The stars of tomorrow will invade Brooklyn for the fourth time at NXT TakeOver, as all titles will be defended in the card. Unlike SummerSlam, TakeOver will feature five matches that are set to potentially exceed expectations. The NXT brand is known to deliver as the in-ring style is more fast paced than the main roster, plus the rivalries in NXT have more depth.
But how will the styles, rivalries and the big stage affect the matches? Let's check out the lineup.
NXT North American Championship -- Adam Cole (c) vs. Ricochet
Since Ricochet arrived on the scene he was destined to be a title holder. He's had numerous run-ins with the Undisputed Era and has now targeted the leader, Adam Cole. Cole is the top talker in NXT and the North American Championship needs him more than he needs it.
Cole has done well to add relevance to the title and there's a feeling that it's only a matter of time before he's a NXT champion, especially considering Cole was teased as a main roster call up earlier this year for the Royal Rumble. This match will have fans on the edge of their seat, and Ricochet will capture his first taste of NXT gold.
Prediction: Ricochet wins NXT North American Title
NXT Tag Team Championship -- Undisputed Era (c) vs. Mustache Mountain:
This will be the third time these teams meet and if you saw the first two you're in for a treat. The Undisputed Era preyed on a Trent Seven injury in the last meeting to regain the titles, as Tyler Bate threw in the towel for his ailing partner. Mustache Mountain can offer a lot to a deep NXT tag division, however The Era holds most of the gold on NXT and I don't see them dropping multiple titles Saturday night. Kyle O'Reilly will be strumming the air guitar all the way home.
Prediction: Undisputed Era Retains
Velveteen Dream vs. EC3:
The only match on the card that does not feature a title might be the best of the night. This rivalry started when Dream walked out on EC3 in a tag match in London, causing The Top One Percent to challenge Dream on his turf. This match is two of the best stars NXT has to offer squaring off for the spotlight, although it's likely that the winner will move on to the NXT title picture. Dream has an "it" factor like no other on NXT, and I expect this to be the start of a prominent run. #DreamOver
Prediction: Velveteen Dream wins
NXT Women's Championship -- Shayna Baszler (c) vs. Kairi Sane:
Baszler has run through the entire NXT women's division, but this rematch is necessary to remind fans that she is mortal. Sane defeated Baszler to become winner of the first Mae Young Classic, and she's now one diving elbow drop from earning her first NXT title. If there was ever a time for Baszler to be knocked off the mountain it would be in this match.
Sane has had plenty of statement wins in the past, and beating Baszler twice could fuel a deeper rivalry. Unfortunately, this will be where Shayna cements her dominance, as Baszler likely taps out Sane to continue her title reign. Baszler wins the rubber match.
Prediction: Shayna Baszler retains NXT Women's title
NXT Championship -- Tommaso Ciampa (c) vs. Johnny Gargano (Last Man Standing Match):
This match was initially supposed to feature recent champion Aleister Black, but due to an injury we get Ciampa vs. Gargano instead. NXT deserves credit for how they wrote him off television in a mysterious attack angle...I'm calling Lars Sullivan as the culprit. Now we get arguably the best feud in pro wrestling Gargano-Ciampa III. In a stunning finish, Ciampa became NXT champion over the seemingly unbeatable Aleister Black. (In part due to Johnny Gargano getting involved.) The matches between these two are always must see and with a last man standing stipulation, expect this one to tug on your heart-strings.
It would be a shame if this is the final chapter between these two. But if it is, the best heel in the business Tommy entertainment comes out on top.
Prediction: Tommaso Ciampa retains NXT title
