NXT TakeOver: In Your House would have brought nostalgic memories for fans of mid-90s WWF, but those paying attention would have noticed The Way making their own tribute to The New Generation.
The New Generation is the often much-maligned period in the World Wrestling Federation that bridged the gap from Hulkamania to the age of Attitude. Although this era in WWF history included fine runs from Bret Hart, Yokozuna, and Sycho Sid, the age has become synonymous for some with one group in particular, The Kliq.
A backstage group that never appeared on screen as a unit at the time, Shawn Michaels, Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, and Sean Waltman banded together to help navigate the political waters of the pro wrestling world. Later they were joined by a newcomer from WCW, Hunter Hearst-Helmsley. Together they had some of the most memorable moments of the mid-90s. Hall and Michaels met in a classic ladder match at WrestleMania X. Kevin Nash running on Diesel power held the WWF Title for almost an entire year after winning it in 8 seconds from WWE legend Bob Backlund.
Sean Waltman burst onto the scene as simply The Kid. But when he defeated Scott Hall on Raw, he became The 1-2-3 Kid and laid claim to the biggest upset in Raw history at the time.
Now another group that runs together on-screen on NXT has paid tribute to The Kliq with their outfit choice at NXT TakeOver: In Your House. The Way made up of Johnny Gargano, Candice LeRae, Indi Hartwell, and Austin Theory rolled back the years to put their own spin on the gear worn by The Kliq in the original In Your House Era.
When you set out to do something that no one else can do.. the first thing you do is you look to your blood.. you look to your buddies.. you look to your friends.. you look.. to The Way! #LeadersOfTheNewGeneration#HouseOfWay#Kliq#NXTTakeOverpic.twitter.com/9iphtMgWRw
— Johnny Gargano (@JohnnyGargano) June 13, 2021
Not to leave out the founder of the black and gold brand on which they compete. Gargano and LeRae’s pet pooch Pawdme made a cameo appearance at Hunter-Hearst Houndsley.
Shawn Michaels, who is one of the driving forces of NXT responded on social media and shared some photos of himself and Triple H rolling back the years with The Way.
I don’t know what’s cooler about these photos… their gear or the fact I didn’t pull a hamstring!!! #NXTTakeOver#WWENXTpic.twitter.com/WCBqL468p7
— Shawn Michaels (@ShawnMichaels) June 14, 2021
It wasn’t the best night for ‘The Headband Kid’ at NXT TakeOver: In Your House. Johnny Gargano failed in his attempt to win the NXT Championship as Karrion Kross retained his title.