NXT TakeOver came to Portland, so your favorite PandaGirl packed up some pals and hit the road! The main reason for my wanting to be there in person? Getting to see BROserweights vs Undisputed Era. Little did I know that this match would end up being heavily favored for Fight of the Night. It was a night that saw the crowning of new WWE NXT Tag Team Champions.
Matt Riddle and Pete Dunne (BROserweights) faced off versus Bobby Fish and Kyle O’Reilly (Undisputed Era). BROserweights are a fairly new team, still celebrating from their recent win at the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic. Predating this tournament, they were not a team. Matt Riddle’s goofy personality, laid back attitude and the lengthy legged offense seemed to clash with but ended up high lighting Dunne’s quiet yet composed personality and up close offense. Together, they light up the screen with outstanding chemistry, and leave the audience literally cheering for more! Seemingly every time they cut a promo, they say something meme-worthy.
Bobby Fish and Kyle O’Reilly represent Undisputed Era in this match. UE consists of them, Adam Cole and Roderick Strong. O’Reilly and Fish have tagged together for several years, beginning in Ring of Honor. All of the men in Undisputed Era have had dealings with the other at one time of another between the years of 2012 and 2017 under the ROH Brand. Following their exits from ROH, we saw them reform in the NXT Brand at TakeOver Brooklyn III on August 19, 2017.
The BROserweights enter the arena on their BROserMobile (a modified golf cart) affixed with their Dusty Rhodes Classic trophy.
The bell rings and the games are over. While highly entertaining, it is important to remember that both Matt Riddle and Pete Dunne are highly accomplished athletes. Matt Riddle began as a professional MMA fighter in 2008 and worked his way through several companies, including UFC where he boasted an undefeated streak of 4-0 until he tested positive for marijuana and fired. Pete Dunne began wrestling at the age of 12 in 2005 and by 2007 had performed professionally in the squared circle.
He is a one time, but longest-reigning WWE United Kingdom Champion, lasting 685 days.
The intensity of the match I witnessed can not be understated. Both teams were determined to walk away with gold, but knowing only one could. The teams take each other to their absolute limits and steal the breath of the onlooking fans at the same time. Undisputed Era did a great job of using the tag rules to their advantage, but even so, Riddle and Dunne just had an answer to anything they could serve.
In tag matches like this, I personally don’t like there to be any questions in the win. Was that foot under the rope? Why did the ref not see that weapon? Why is this person getting involved? I am happy to say that the end of this match was clean. No questions. Just pure elation from the ring and crowd alike. The second the bell rang out in victory, the stadium exploded in joy and emotion. This team haphazardly thrown together for a tag team tournament is now a team collecting gold. Dunne and Riddle are on a hot streak, and I hope it doesn’t end ANY time soon! Congratulations to the new NXT Tag Team Champions.
Photos and Video by @PandaGirlPNW
Originally written by Kelley Jacobi
