Some of the PWP Nation staff make their predictions for NXT Takeover: Phoenix!
With NXT Takeover: Phoenix all going down tonight, a few of us here at PWP Nation decided to give you their personal predictions for what is sure to be a phenomenal show.
Here’s who’s making the picks:
- Jay Alletto: Owner & Founder of PWP Nation
- Caden Moran: Featured Columnist
- Justin Bailey: MMA News Reporter
Now, let’s get to the picks!
Matt Riddle vs Kassius Ohno
Jay: Matt Riddle
Riddle over Ohno because Riddle is getting put over for a future NXT Title Match.
Caden: Matt Riddle
I expect a true match here between Matt Riddle and Kassius Ohno, and I expect it to be a great match. I see Riddle winning here because I believe he will soon be next in line for a championship opportunity and defeating Ohno is a great first step to get there.
Justin: Matt Riddle
This time, we’ll get more of a match from Riddle vs. Ohno, but Riddle will still go over. I believe they want to build Riddle slowly and really let him come into his own in NXT.
Undisputed Era vs War Raiders (NXT Tag Team Championship Match)
Jay: War Raiders
War Raiders over Undisputed Era. I fully expect Undisputed Era to be main roster promoted in the not too distant future.
Caden: Undisputed Era
Eventually, I do see Undisputed Era being called up to the main roster, just not yet. I see the UE retaining their titles due to interference from the other two members of the faction, Adam Cole & Bobby Fish. This will continue the story and should lead to the War Raiders claiming the gold in Brooklyn in May.
Justin: War Raiders
The War Raiders are about the only serious tag team to challenge for the tag titles. If the War Raiders take the tag titles here, I expect this program to drag out, as there aren’t any serious contenders built up for the tag titles right now. I’ll say the War Raiders take the tag titles in the lone title change of the night.
Shayna Baszler vs Bianca Belair (NXT Women’s Championship Match)
Jay: Shayna Baszler
Baszler over Belair with help from Marina Shafir & Jessamyn Duke. The important thing is continuing to train & develop The Horsewomen. I think Bianca Belair is amazing & will have long-term superstar potential, but she needs to get rid of this undefeated streak. This will help her get over as a babyface.
Caden: Shayna Baszler
Much like Jay’s prediction, I see Baszler continuing her reign due to interference from Shafir & Duke. This will continue Baszler’s strong reign and will give her and The Horsewomen time to develop before making their way to the main roster. Belair’s time will come, just not tonight.
Justin: Shayna Baszler
As great as Belair has improved in the ring over the past year, this match is purely for the rub. Baszler is still fairly fresh into her second reign as champion, though this match could prove to be the sleeper match of the night.
Ricochet vs Johnny Gargano (NXT North American Championship Match)
Jay: Johnny Gargano
Gargano defeats Ricochet for the North American Title, leading to a rematch. I truly believe that Triple H sees himself & HBK in Ciampa & Gargano. They want this story to continue to develop.
Caden: Ricochet
This match is tough. On one hand, I can easily see Johnny claiming the gold and dominating NXT alongside Ciampa, but, I do see Ricochet retaining. Johnny Gargano’s heel turn is nearly official and losing this match to Ricochet should allow him to become more insane which will lead to him helping Ciampa, thus completing his turn to the dark side.
Justin: Ricochet
Ricochet retains the title in a match of the night affair. Gargano needs a win, but he doesn’t necessarily need the North American Title. Ricochet wins to further drive Gargano to the dark side, which ultimately leads him to the scenario I explained regarding the NXT Title.
Tommaso Ciampa vs Aleister Black (NXT Championship Match)
Jay: Tommaso Ciampa
I think this story with Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano is a super important piece to the NXT puzzle. With that being said, Ciampa retains the NXT Championship.
Caden: Tommaso Ciampa
This will be a really fun main event. I fully expect Ciampa to retain here with help from Gargano, and officially forming a heel DIY. As for Aleister Black, expect him to be called up to the main roster after tonight.
Justin: Tommaso Ciampa
Ciampa will retain the title after Gargano gets involved in the match, possibly even helping Ciampa retain the title. This turn in the story leads to Gargano ultimately turning on Ciampa to then build to Ciampa vs. Gargano for the NXT Title at Takeover on Wrestlemania weekend, where Gargano finally wins the NXT Title. You’re welcome đ
Thanks for reading! Who do you expect to win tonight?
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