While WrestleMania is this Sunday, NXT has their biggest show of the year this Saturday in Orlando. Most of these matches have been building for months, and this could be the last time NXT has this roster before next Monday. TakeOver events are always great shows, so let’s see what is in store for us this time.
Tye Dillinger, Roderick Strong, No Way Jose, & Ruby Riot vs. SAnitY
This feud started when Eric Young demanded that Tye Dillinger joins their unstable, well, stable. SAnitY would attack Dillinger for weeks until Roderick Strong and No Way Jose stepped in to help Dillinger defend himself. Nikki Cross helped SAnitY get the edge at every encounter until last week when Ruby Riot made her debut and disposed of Cross. This match will be Ruby Riot’s official NXT debut.
Prediction:
SAnitY has been featured pretty regularly over the past few months, and they have proven to be a dominating force. However, this is a great opportunity to give a win to three great singles competitors and a debuting female Superstar. Winners: Tye Dillinger, Roderick Strong, No Way Jose, & Ruby Riot
Andrade “Cien” Almas vs. Aleister Black
Andrade “Cien” Almas has been drifting (not like Elias Samson) in the mid-card for quite some time, and he has started to build some momentum by picking up wins over Superstars such as Oney Lorcan and the Cruiserweight Classic’s Hoho Lun. Because of this, William Regal decided that Almas would be the perfect opponent for the debuting Aleister Black.
Not much is known about Black other than a few vignettes that have aired over the past few weeks. Fans of the United Kingdom wrestling scene will recognize Black formerly as Tommy End, who competed under his previous ring name against Neville in an exhibition match at the United Kingdom Championship Tournament.
Prediction:
Like with Ruby Riot, Aleister Black needs a good win to establish that he is a worthy competitor in NXT. The only way I can see him losing is if Almas steal the win. Winner: Aleister Black
The Authors of Pain (c) vs. #DIY vs. The Revival – NXT Tag Team Championships (Triple Threat Elimination Match)
The Authors of Pain, like a good portion of the talent wrestling tonight, are undefeated. They won the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic, defeated #DIY for the Tag Team Championships at TakeOver: San Antonio, and have continued to dominate the competition. This is technically #DIY’s owed championship rematch, and The Revival snuck in the match by constantly messing with the champions.
Prediction:
This is probably the toughest one to call on the card. The tag team division is pretty bare in NXT, so it’s hard to see any of these teams getting called up soon. To play it safe, I’ll stick with the champions. Winners, and STILL NXT Tag Team Champions: The Authors of Pain
Asuka (c) vs. Ember Moon – NXT Women’s Championship
It is no surprise that Asuka is still undefeated since her debut, which has led to The Empress of Tomorrow being the NXT Women’s Champion for over a year. Ember Moon debuted in August 2016 at TakeOver: Brooklyn II, where she defeated Billie Kay. Since then, Moon also has been undefeated, meaning that this match is guaranteed to break an undefeated streak.
Prediction:
While Ember Moon is great in the ring and has the best finishing move on the roster, it doesn’t seem like she’s leaving NXT anytime soon. Also, Asuka needs this win to be only about 12 wins away from breaking Goldberg’s 173-0 streak. Winner, and STILL NXT Women’s Champion: Asuka
Bobby Roode (c) vs. Shinsuke Nakamura – NXT Championship
At TakeOver: San Antonio, Shinsuke Nakamura injured his knee by kicking Bobby Roode too hard, and it led to Roode easily picking up the championship victory. The King of Strong Style is back to 100% and during his knee rehab, Bobby Roode managed to successfully defend the NXT Championship against Kassius Ohno. This title match acts as Nakamura’s owed championship rematch.
Prediction:
This is already a couple months late, but Shinsuke Nakamura needs to be on the main roster. He is in his late 30s, and he has too much to offer to stay in NXT. Winner, and STILL NXT Champion: Bobby Roode
