Tomorrow night, NXT hosts its first TakeOver special of the year in San Antonio, Texas. Since this event is taking place one night before the Royal Rumble, the results of this TakeOver could potentially affect the Road to WrestleMania. While this isn’t the most exciting card NXT has had in a while, every match has potential to exceed expectations. Let’s take a look at what’s in store tomorrow, and of course, with predictions.
Tye Dillinger vs. Eric Young
Like Dolph Ziggler on SmackDown Live, Tye Dillinger has made a career at almost winning the big one. Dillinger failed to defeat Bobby Roode at TakeOver: Toronto, then he proceeded to lost a #1 Contender’s Fatal Four Way Match against Roode, Andrade “Cien” Almas, and Roderick Strong. Dillinger has been feeling like he doesn’t belong since he can’t seem to find any success. This turned to Eric Young asking demanding that the Perfect 10 joins SAnitY. Dillinger declined, and after SAnitY (along with new recruit, Killian Dain) assaulted him, they have a match tomorrow.
Prediction:
Dillinger is great in the ring, and the fans are behind him and his “10” chant. Him not feeling good enough for NXT is a great story to get him out of there and up to the main roster, while helping SAnitY in the process. Winner: Eric Young
Roderick Strong vs. Andrade “Cien” Almas
This match features two competitors in pretty similar situations. Andrade “Cien” Almas debuted in the middle of 2016, and after he defeated Tye Dillinger in his debut, he failed to really connect with the audience. Since being a silent face didn’t work for him, Almas turned heel and started yelling at the crowd in Spanish. While his character work has a little ways to go, he is on his way upwards.
Roderick Strong made his NXT debut as the surprise partner of Austin Aries in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic. Strong entered the brand as the familiar indie wrestler name, but without a character. Just like Almas, Strong has the in-ring chops, but connecting with the audience is still a work in progress.
Almas and Strong have been feuding since the aforementioned Fatal Four Way match, and after Almas sucker punched Strong on this week’s episode of NXT, in the words of Jim Ross, “business is about to pick up.”
Prediction:
Almas has become more of a veteran than most in NXT, because of brand split and other roster changes. Strong has potential to be a top guy when Shinsuke Nakamura and Samoa Joe inevitably get called up, but for now, Almas needs the win more. Winner: Andrade “Cien” Almas
#DIY (c) vs. The Authors of Pain (w/Paul Ellering) – NXT Tag Team Championships
If the previous #DIY TakeOver matches are anything to go on, this is going to be a great match (although it helped that The Revival were their opponents). The Authors of Pain, like a good portion of the top performers in NXT, are undefeated. They won the second annual Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic, scoring a not so clean win over Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa in the process. The tournament win gave them this championship match, and if there’s any team to stop DIY, this is it.
Prediction:
The tag team scene has been heating up lately, but it just took a big blow with the 7-9 month injury to TM61’s Shane Thorne. Since #DIY just won the belts at TakeOver: Toronto, they should have a little longer to go with the belts, but on the other hand, the Authors of Pain can’t be stopped. I expect tomorrow night to start a run for the Authors of Pain that dominates NXT until the tag team scene is built up. Winners, and NEW NXT Tag Team Champions: The Authors of Pain
Asuka (c) vs. Billie Kay vs. Peyton Royce vs. Nikki Cross – NXT Women’s Championship
Since Bayley and Nia Jax moved to Monday Night Raw, there has been no believable challenger who could take on Asuka by herself. Ember Moon is certainly close to getting there, but the Women’s Championship scene has been taken over (no pun intended) by the Australian best friends of Billie Kay and Peyton Royce. William Regal clearly thought that a one-on-one match would be a landslide win for Asuka, so the Fatal Four Way Match, which includes the unpredictable Nikki Cross of SAnitY, helps even the playing field.
Prediction:
Billie Kay and Peyton Royce have the clear advantage in this match, with it essentially being a 2 vs. 1 vs. 1 situation. Unfortunately for Asuka, she doesn’t even have to be involved in the end of the match to lose her championship, and it sure looks like that’s what is going to happen. Winner, and NEW NXT Women’s Champion: Nikki Cross
Shinsuke Nakamura (c) vs. Bobby Roode – NXT Championship
When Shinsuke Nakamura debuted at TakeOver: Dallas, Bobby Roode was sitting in the crowd. Soon after that event, it was announced that Roode had signed with NXT, and since then, the glorious one has been on a roll. Roode defeated Andrade “Cien” Almas at TakeOver: Brooklyn II, and most recently, Roode won the #1 Contender’s Fatal Four Way Match. While the build hasn’t been great, a match between two of the most charismatic and technically proficient wrestlers in the company should be a treat.
Prediction:
Just a couple days ago, Triple H said in an interview that Shinsuke Nakamura has all the tools and the WWE television experience to be on the main roster. I’m no financial expert, but putting the King of Strong Style on the WrestleMania 33 card just screams “money” to me. The only way that could happen is if they get the belt off of him. Winner, and NEW NXT Champion: Bobby Roode
