Opinion: “Takeover: Brooklyn” Should Become NXT’s WrestleMania

Tonight’s “NXT Takeover” Brooklyn II” event was one of the most incredible nights of wrestling that I have seen in a long time. Not only was the crowd incredibly electric, but the matches that were put on by the performers were truly outstanding in every sense of the word.

Austin Aries vs. No Way Jose. Ember Moon’s debut, which immediately established her as a star. Bobby Roode’s “Glorious” entrance. The absolute clinic that was put on by The Revival and Johnny Gargano/Tommaso Ciampa. Another amazing match between Bayley and Asuka.

And of course, the simply euphoric entrance of Shinsuke Nakamura, followed by a classic against Samoa Joe, in which he won his first NXT Championship.

As I was becoming more and more enthralled by the action of the evening, I immediately had flashbacks to the first “NXT Takeover: Brooklyn” and remembering what a special night of wrestling that was.

That card featured Jushin “Thunder” Liger making his WWE debut against Tyler Breeze. The Vaudevillians capturing the NXT Tag Team titles. Apollo Crews making his much anticipated debut in NXT. A great match between Samoa Joe and Baron Corbin.

And of course, who could forget the match between Sasha Banks and Bayley that basically put women’s wrestling back on the map? That match was awarded the NXT match of the year in 2015, and it wasn’t even the main event.

That honor went to Finn Bálor defeating Kevin Owens in a ladder match, to retain the NXT Championship.

Two years of “NXT Takeover: Brooklyn” events, and two years of moments that the WWE Universe will be talking about for a long, long time. And as I was reminiscing about the past, as well as reviewing what I had just seen, one thought immediately popped into my head.

“NXT: Takeover Brooklyn” is an event that should happen every year, in the same building, during the weekend of “SummerSlam.” And it should be hailed as the brand’s version of WrestleMania.

There is no doubt that NXT has established itself as its own entity over the past few years, and has generated a buzz that is unlike anything that the professional wrestling world has ever seen. The “Takeover” events are always something to look forward to, and often give the wrestling community something to talk about at the water cooler the next day.

The main focus of Wrestlemania weekend should be the card itself, and rightfully so. It is the biggest spectacle in sports entertainment, and to be included on the card means that you are considered one of the major players in the company.

However, NXT has gained such an overwhelming following, that is deserves to have its own “WrestleMania-like” event and atmosphere. And I can’t think of a better time or place to do it than the Barclay Center, in Brooklyn, New York, during “SummerSlam” weekend.

It is a given that the crowd would be absolutely electric every single year, and would give the NXT superstars a taste of what it is like to perform in front of some of the most passionate and intense members of the WWE Universe. Plus, it could kick off the “SummerSlam” festivities in a truly special way, providing a lot of momentum going into WWE’s second biggest pay-per-view of the year.

Last year, WWE announced that “SummerSlam” will take place in Brooklyn through 2017, and that “Takeover” will be a part of it as well. History has a way of repeating itself, and I expect that next year’s event will create the same amazing atmosphere as it has the past two years. Should this be the case, then the company really needs to make this an annual production, which emanates from the same location.

It’s no secret that New York City fans are some of the most passionate, energetic and excited members of the entire WWE Universe. They create an ambience that is special for not only the people that attend, but also for the performers that put their bodies on the line for our entertainment. WWE should reward this unique combination of zeal and fervor, by giving them “NXT Takeover: Brooklyn” every single year.

It is a move that would certainly be best for business.

Follow @Dericho06