NXT Takeover Phoenix Review: Matt Riddle vs. Kassius Ohno

Introduction

This is the 2nd match in my NXT Takeover Phoenix review.

I've been a Chris Hero fan ever since I started watching Chikara in 2007. He even headlined an indie show here on the Gold Coast of Australia that I got to see him at years ago. Since heading to NXT, his new character of Kassius Ohno hasn't had much success at all which saddens me. Matt Riddle has already defeated him twice since joining NXT, in quick fashion. This is sort of a redemption match for Ohno, to prove he can actually win on a Takeover, and that he won't let Riddle walk all over him. Riddle used to be an MMA fighter, and has kind of a beach bum stoner gimmick. I like what I've seen so far.

I'm hoping Ohno can get his first Takeover victory.

Moments

• The announcers keep saying things like "Kassius Ohno has an encyclopaedic knowledge of sports entertainment" that sounds so stupid to me. Just say "wrestling".
• Riddle has a phenomenal physique.
• Deadlift suplex to Ohno, and as chunky as he is, that's no mean feat.
• Very nice leg drop by Ohno.
• Vicious kicks to Riddle's face by Ohno.
• Forearms and backfists in the corner by Ohno punctuated with a vicious boot to Riddle's skull.
• Riddle reverses a vertical suplex into a rear naked choke.
• Riddle tries to suplex Ohno. Ohno stomps on Riddle's foot. I imagine that's why wrestlers usually wear boots.
• Deadlift bridging German suplex by Riddle. 2 1/2 count.
• Ohno starts biting Riddle's toes. A knee to his head!
• Ligerbomb by Ohno. A 2 count.
• Ohno with a moonsault from the top rope but he overshoots, not hitting Riddle with most of his body. Only a 2 count.
• Riddle ducks Ohno's rolling elbow. Ohno kicks him in the face. Running back senton by Ohno. A second senton, but Riddle reverses it into a rear naked choke. Ohno scrambles to the ropes.
• Riddle starts stomping on Ohno's head.

Finish: Ohno asks for a fist bump, a show of friendship. Riddle was fooled by this once before, but not again. He knee strikes Ohno in the face, delivers a sleeper suplex, and starts elbow striking the fuck out of Ohno's head. Ohno taps.

Thoughts

I thought this was a great showcase for Riddle. He persevered and Ohno's disrespect and power awakened some aggression inside the laid back beach bro. I liked how vicious the finish was too. Poor Kassius can't catch a break, but I'm interested in seeing what Riddle does next, especially since at the weekend's Takeover he's fighting Velveteen Dream.

Rating: 7/10

The next match is Johnny Gargano vs Ricochet for the North American Championship.