Tonight on NXT TakeOver, there are nothing but big matches. After being revealed as “The End of the Beginning,” it shows with the newer generation of NXT stars taking over (pun intended). There are two huge non-title matches, and all three championships are being defended tonight. As usual with big WWE events, we will also follow along with my predictions.
Tye Dillinger vs. Andrade “Cien” Almas
Formerly known as La Sombra in Mexico and Japan, Andrade “Cien” Almas makes his NXT television debut tonight against the Perfect 10. This is the first time the NXT audience can learn about Almas, who is facing one of the most technically sound wrestlers in WWE. With the nickname “Cien” (100), Almas is claiming to be ten times better than Dillinger.
After hitting double knees to Tye Dillinger in two different corners, Almas picks up the victory in an impressive debut for the former luchador. Winner: Andrade “Cien” Almas
Predicted Winner: Andrade “Cien” Almas (1/1)
American Alpha (c) vs. The Revival – NXT Tag Team Championship
At NXT TakeOver: Dallas, The Revival’s NXT Tag Team Championship title reign was put to an end when the most over tag team in NXT history, American Alpha, defeated Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder in an incredible tag team match. Since then, both teams have dominated the tag team division, but The Revival suffered a critical loss last week. In the main event of the go-home show for TakeOver, The Revival took on Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa, and ended up losing cleanly. This has to be on the minds of the former champions going into this match.
After preventing American Alpha to hit Grand Amplitude, The Revival team up to hit Shatter Machine on Jason Jordan to pick up the victory and become the first two-time NXT Tag Team Champions in NXT history. Winners, and NEW NXT Tag Team Champions: The Revival
Predicted Winners: American Alpha (1/2)
After The Revival heads to the back, two incredibly massive (and unknown) men storm the ring to attack American Alpha from behind. It turns out that these two men have WWE Hall of Famer Paul Ellering as their manager. This might be the most intriguing thing to come out of the evening.
Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Austin Aries
Both competitors in this match have amazing accolades. They have travelled all over the world making a name for themselves, which gave both of these men the ability to sign with NXT. They both debuted on the same night at TakeOver: Dallas, but since each of them stepped foot in a WWE ring, Aries has been overlooked. The King of Strong Style has been getting all of the glory, and Aries, who is a top tier prospect, has been put to the side. Tonight, Aries has a chance to prove himself by defeating Nakamura.
Aries tries to take advantage of Nakamura recovering outside of the ring, and Aries fails to connect on a sucide dive. Nakamura capitalizes on Aries’s mistake, and hits Kinshasa twice on Aries for the victory. Winner: Shinsuke Nakamura
Predicted Winner: Shinsuke Nakamura (2/3)
Asuka (c) vs. Nia Jax – NXT Women’s Championship
Asuka, without a doubt, has had the most impressive and dominant run that the women’s division has seen. She has been undefeated ever since she debuted, and she won the NXT Women’s Championship in record time by making Bayley pass out. Nia Jax, on the other hand, is the largest and strongest woman in the women’s division, giving her an advantage right out of the gate. Asuka will have to modify her normal game plan, and Jax will have to try her hardest to dethrone the undefeated champion.
After failing to lock in an armbar and the Asuka Lock, Asuka used her kicks to her advantage, and after several vicious shots to the skull, Asuka manages to retain the gold and continue her undefeated streak. Winner, and STILL NXT Women’s Champion: Asuka
Predicted Winner: Nia Jax (2/4)
Backstage Segment
William Regal is being interviewed about NXT TakeOver: The End, and Bobby Roode walks into his office. This is all but confirming NXT’s latest acquisition, who had an amazing run as the TNA World Heavyweight Champion a few years ago. It will definitely be interesting to see how this deal with Bobby Roode turns out.
Samoa Joe (c) vs. Finn Balor – NXT Championship (Steel Cage Match)
Finn Balor had successfully defended the NXT Championship twice against Samoa Joe, but it was at a house show in Lowell, Massachusetts where Joe shocked the world by defeating Balor for the NXT Championship. Two very heated rivals square off in the first steel cage match in NXT history.
Samoa Joe stops Balor from escaping the cage, and finishes him off with a Muscle Buster from the top rope to pick up the victory in a vicious steel cage match. Winner, and STILL NXT Champion: Samoa Joe
Predicted Winner: Samoa Joe (3/5)
