Tomorrow night (June 8) on the WWE Network NXT will host its second TakeOver special of 2016. Subtitled “The End…,” this iteration of TakeOver will take place at Full Sail University, the home for NXT’s usual weekly tapings. Tomorrow night will feature the debut of Andrade “Cien” Almas, all three championship being defended, and a dream match between Austin Aries and Shinsuke Nakamura. As we do with every WWE special, it is time for a preview of the event along with my predictions for the outcomes of each match.
Andrade “Cien” Almas vs. Tye Dillinger
Andrade “Cien” Almas, before signing with NXT, was known as “La Sombra” in Mexico, where he was a famed luchador. Now without his lucha mask, Almas has made the rounds at several NXT house shows and is ready to make his NXT television debut against the Perfect 10.
Prediction:
Tye Dillinger has been known to use his great in-ring skills to put other people over, with the most recent example being Shinsuke Nakamura. Dillinger has scored some victories over the past few weeks on NXT television, so he has some momentum going into TakeOver, but it will most likely just make him a more credible opponent for Almas to defeat in his debut. Winner: Andrade “Cien” Almas
Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Austin Aries
Earlier this year, WWE made it a habit to sign several big names to their roster. This has included AJ Styles, Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson, Austin Aries, and of course, Shinsuke Nakamura. Aries and Nakamura would debut on the same night. Nakamura would have an arguable “Match of the Year” candidate with Sami Zayn, while Aries had a decent, but forgettable, match with “The Lone Wolf,” Baron Corbin.
Ever since both Nakamura and Aries debuted, Aries has always been overshadowed by the King of Strong Style. Nakamura would be called the greatest acquisition in NXT history, while Aries, who has an impressive list of accomplishments, was not given a second thought. This trend infuriated Aries, and he has made it a point to prove that he should not be overlooked. Because of this along with his aspirations to become NXT Champion, he will prove himself tomorrow night against Nakamura.
Prediction:
Aries has every right to be angry about being overlooked, but the fact of the matter is that Shinsuke Nakamura is perhaps WWE’s biggest signing in a long time (including Sting and AJ Styles). The King of Strong Style seems like he is going to be the next #1 Contender for the NXT Championship, so a win here over Aries is the perfect way to give Nakamura getting boosted into the title picture. Winner: Shinsuke Nakamura
American Alpha (c) vs. The Revival – NXT Tag Team Championship
At NXT TakeOver: Dallas, American Alpha defeated The Revival for the NXT Tag Team Championship, and The Revival has a guaranteed rematch for the gold. American Alpha has been a very impressive team this year, defeating almost everyone who is in their way. These are two teams who have hated each other ever since American Alpha has been in the title hunt, and this match has a lot more intensity going into it than their match in Dallas.
Prediction:
The Revival has taken out a lot of teams over the last few weeks, but they suffered a critical loss to Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa on last week’s episode of NXT. This might be detrimental to The Revival’s momentum going into their championship rematch, but they have a chance to get their minds focused on what matters and grab the gold. Either way, I don’t see The Revival picking up the win. Winners, and STILL NXT Tag Team Champions: American Alpha
Asuka (c) vs. Nia Jax – NXT Women’s Championship
As Nia Jax’s (absolutely abysmal) entrance theme says, she is “not like most girls.” Jax is noticeably larger than any other woman on WWE’s roster, giving her the size and strength advantages in just about every match she competes in. However, she is going to need more than size and strength to defeat Asuka. Since her debut in NXT last year, Asuka has an undefeated streak that includes an NXT Women’s Championship victory over Bayley. One person cleanly defeating Bayley is impressive, but it was even more impressive to add Jax to that last when she defeated Bayley on NXT televsion a few weeks ago. Along with defeating Bayley and winning a triple threat match against Carmella and Alexa Bliss to earn this spot, Nia Jax is most certainly ready to face the Empress of Tomorrow.
Prediction:
If there was any time for Asuka to have her undefeated streak broken, it would be against Nia Jax. Jax’s size and strength make it believable that she is just too much for Asuka to handle. If Asuka wins, who would be the next challenger? It would seemingly be Alexa Bliss, since she is the only credible heel in NXT right now. With a Nia Jax victory, it gives this feud a chance to last longer while building a more credible NXT women’s division. Tomorrow night, don’t be surprised if Asuka’s undefeated streak comes to an end. Winner, and NEW NXT Women’s Champion: Nia Jax
Samoa Joe (c) vs. Finn Balor – NXT Championship (Steel Cage Match)
This is the first-ever steel cage match in NXT history, and this is the perfect feud to call for it. Samoa Joe and Finn Balor have quite a history, dating all the way back to last summer when they won the first, and perhaps only, Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic. Ever since they won, Joe tried time and time again to get an NXT Championship opportunity, and would see those opportunities getting given to other NXT Superstars. Eventually, Joe would face Balor in London and Dallas, where he would fall short of gaining the NXT Championship.
After Joe’s multiple failed title opportunites, he had one more shot at a house show in Lowell, Massachusetts, where he would shock the world and defeat Finn Balor to become the new NXT Champion. During this whole feud, things have been really tense between Joe and Balor, and the intensity of this feud is perfect for NXT’s first steel cage match.
Prediction:
There have been rumors for weeks that Finn Balor will get called up to the main roster at any moment. With those rumors in mind, along with this TakeOver special being subtitled “The End…,” it is only fitting for Balor to lose this match and head to Raw and Smackdown. Winner, and STILL NXT Champion: Samoa Joe
