With NXT Takeover: Philadelphia looming in the near distance, the WWE Universe is scrambling to make their final predictions. The last day before the road to Wrestlemania officially begins, NXT is expected to pull out all the stops here in order to set up for the Wrestlemania weekend Takeover event. This Saturday in Philadelphia though, NXT has put together yet another unpredictable and star-studded card, a recipe for a sure-fire entertaining show. Without further delay, here are my predictions…
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Kassius Ohno vs. Velveteen Dream
One of NXT’s quickest rising and brightest young stars, The Velveteen Dream, squares of against Kassius Ohno in what should be a competitive back and forth match up. What makes this match so hard to predict is that fact that both guys need wins here. Who needs it more? I say Velveteen Dream, and that after all is what this comes down to. Although another loss for Kassius will probably send his credibility plummeting, NXT fans have not only shown that he is over, but Kassius is talented enough to work his way back to the top. Velveteen Dream needs this win, especially after losing to Gargano on the last TV tapings. A loss for Dream could completely derail his push, a risk too dangerous for Triple H to book.
Winner- Velveteen Dream
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Aleister Black vs. Adam Cole – Extreme Rules Match
Yet another hard to predict match on the card is the Extreme Rules bout between the Undisputed Era’s leader, Adam Cole, and Aleister Black. Black and Cole have already battled once, however, it wasn’t no DQ. I believe that Black will win this match. Although the no DQ stipulation favors Cole in my opinion, WWE likes to book a cowardly heel. I can see Cole evading Black’s attacks before eventually getting caught and put away. These two guys are so evenly matched and are both world-class talents so I can’t wait to watch this match.
Winner- Aleister Black
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Bobby Fish and Kyle O’Reilly (c) vs. Authors of Pain – NXT Tag Team Championship
I predict that the Authors Of Pain will control most of this match, however, Fish and O’Reilly will eventually figure out how to chop down the big men with their technical prowess and retain the NXT Tag Titles in an overall convincing fashion. This could also give an outlet for AOP to move up to the main roster, making some more room for some other tag teams in NXT’s crowded division.
Winners- The Undisputed Era
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Shayna Baszler vs. Ember Moon (c) – NXT Women’s Title
Shayna Baszler is no joke. She’s a legitimate badass and has been booked as a monster heel since the Mae Young Classic. Besides Asuka, this should be Ember Moon’s toughest task yet. This is a classic heel vs face matchup, but in the end, I don’t think NXT would slap a title around Baszler’s waist so soon. I think she needs a bit more development before she not only beats the likes of Ember Moon, but also becomes the carrier of the Women’s Division. Ember needs some more time to reign as champion before her time is up.
Winner- Ember Moon
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Andrade “Cien” Almas (c) vs. Johnny Gargano – NXT Championship
Oh boy… this would be a fun one to book if I was on creative! The arrogant and cocky reigning champion, Andrade Cien Almas defends his title against Johnny Gargano in the main event of the show. Johnny Wrestling has been struggling lately, however, after a string of wins and a fatal four-way upset victory, Gargano finds himself thrust into the spotlight and challenging for the NXT championship.
In my opinion, Almas walks away with the win. It won’t be an easy fight, and it probably won’t be clean either. I predict a back and forth matchup full of hard-hitting and high-flying innovation. In the end though, Vega and Almas will be too much to overcome. Despite the many false finishes, Gargano eventually won’t kick out.
I will not go as far as saying Tomasso Ciampa will return to cost his former best friend the Title, but Ciampa’s arrival would definitely not surprise me.
Winner- Andrade Cien Almas
