BROOKLYN, N.Y. – On September 18, World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) entered unprecedented territory. As NXT made its premiere on USA Network, WWE owned three nationally televised, weekly episodic wrestling programs – the most concurrently airing within one company in history.

 

One month and one pay-per-view event later, NXT is the hottest brand in all of sports entertainment.

 

In a night featuring surprise returns, NXT Takeover: Brooklyn delivered many moments that had the wrestling world buzzing on Saturday night. From NXT Champion Adam Cole retaining his title to a “Match of the Year” candidate in Finn Bálor defeating Kevin Owens, anticipation cannot be higher for the black and gold brand entering November.

 

The main card opened with Cole’s third NXT Championship title defense. “The Panama City Playboy” overcame multiple submission attempts by Ultimate Fighting Championship veteran Matt Riddle before winning by pinfall. Cole landed a running knee to put away the former mixed martial artist near the fourteenth minute of the match.

 

Afterward, Finn Bálor surprised the NXT Universe and confronted Cole inside the squared circle. Bálor’s appearance marked his first time on the brand since July 29, 2016, and – with his assertion that “Finn Bálor is NXT” – his night was all but over.

 

Later, NXT general manager William Regal announced Bálor was scheduled for the main event and Cole would be able to choose his rival’s opponent. Declining an offer from Undisputed Era teammate Roderick Strong, Cole called upon long-time friend and former WWE Universal Champion Kevin Owens to face Bálor. Cole ecstatically embraced “K.O.” as the latter readied for the main event showdown.

 

With Barclays Center buzzing, the fight spilled into the front rows early on. Owens proceeded to move the action back ringside, throwing Bálor across the broadcasting team’s announce table. Plus, the WWE superstar used his weight advantage to drive his adversary into ladders scattered inside the ring.

 

Battered and bruised, Bálor continued to fight and, ultimately, rallied with a pair of Coup de Grace double-foot stomps, the second of which was from the top of a ladder. As Owens writhed in pain, Bálor climbed once more, this time grabbing the hanging interim championship and solidifying a future title match with Cole.