet (c) vs. Johnny Gargano

This match will be a clinic. The level of talent is astronomical. Expected, as on a show like Takeover this is as high level as you possibly can get. Every time Ricochet comes out, he just looks ready. This was just beautiful, a dozen exchanges, counters and every kind of throw you could imagine. Ricochet is doesn’t stay in one spot very long, making flying look easy. Ricochet is such a star. The contrast here made for a great story. Gargano at one time had Ricochet unable to move completely tied up. Gargano had complete control after countering Ricochet’s high risk style These guys try so hard out there, it shows on every move. Gargano had it going finally, but got bounced off the apron hard on his ribs followed by a corkscrew dive to the outside by Ricochet. Ricochet had the match won but Gargano would only give him a two count.

Ricochet countered a hurricanranna by Gargano off the top, but Gargano got the hurricanranna only for Ricochet to flip onto his feet. Gargano kept going but would just get countered. Gargano instinctively retreated but got dove on by Ricochet to the outside once inside got a near fall, he then hit a “shooting star press” but Gargano got the knees up, only for a two count. Gargano hit move after move including a sick “reverse spikerana” and his “spike DDT.’ He just couldn’t finish the Champion. After some more unspeakably impressive acrobatics Ricochet hit Gargano’s own submission only to have Gargano get to the ropes. Gargano did not forgive this easily drilling Ricochet onto the exposed floor on the outside. He hit a second Spike DDT this time finishing the unstoppable Ricochet and becoming for the first time the North American Champion. Wow! Best match at NXT Takeover? We shall see!

NXT Women’s Championship Match – Shayna Baszler (c) vs. Bianca Belair

These two are tough. We have complete Alphas about to fight up and up. Belair pure strength and confidence vs Baszler who is precision and brutality. Belair beat the Champion from post to post, confidently making her claim to the Championship. Baszler finally got some space and used Belair’s own hair to slam her into the steel post. Belair looked to hurt her arm which was noticed immediately by Baszler. Baszler had full control however Belair would not go quietly. Injured arm and all, Belair kept fighting the dangerous Champion. Finally out of pure desperation, Belair whipped Baszler with her hair whip.

Belair then got slammed into the Ref, and hit her KOD but he ref was out. Baszler’s crew came out to interfere but Belair tossed them out. Baszler capitalized on the distraction gripping Belair into the Kirifuda Clutch. Belair showed resilience and freakish strength countering and suplexing the Champ. Belair came off the top with a “450” but was countered on the ground locked into the Kirifuda Clutch a second time. Belair again made it to her feet but collapsed from exhaustion. Again though, Belair gets to her feet, but just couldn’t continue. Belair finally passed out and Baszler retains in a fantastic match that belonged on an NXT Takeover.

NXT Championship Match – Tommaso Ciampa (c) vs. Aleister Black

As once said in Batman by the infamous Joker himself. Here we Go. This is going to be chaos, the hype, the suspense is about to pop off. Aleister Black’s entrance is just awesome! The guy is so over and kills it in the ring. Ciampa has been the Champ for a while now and is holding his own atop the mountain. This match was fast paced, full on action packed. Ciampa punished the challenger trying to end his chances of getting any offense.

Ciampa would not let off and for Good reason. He was just chasing Black around constantly inflicting unimaginable pain on him. Black out of pure desperation got a sick kick across Ciampa knocking him off the top to the outside. Black just had a lot of trouble standing from all of the punishment earlier on, but when he got Ciampa, it really took the Champion down. This could have gone either way, back and forth, counter by counter, Black looked like he was back in it.

However Black couldn’t stand and got rolled into a half crab. Black then returned fire putting Ciampa in the “half crab” but couldn’t stand long enough for it to be effective. Ciampa got a “Ciampa Drop” on the apron, Black kicked out. Ciampa hit more and more, and kept failing to finish Black. Black would continue to fight back even kicking out of the Fairy Tale Ending. Black is one tough bastard. Ciampa has no remorse and seemingly will do anything to win. Ciampa removed the mat to expose the concrete outside.

Black dove and hit a knee while Ciampa was distracted with the ref. Aleister Black hit a huge Black Mass but could not get the cover. Black had him but was hit with a DDT off the ropes and another Fairy Tale Ending. Again, kicked out. Ciampa hit two more “fairy tale endings” and finally got the win. Ciampa Retains! Interestingly as Ciampa was celebrating on the top of the ramp, he was joined by former DIY associate and partner the New North American Champion Johnny Gargano, who raised his belt next to Ciampa in unison.

THE BAD/THE UGLY

“Will you be serious?” – Gorilla Monsoon

FINAL

GOOD- 5
BAD and UGLY: No Showed

OVERALL

NXT as a whole, let alone a Takeover is just a superior quality product. NXT really puts it all out there and tries with all effort to put on a fantastic show. Takeover from top to bottom was entertaining. It really impressed from the mat wrestling to the high risk. The fans were into it the entire show. It just seemed to run completely smooth. NXT is the product that is setting the standard in our pro wrestling world, and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down.

NXT Takeover was incredible, next we move to the WWE Royal Rumble. Looks like it will be a great show, but will it finally be able to upstage the always on point, always impressive, NXT Takeover? We will see Sunday.

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Opinion

Chairshot Staff Picks: Money In The Bank

Extra, extra read all about it… Chairshot Staff picks are in!!!

Published

2 weeks ago

June 6, 2025

PC Tunney

Sing it with me… money money money money moneeeeeeeeeyeeeeee… everybody’s got a price! MONEY IN THE BANK is here!!! How money will our staff picks be?!?

AJ – Roxanne Perez
Andrew – Stephanie Vaquer – *Bubba Sparxxx Impression* I don’t tell stories, I let them tell theyself.
Dave – Guilia – A stacked field but I just like her here.
DJ – Naomi
DPP – Roxanne Perez
Jason – Alexa Bliss
Patrick – Roxanne Perez
Rey – Naomi – If Naomi loses, we riot!
Rob – Naomi
Greg – Alexa Bliss – Bliss has had huge reactions since returning and is moving a ton of merch. While I can see them wanting to build Roxanne Perez, Giulia, or Stephanie Vaquer, I think Alexa Bliss.

Tunney’s Take: Rhea Ripley – I’ll make my case short and sweet… Mami in the Bank! You can’t leave that money on the table.

Chairshot Pick – Tie – Naomi 3 & Roxanne Perez 3 (Alexa Bliss 2, Giulia 1, Rhea Ripley 1, Stephanie Vaquer 1)

AJ – LA Knight
Andrew – El Grande Americano – Feels correct given his push and the fact he’s over.
Dave – Seth Rollins – Got to push that new faction.
DJ – LA Knight
DPP – El Grande Americano
Jason – LA Knight
Patrick – Solo Sikoa
Rey – LA Knight – Looks like another push, and he does have history with Cena.
Rob – Solo Sikoa
Greg – Seth Rollins – This company is extremely high in the El Grande Americano gimmick, but this match comes down to Seth Rollins or LA Knight. Given the Rollins storyline, it’s his briefcase to win.

Tunney’s Take: El Grande Americano – Picture this: Chad Gable wins the AAA Mega Championship and El Grande Americano wins MITB! WHAT A SATURDAY in LA!!!

Chairshot Pick – LA Knight 4 (El Grande Americano 3, Seth Rollins 2, Solo Sikoa 2)

AJ – Becky Lynch – Sadly
Andrew – Becky Lynch – I still don’t care about Lyra.
Dave – Lyra Valkyria – Starting to warm up to her and Becky has a lot to do with that.
DJ – Lyra Valkyria
DPP – Becky Lynch
Jason – Becky Lynch
Patrick – Lyra Valkyria
Rey – Becky Lynch – Put some fire on the Irish Beef.
Rob – Becky Lynch
Greg – Becky Lynch – I don’t think you do a rematch here just to have Becky lose again. Unless Bayley shows up to help Lyra.

Tunney’s Take: Becky Lynch – A big part of me feels that winning this title checks off a major box for Becks in her HOF career.

Chairshot Pick – Becky Lynch 8-3

AJ – Cena & Paul
Andrew – Rhodes & Uso – Easy way for Cena to lose without eating the pinfall.
Dave – Rhodes & Uso – Get the QB back on the winning track.
DJ – Rhodes & Uso
DPP – Rhodes & Uso
Jason – Cena & Paul
Patrick – Cena & Paul
Rey – Rhodes & Uso – Heels usually lose these kinds of matches. Logan takes the pin.
Rob – Cena & Paul
Greg – Rhodes & Uso – I hope Jey isn’t an afterthought here like Cody was last fall when he was paired up with Roman. I think Cody pins Cena to set up Cody-Cena 2 at SummerSlam.

Tunney’s Take: Cena & Paul – I don’t think Cena is involved in another loss until he loses the WWE Championship. I also think Logan Paul is NOT done trying to capture Jey Uso’s World Heavyweight Championship. …Travis Scott in the house?

Chairshot Pick – 6-5 Rhodes & Uso

In closing I want to thank everyone on the panel for participating with their picks! You can follow each prognosticator/podcaster on X @ the handles below. We all enjoy Pro Wrestling so remember three things… be respectful of others, comparison is the thief of joy and HAVE FUN!

AJ – @PhenomenalAJB
Andrew – @IWCWarChief
Dave – @AttitudeAgg
DJ – @TheMindlessPod
DPP – @itsmeDPP
Jason – @JediFett
Patrick – @WrestlngRealist
Rey – @itsreycash
Rob – @rbonne1
Greg – @gregdemarco44
PC – @PCTunney
TheChairshot.com – @ChairshotMedia

prowrestlingtees.com/TheChairshot – a PLETHORA of GREAT designs…MAKES A GREAT GIFT!

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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

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TheChairshot.com PRESENTS…IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends

Patrick O’Dowd’s 5X5

Classic POD is WAR

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About Chairshot Radio Network

MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)

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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)

TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends

Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5

Classic POD is WAR

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Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!

Opinion

Chairshot Staff Picks: Backlash St. Louis

Chairshot Staff picks!!!

Published

2 months ago

May 9, 2025

PC Tunney

May is upon us and with that, so is Backlash from St. Louis! What does the first PLE after WrestleMania have in store for the WWE Universe? Let’s see if the Chairshot Staff can properly interpret the crystal ball of rasslin’ future.

AJ – Pat MacAfee – Gunther has to start losing control and who better than an announcer.
Andrew – Pat MacAfee – Goldberg getting involved does seem correct here.
Dave – Gunther – He’s not losing to a broadcaster.
DJ – Gunther – Pat is sent to the shadow realm until football season is over.
DPP – Gunther – Post match beat down leads to Pat time off.
Jason – Gunther – One massive spot and or bump from Pat.
Patrick – Gunther
Rey – Gunther – RIP MacAfee, t’was a good life.
Rob – Gunther
Greg – Pat MacAfee – Why? Goooooldbeeerrrrrgggggg!

Tunney’s Take: Gunther – Seems like the right pick here. Pat may be getting some time off and Gunther needs more heat.

Chairshot Pick – GUNTHER 8-3

AJ – Lyra Valkyria – Becky’s hopefully putting her over, still mad about Dakota.
Andrew – Becky Lynch – I have no real interest in Lyra currently.
Dave – Becky Lynch – Lyra is boring AF!
DJ – Lyra Valkyria – Bayley interferes.
DPP – Becky Lynch – Becky cheats and steals the title.
Jason – Lyra Valkyria – Bayley costs Becks.
Patrick – Becky Lynch
Rey – Becky Lynch – Story needs to jump up a bit, Becky Charlotte’s Lyra.
Rob – Lyra Valkyria
Greg – Becky Lynch – It’s been fun, Lyra. (It kinda hasn’t)

Tunney’s Take: Lyra Valkyria – Bayley’s interference should set up some type of program with Becky as we head towards Summer(Slam).

Chairshot Pick – BECKY LYNCH 6-5

AJ – Jacob Fatu – Great way to put him over w/ two former WHCs and LA Knight.
Andrew – Jacob Fatu – He’s Jacob Fatu!
Dave – Jacob Fatu – Too soon to pull the belt off him.
DJ – Jacob Fatu – Priest and LA can’t decide who’s is bigger.
DPP – Jacob Fatu – Your hardcore match, tables and chairs involved.
Jason – Jacob Fatu – The Champ retains due to or in spite of Solo.
Patrick – Jacob Fatu
Rey – Jacob Fatu – All gas. No brakes. Ain’t losing.
Rob – Jacob Fatu
Greg – Jacob Fatu – Someone from The Samoan Dynasty ain’t winning a title just to drop it.

Tunney’s Take: Jacob Fatu – Uncle Mo is on Fatu’s side and other than Knight, I don’t see Drew or Priest holding the US title in the current circumstances of this title’s landscape.

Chairshot Pick – JACOB FATU 11-0

AJ – Dominic Mysterio – Judgement Day shenanigans just leading up to Finn turning on Dom later.
Andrew – Penta – Dom’s fine having a short reign, could also work for pushing AAA.
Dave – Dominic Mysterio – He’s probably more over than Penta.
DJ – Dominic Mysterio – Dirty Dom takes home the gold and the girl.
DPP – Dominic Mysterio – Big Head helps Dom pull out the win.
Jason – Dominic Mysterio – By hook and crook.
Patrick – Dominic Mysterio
Rey – Dominic Mysterio – Latino Heat keeps burning. Finn gets closer to the edge.
Rob – Dominic Mysterio
Greg – Dominic Mysterio – Someone from The Guerrero Dynasty ain’t winning a title just to drop it.

Tunney’s Take: Dominic Mysterio – That belt looks good with the king of chicken tendys. I can see Penta and Rey reforming as a tag team sooner than later.

Chairshot Pick – DOMINIC MYSTERIO 10-1

AJ – John Cena – Why? Cena wins, lol.
Andrew – John Cena – Shenanigans ensue so it’s not a clean win.
Dave – John Cena – The last time is now.
DJ – John Cena – Randy hears voices telling him he needs an Attitude Adjustment.
DPP – John Cena – Cena tries to cheat but the ref doesn’t call for a DQ.
Jason – John Cena – Nefarious means, Randy not ready for Evil John Cena.
Patrick – John Cena
Rey – John Cena – Cena just counting down the dates. Should be fun though.
Rob – John Cena
Greg – John Cena – You know they want Cody to be the hero in the end.

Tunney’s Take: Randy Orton – Once upon a time Randy got himself intentionally disqualified and it cost John. Saturday, history repeats itself with a 180-degree twist. Cena retains via Orton DQ victory. This time, Travis Scott’s appearance takes care of that task.

Chairshot Pick – JOHN CENA 10-1