NXT Takeover New Orleans takes place tonight from the Smoothie King Center, right in th heart of the “Big Easy”. Takeover has consistently proven to be one of the best events the company produces and this time around will be no different. In fact, this card has the potential to be the best in NXT history. Just like college, recruiting is essential. NXT has done a tremendous job this past year in signing some of the best talent available. Ricochet, EC3, Bobby Fish, Kyle O’Reilly & Adam Cole are just some of the highlights. Here are my predictions for tonight’s card:
Please subscribe to my WWE Youtube channel to support me.
NXT Tag Team Championship Match: The Undisputed Era vs. The Authors of Pain vs. Roderick Strong & Pete Dunne
With Bobby Fish being sideline with an injury, The Freebird Rule is in effect. Adam Cole has now been relegated to double duty tonight. The captain of the Undisputed Era will team up with Kyle O’Reilly and defend the titles. Both AOP, along with Strong & Dunne, earned their spots by making it to the finals of the Dusty Rhodes Classic. Cole & O’Reilly took it upon themselves to interfere in the finals, resulting in GM William Regal making tonight’s match a triple threat for the titles.
The rumors are out there that this will be AOP’s final match in NXT, and unfortunately, I do not envision the pairing of Strong/Dunne lasting past this match. Expect AOP to dominate early and often, with some high spots coming from the other teams. If Fish does somehow show up at ringside, rest assured he will do anything to help keep the titles around the waists of Cole & O’Reilly.
Prediction: Undisputed Era retains
NXT Women’s Championship Match: Ember Moon vs. Shayna Baszler
Ember Moon has been nothing short of incredible. She has done her due diligence in defending this title. But tonight is not her night. Shayna’s gonna kill you.
Baszler proved at Takeover: Philadelphia that she has Moon pegged. Ember walked away with one arm left intact, thanks to the former UFC fighter. Shayna looked extremely comfortable in the ring last time around and will only get better with time. Both of these women have done a hell of a job in building this feud. Moon may very well be on the list for post WrestleMania call-ups, so while I personally would like to see these ladies go one more round; seems more likely for Baszler to begin her reign and take on all those who are willing.
Prediction: Baszler wins
NXT North American Championship Ladder Match: EC3 vs Ricochet vs Adam Cole vs. Velveteen Dream vs. Lars Sullivan vs. Killian Dain
First off, I have to mention, the new North American Championship looks incredible. Bravo to NXT for creating a mid-card title while we are at it. This was a necessary step & will build more feuds and storylines going forward.
I take nothing away from any other competitor on this card, but this is my pick to not only steal the show but be a MOY candidate.
A normal 6-man match would have been amazing. A ladder match? Forget about it. Not to mention, the Takeover debuts of Ricochet & EC3. This match has instant classic written all over it. You can literally make a case for every single competitor in this match. Ricochet is the high-flying assassin; he was made for a ladder match of this magnitude. EC3 winning in his debut match would certainly make headlines and be a welcome champion. Velveteen Dream has been one of the most talked about superstars for the past 2 Takeover(s). Both Dain & Sullivan were ready to beat the holy hell out of each other on NXT TV recently, so this seems like a fitting way to culminate their battle. Cole will be coming off an already intense tag match, but don’t expect that to slow him down.
I think what it comes down to is a matter of need. I think making EC3 a champion right away is a great way to build his character as the top “1% Percent”. You could make the same argument for Ricochet. I’m looking at this from a perspective of longevity and who will make the most interesting feuds. To me, for Cole to walk into tonight, and possibly not only retain the tag titles for the Undisputed Era, but win the North American Title as well, is necessary. I compare it ECW’s Triple Threat or Evolution in WWE. Every member has a piece of gold. And everyone on the roster will be gunning for them.
Prediction: Cole is the new North American Champion.
Unsanctioned Match: Johnny Gargano vs. Tommaso Ciampa.
Grudge Match of the Century. If you thought Almas vs. Gargano was amazing, you ain’t seen nothing yet. The added stipulation to this match, Gargano must win tonight or else he is banished from NXT for good. Nothing would please Ciampa more than ridding NXT of Johnny Wrestling.
This has the potential to the most emotional and even the best match of the night. So much has been invested for over a year now; with Ciampa turning on his former DIY teammate and being out of commission with an injury. Gargano has done nothing but shine in Ciampa’s absence, coming up short against Andrade Almas at Takeover: Philadelphia in one of the best matches all year. I would love for these two to fight forever, and with Gargano’s future hanging the balance, it seems like this will happen.
Prediction: Gargano wins
NXT Championship: Andrade “Cien” Almas ( c ) vs. Aleister Black
Aleister Black has been main roster ready since he first emerged on the scene at NXT. There’s simply no reason why this man shouldn’t walk out tonight at the new NXT Champion.
I take nothing away from Almas’ reign. His teaming with Zelina Vega has been nothing short of amazing and has only helped build his character. He proved he is a worthy champion in Philadelphia and even made an appearance in the Royal Rumble. Black is more than deserving of this title. Don’t be surprised if you spot a returning Drew McIntyre make his impact felt in this match as well.
Prediction: Aleister Black for the win
Written by @Smark_Nation.