Tomorrow night (April 1) on the WWE Network is NXT TakeOver: Dallas. Although this is not the biggest show of the year, it very well might be the best. Every match on the card has had great build up, and has that “big fight feel” to it. All three NXT titles will be on the line (NXT Championship, NXT Tag Team Championship, and the NXT Women’s Championship), as well as a few matches that are just big draws.
Here is the complete card for NXT TakeOver: Dallas, along with previews and my predictions:
Finn Balor (c) vs. Samoa Joe – NXT Championship
Ever since Samoa Joe has joined NXT, he has been on a path of destruction. He competed in three #1 Contenders matches to earn his spot in this main event match, including defeating Sami Zayn in a 2-out-of-3 falls match. During his quest to become the #1 Contender, he has made quick work of almost every opponent he has faced, except for Tommaso Ciampa. Although he has had a successful run until this match, it does not mean that this will be a walk in the park.
Since winning the NXT Championship from Kevin Owens in Japan, Finn Balor has yet to lose the title. He successfully defended the title against Kevin Owens in their rematch, and even against Samoa Joe at NXT TakeOver: London. During Balor’s title reign, he even won the inagural Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic with Samoa Joe as his partner. These two competitors know each other very well.
Prediction:
Balor has had a great title reign, but there are too many rumors of him and his Balor Club debuting on the main roster for me to believe that he will stay in NXT for too much longer. I expect him to drop the belt to Joe, who will dominate NXT for a short while. Winner, and NEW NXT Champion: Samoa Joe
Bayley (c) vs. Asuka – NXT Women’s Championship
Bayley is perhaps one of the hardest fighting champions in WWE history. During her reign, she has taken Sasha Banks to the limit twice (including an Iron Man match), and successfully defeated Nia Jax, Eva Marie, and Carmella throughout the last few months. Asuka on the other hand, hasn’t lost a singles match since debuting in NXT. She made a big impact feuding with Emma and Dana Brooke, and her ability in the ring is second to none, which is why she was granted this opportunity by William Regal.
Prediction:
I think it’s time for the fourth “horsewoman” to join the other three (Sasha Banks, Becky Lynch, and Charlotte) on the main roster. Bayley may be the face of NXT, but her addition to the main roster would only improve the quality of women’s wrestling on Monday Night Raw and Thursday Night Smackdown. With Asuka being undefeated, I don’t see her losing any time soon (although Bayley is the person who is most likely to defeat her). I think the “Empress of Tomorrow” is going to kick her way to her first title in the WWE. Winner, and NEW NXT Women’s Champion: Asuka
The Revival vs. American Alpha – NXT Tag Team Championship
The Revival has been the most effective tag team that NXT has seen, other than perhaps the Ascension. American Alpha has been equally as impressive, having amazing matches with every team they have faced since forming. This match has a big chance of being a show-stealer.
Prediction:
American Alpha is red hot right now with their momentum, and the NXT audience can only benefit from this feud lasting longer. Since Enzo Amore and Colin Cassady didn’t take the gold away from The Revival, it seems more like that American Alpha will be the team to finally take the gold away from Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder. Winners, and NEW NXT Tag Team Champions: American Alpha
Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Sami Zayn
It’s hard to say what match will be the “biggest” match of the weekend, but it is very likely that this will take the cake. Sami Zayn, who practically lives and breathes NXT, is probably having his last NXT match (for a least a while while he is on the main roster). Nakamura on the other hand, is just arriving to NXT in Dallas. Nakamura’s only appearance has been a video message he sent to Sami Zayn the night that this match was announced. It also helps that Nakamura is probably the biggest WWE signing since Sting, and that includes AJ Styles.
Prediction:
It would be a bad call to sign someone like Shinsuke Nakamura and have him lose in his first match for the company (Let’s all forget WrestleMania 31). The NXT bookers are very smart with their decisions, and they probably won’t mess this one up, giving a win to the King of Strong Style. Winner: Shinsuke Nakamura
Baron Corbin vs. Austin Aries
This feud started when Corbin attacked Aries from behind during his first night in NXT, to make a statement toward NXT General Manager William Regal. There hasn’t been a lot of build up behind this match, but what we do know is that these two have major beef with each other, and Aries looks to teach Corbin a lesson.
Prediction:
This is another match that features an NXT debut (if you ignore house shows) with Austin Aries. However, this is much harder to predict. Aries should probably win his first match in NXT, but Corbin would benefit from the win and would draw huge heat. I’m gonna play the same card I did with the last prediction and go with the wrestler who is debuting. Winner: Austin Aries
Apollo Crews vs. Elias Samson
This match was made after a couple brief interactions between Crews and Samson throughout the last couple weeks of NXT. Apollo Crews interrupted a beatdown Samson was giving to Johnny Gargano, and this week, Samson angrily sang to Crews after Crews defeated Alex Riley.
Prediction:
We haven’t seen much of Apollo Crews, and Elias Samson is just not connecting with the NXT audience. Crews lost his last major TakeOver match to Baron Corbin, so a win here could put Crews on track to possibly take on Samoa Joe for the NXT Championship (if my prediction is correct). I have no factual basis with this prediction, so I’m just going with what I want since I can’t stand “The Drifter.” Winner: Apollo Crews
So those are my predictions for NXT TakeOver: Dallas. Whether I’m right or completely wrong, what I know for sure is that is is going to be a phenomenal night of wrestling. To watch NXT TakeOver: Dallas, tune in tomorrow night at 10PM EST on the WWE Network.
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