The Authors of Pain Write History
With #DIY on a tear over the past six months, I was very interested to see how this match was going to be booked. AoP start off physical with a foot stomp and backbreaker combination. followed by some big clotheslines. They worked over Gargano with multiple tag team moves. Akam hit the ring post, which allowed Gargano to get some breathing room. The AOP take down Ciampa and then call for the Last Chapter, but Gargano super kicks Rezar to break it up.
Gargano and Ciampa lock in their submission holds on Akam and Rezar at the same time, looking to make the big men tap out. Rezar picks up Gargano and slams him onto Ciampa to break up the submission attempt. All men begin to throw fists and get back up to their feet. Tomasso Ciampa hits a running knee as Gargano hits a superkick. Rezar and Akam both drop to their knees. The champions attempt their finish, but both Akam and Rezar catch them and hit the Super Collider. The AOP hit the Last Chapter on Ciampa to become the new NXT Tag Team Champions.
I thought this was a pleasant surprise and another showing why Gargano and Ciampa can work with anyone and make a good match. Yes, the size difference is real but it never felt like it was too much for the champions to overcome it. They really emphasized the strong balance between speed and size. The young men, at ages 23 and 22, kept pace with a much smaller opponent and showed why they are deserving of the NXT Tag Team Championships. Would I have switched the titles this soon? No, but I understand why and will make for the “underdogs” getting their revenge much more interesting. I do think you can have them get another opportunity and potentially have either a Ladder Match or some sort of stipulation.
Seth Rollins Rages on Triple H
In a pleasant surprise, Seth Rollins cuts off the announce team calling out Triple H. He says he knows he is back there and wants him to come out and face him. Seth says he is taking over the show. Triple H comes out and then security follows. Rollins fights off security briefly until he is attained.
So simple, yet extremely effective. Seth sold it perfectly, shaking and yelling to get his point out. I thought his intensity was at an all-time high tonight and he used a more realistic atmosphere to call out Triple H. It made perfect sense, added a shot of adrenaline and gave him even more to be angry about. Sometimes, the most logical and sensible things can carry a feud in the few weeks where it has been on neutral.
