WWE NXT TakeOver: Unstoppable Retro Recap

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Fred Richani’s recap of NXT TakeOver: Unstoppable on May 20, 2015, featuring Sasha Banks vs. Becky Lynch, Kevin Owens vs. Sami Zayn and a surprise debut.

NXT TakeOver Review

Adapted from the episode and edited for clarity and brevity. Listen above for the full review.

I’m a little distracted tonight, because Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer, the Wall Street Journal of pro wrestling, reported that Destination America will drop TNA Impact Wrestling. A TNA source told me there’s no truth to it. Either way, the timing is wild, because one of TNA’s biggest stars ever just debuted at TakeOver.

Finn Balor beat Tyler Breeze with the Coup de Grace to become No. 1 contender, after NXT wrote the injured Hideo Itami out of the match with a parking lot attack. Baron Corbin beat Rhyno with End of Days in a badass showcase for both men. Blake and Murphy retained the tag titles over Enzo Amore and Big Cass when Alexa Bliss attacked Carmella. Charlotte and Bayley beat Emma and Dana Brooke, and I don’t know why Bayley isn’t on the main roster yet. Her connection with kids would be perfect for a company doing so much anti-bullying work.

Sasha Banks vs. Becky Lynch for the NXT Women’s Championship was excellent: very physical, with suplexes, kicks and armbar reversals. Sasha worked Becky’s arm, knocked her off the top rope and made her tap to the Bank Statement. Becky got a standing ovation. It might have been the best match at Payback, or even WrestleMania. Vince, call these women up.

The main event between Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn broke down after Owens hit a pop-up powerbomb on the apron and kept beating Zayn down, even shoving off William Regal and grabbing a chair. Then the music hit, and out came Samoa Joe, the former TNA champion and longest-reigning Ring of Honor champion, keeping his name. Joe and Owens faced off, and Owens backed down twice. I got goosebumps. For Triple H to bring in a guy who doesn’t fit the typical WWE mold says something, though I’d have liked some physicality for fans seeing Joe for the first time.

Zayn worked the match but seemed hurt, and the injury looks serious enough that they took him out. Best wishes to him. Overall, an overwhelming thumbs-up show. As for TNA, I’ve interviewed most of that roster over the years, and it’s sad to see people on the verge of losing their jobs, even if management squandered its chances. When the No. 2 promotion in North America is in trouble, it’s never good for wrestling.

Editor’s note: Impact Wrestling moved from Destination America to Pop TV in January 2016. Zayn had shoulder surgery and was back for the 2016 Royal Rumble.