WWE NXT TakeOver: New Orleans

The Show of Shows: NXT's New Orleans Extravaganza

I'm still reeling from an unforgettable night at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, where WWE NXT delivered a card that will be remembered for some time to come. The April 7th show was a masterclass in storytelling, athleticism, and sheer entertainment value.

The evening kicked off with the WWE NXT North American Title Ladder Match, featuring Adam Cole against EC3, Killian Dain, Lars Sullivan, Ricochet, and Velveteen Dream. This was no ordinary match; it was an all-out war that had everyone in attendance on their feet from start to finish. The five competitors tore the house down with a series of daring high-flying moves, brutal beatdowns, and even some outside-the-box tactics (literally – Lars Sullivan's impressive powerbomb from the top rope was a highlight). In the end, Adam Cole emerged victorious, claiming the North American Title in an incredible 31:16 match time.

Next up was Shayna Baszler, looking to add another notch to her belt as she took on Ember Moon for the WWE NXT Women's Championship. This was a battle of contrasts – Baszler's brutal strength and technical prowess versus Moon's explosive agility and submission expertise. In the end, it was Baszler's sheer power that won out, as she secured the title in a thrilling 12:56 match time.

The Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic 2018 Final Triple Threat Match saw The Undisputed ERA (Adam Cole and Kyle O'Reilly) face off against Pete Dunne and Roderick Strong, as well as The Authors of Pain (Akam and Rezar). This was a chaotic free-for-all that showcased the very best of NXT's tag team division. In the end, it was UE who emerged victorious, claiming the title in an 11:45 match time.

The main event saw Aleister Black put his WWE NXT Championship on the line against Andrade Almas. This was a battle of styles – Black's cerebral approach versus Almas' aggressive, hard-hitting offense. In the end, it was Black who retained his title, defeating Almas in an 18:22 match time.

The penultimate match saw Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa go at it in an unsanctioned bout that had all the ingredients of a classic war. This was a grueling, hard-hitting contest that showcased the very best of NXT's men's division. In the end, it was Gargano who emerged victorious, defeating Ciampa in a thrilling 37:00 match time.

All told, this was an unforgettable night of wrestling that will be remembered for some time to come. The energy in the Smoothie King Center was electric, and WWE NXT delivered on every front – from the athleticism to the storytelling to the sheer entertainment value. If you missed it, do yourself a favor and catch up on the highlights; if you were there, I'm sure you'll be reliving the magic for some time to come.

Grade: A+

Match of the Night: Adam Cole vs. EC3, Killian Dain, Lars Sullivan, Ricochet, and Velveteen Dream (WWE NXT North American Title Ladder Match)

Star of the Show: Aleister Black – his cerebral approach and impressive in-ring skills made him a joy to watch throughout the night.

Takeaway: WWE NXT has officially arrived as a must-watch promotion, with a depth of talent that's unmatched by any other major wrestling organization. If you're not already following these shows, what are you waiting for?

Card Details

Date: 07 Apr 2018
Promotion: World Wrestling Entertainment
Arena: Smoothie King Center
Attendance: 13955
Type: TV-Show
Broadcast Type: Live
Broadcast Date: 07 Apr 2018

Matches

Adam Cole(C) defeat EC3, Killian Dain, Lars Sullivan, Ricochet and The Velveteen Dream in a WWE NXT North American Title Ladder Match
Match Time: 31:16
Shayna Baszler(C) defeat Ember Moon in a WWE NXT Women's Title Match
Match Time: 12:56
The Undisputed ERA (Adam Cole and Kyle O'Reilly)(C) defeat Pete Dunne and Roderick Strong and The Authors Of Pain (Akam and Rezar) in a WWE NXT Tag Team Title Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic 2018 Final Triple Threat Match
Match Time: 11:45
Aleister Black(C) defeat Andrade Almas in a WWE NXT Title Match
Match Time: 18:22
Johnny Gargano defeat Tommaso Ciampa in a Unsanctioned Match
Match Time: 37:00