NXT Takeover: New York recap — Be still, our Rebel Hearts

Velveteen Dream defeated Matt Riddle to retain the NXT North American championship

The contrast of styles between the champion and challenger made this an exciting matchup. There were several times when it seemed Matt Riddle was about to become champion but Velveteen Dream was able to snatch away victory from the jaws of defeat.

The finish saw Riddle putting the Dream in the Bro-Mission but the champion was able to roll his body upwards to get a surprise three count on the King of Bros to retain his championship and snap Riddle’s undefeated streak.

Riddle was shocked post-match as Dream celebrated. Everyone questioned how Riddle would handle his first defeat in NXT. He responded with class, offering his fist bump once again to the Dream who turned it down at the beginning of the match. This time Dream accepted as Riddle left the ring to let him celebrate his victory.

There was a chance that the Dream would be called up to the main roster after WrestleMania and thus would be dropping the title here to Riddle, but maybe we got it backwards. What if Riddle is the one destined for the main roster? Brock Lesnar is scheduled for the Monday Night Raw following WrestleMania and it would make an amazing debut for the King of Bros (and former UFC competitor) to show up and get in Lesnar’s face. A moment like that is certainly worthy of Raw after WrestleMania.

As for the champ, it’s clear the powers-that-be are not ready to call him up yet, though Dream has made clear on several occasions that is what he’s looking for. Despite what he thinks he wants, we think NXT is the perfect place for him right now. Why ruin a good thing?