Tonight is agruably NXT’s biggest special of the year, TakeOver: Brooklyn II. This special can dictate the next phase of NXT, and possibly who is being called up to the main roster. The card tonight features three title matches that are sure to blow the roof off of the place, and if that is not enough, Bobby Roode and Ember Moon make their debuts, and Austin Aries takes on No Way Jose.
If you would like to know the circumstances going into each match, check out the TakeOver: Brooklyn II preview here.
Ember Moon vs. Billie Kay
Ember Moon will show herself for the first time tonight, and the NXT Universe does not know what to expect (myself included). Billie Kay has picked up a few wins recently, but it seems like all those wins were meant to help establish Ember Moon as a force to be reckoned with. Winner: Ember Moon
No Way Jose vs. Austin Aries
Austin Aries has a right to be pissed about being overlooked, especially when fans would rather see someone with a limited move set whose main focus was dancing and having fun. Now that Aries lit the fire under Jose, things could change. However, Aries has a major loss recently to Shinsuke Nakamura, and Aries getting a win can help him live up to the name of the “Greatest Man Who Ever Lived.” Winner: Austin Aries
Bobby Roode vs. Andrade “Cien” Almas
Here is another Superstar who has been overlooked: Andrade “Cien” Almas. He has shown technical proficiency in the ring, but he has not been able to connect with the NXT Universe. Bobby Roode, on the other hand, immediately connected with the audience when he debuted with his “glorious” entrance theme and gimmick. It seems to be NXT tradition to give the big name debuting a big win, and former TNA World Heavyweight Champion Bobby Roode can make a huge first impression. Winner: Bobby Roode
The Revival (c) vs. Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa – NXT Tag Team Championship
The Revival is the only team in NXT history to hold the Tag Team Championship titles twice, which shows how good they are. Critics compare them to Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard of the Four Horsemen, and with good reason considering that they live and breathe tag team wrestling. Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa have been on a huge roll as of late, including a non-title win over The Revival. It is time for NXT to get a little bit of a refresh, and putting the belts on Gargano and Ciampa seems like a great way to do it. Also, The Revival could help a SmackDown tag team division in need. Winners, and NEW NXT Tag Team Champions: Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa
Asuka (c) vs. Bayley – NXT Women’s Championship
This is probably the hardest match to predict on the entire card. Asuka is undefeated, including a win over Bayley, which gives her the edge in this match. However, Bayley is the face of NXT who is practically synonymous with the brand. Does Asuka keep her undefeated streak, or does Bayley reclaim her spot on top of the women’s division? With the reaction Bayley got in her tag team match at Battleground, it seems like she is leaving NXT as soon as Monday. Winner, and STILL NXT Women’s Champion: Asuka
Samoa Joe (c) vs. Shinsuke Nakamura – NXT Championship
While this has competitors for being the best match of the night, it will take the cake for being the most brutal. Shinsuke Nakamura has been baiting the champion for the last month, and Samoa Joe has not been able to get his hands on the challenger because of security. When Samoa Joe is let loose, the King of Strong Style might not have such an easy time.
Also, Shinuske Nakamura needs to get called up to the main roster during his prime. If Nakamura wins the NXT Championship, that only delays it even further, and Nakamura is someone who should be close to the main event at next year’s WrestleMania. Winner, and STILL NXT Champion: Samoa Joe
