NXT TakeOver is the name given to the periodic specials produced by WWE featuring its NXT brand, which are streamed live on the WWE Network. NXT TakeOver events are usually scheduled to air for two hours, although some have run for two and a half hours. They are held several times a year.
The first NXT live special was uniquely entitled NXT Arrival. However, after the next live special NXT TakeOver the "TakeOver" name has been used for subsequent NXT live specials from then on. They were initially all held at Full Sail University, but from NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn forward the shows have been held at various locations both nationally and internationally. The NXT Takeover special events are treated similarly to pay-per-view shows for the main roster.
Beginning with TakeOver: Brooklyn II, the decision was made that future TakeOver events would be held the Saturday before the "big four" WWE pay-per-view events (WrestleMania, Royal Rumble, SummerSlam and Survivor Series). Under this new format, TakeOvers are not only held in the same city as the big four pay-per-view events, but sometimes in the same arena as well. However, this is not necessarily exclusive as TakeOver: Chicago took place the night before SmackDown branded event, Backlash.
