NXT brought their 3rd annual War Games PPV to the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, IL. For a short overall PPV by modern standards fans however we’re given a fantastic card all around.
WarGames Match: Rhea Ripley, Tegan Nox, Dakota Kai, & Candice LeRae vs. Shayna Baszler, Io Shirai, Bianca Belair, & Kay Lee Ray:
What a kick off to the event. This was a great match with all women playing a key part in it. With the heel turn on Rhea’s team leading to a constant underdog feeling for the faces the entire match. The use of weapons in this match was great and made the women look strong but also used in strategic ways. They managed to keep the match going in a chaotic way which is what a war games match should be and the finisher was no exception to that. On top of it all this match should make Rhea Ripley become the main event star she is made for as she shined brighter than all here. 4/5
Pete Dunne vs. Damian Priest vs. Killian Dain
The winner of this match would get to face Adam Cole at Survivor Series the following night. Thankfully this match beat the usual 3 way tradition of turning on a 2 on 1 instead going towards being a constant attack between all 3 wrestlers. While the match did start to feel a little long all 3 men looked strong and were given great offensive. It did start to feel like one too many close falls however. While Dunne is clearly the best of the 3 both Priest and Dain had their moments to show their potential. 3.5/5
Matt Riddle vs. Finn Balor
A great match on paper but felt underwhelming here. Riddle came off softer than normal with his move set while I felt Balor didn’t quite step up like I felt he should. I personally felt the size difference between Balor and Riddle came into play with how the move set was used. Balors normal set doesn’t quite equal up to how Riddle does. 3/5
WarGames Match – The Undisputed Era (Adam Cole, Bobby Fish, Kyle O’Reilly, and Roderick Strong) vs. Team Ciampa (Tommaso Ciampa, Keith Lee, Dominik Dijakovic and Kevin Owens
What a fantastic match and one to go down in the NXT history books. Two teams red hot against each other with Cole and Ciampa leading a squad each into battle. All guys especially the likes of Dijakovic and Lee came off looking better than ever. The introduction of Kevin Owens being the special guest came off as a massive pop from the crowd and played into the dynamics of the match just great. What a final spot too from Ciampa and Cole done in the safest way possible. Ciampa winning sets it up perfect for an upcoming feud for the title. 4.5/5
Overall War Games was a great PPV. Even the worst match was better than anything the main roster has been putting out lately. Both War Games matches will be remembered for a long time and build up some names that will be favorites for a long time to come.
Score : 8/10
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