Tonight is without question the biggest night in the history of NXT thus far. Some may argue that the first NXT live special ARRIVAL was more important because they were the first event to be broadcast live on the WWE Network. While historical to be sure, NXT performed that event in front of 400 fans at Full Sail University. Tonight, the men and women of NXT will broadcast live on the WWE Network in front of a sold out crowd of over 13,000 people from the Barclay Center in Brooklyn, New York. To think of what this division of World Wrestling Entertainment has accomplished in less than two years is nothing short of astounding.
The card for tonight’s event also has the potential to become the most talked about and remembered in NXT’s history as well. Similarly to the aforementioned ARRIVAL event, Takeover Brooklyn is co-headlined by a ladder match for the NXT Championship, and what many believe will be a changing of the guard in the women’s division. Adding to that is the first time WWE appearance of a Japanese wrestling legend and it is easy to understand why so many fans are excited for tonight’s event. Fans like Last Word On Sports writers Aaron Wrotkowski, Adam Contant and Shawn Wilken, who sat down to analyze each match on the show, and offer their thoughts on what they think will happen tonight.
Chad Gable, Jason Jordan, Dash and Dawson vs. The Hype Bros, Enzo Amore & Big Cass
WINNERS:
Shawn and Aaron: Chad Gable, Jason Jordan, Dash and Dawson
Adam: Hype Bros, Enzo Amore & Big Cass
THOUGHTS by Adam Contant: While we’re dealing with a very talented group of villains on one side of the ring and a very entertaining group of heroes on the other, I don’t think this one is going to be about who are the better athletes. While it is possible that NXT may put the heels over to generate heat, my guess is that this contest will open the show (in Brooklyn anyway, this match won’t be part of the actual special, but will be shown on this Wednesday’s episode of NXT). WWE usually likes to start their shows off hot with a baby face victory. Add in the fact that Ryder, Enzo and Big Cass are all hometown characters, and I think we’ll get a feel good kick off to Takeover.
Tye Dillinger vs. Apollo Crews
WINNER:
Shawn and Adam: Apollo Crews
Aaron: Tye Dillinger
THOUGHTS by Aaron Wrotkowski: Apollo Crews is going to win this match. I like Apollo Crews. There is no way I’m going to vote against Tye Dillinger. He’s just too good. Everyone is starting to know it now but you just know he’ll be fed to Crews as his debut match. HHH already gushed about him on a conference call. TYE DILLINGER IS TOO GOOD FOR WWE.
Bull Dempsey vs. Elias Sampson
WINNER:
Shawn, Aaron and Adam: Bull Dempsey
THOUGHTS by Shawn Wilken: While I don’t expect him to come out with a new physique thanks to his Bullfit Training, I do think we see a more inspired and encouraged Bull Dempsey at Takeover. His new package of promotional videos displaying a lighter side to his character has earned him some fans back, even if it’s in a more comedic role, and we could see a revitalized Bull. Bull. Bull.
Dana Brooke vs. Emma vs. Becky Lynch vs. Charlotte
WINNER:
Shawn and Adam: Dana Brooke
Aaron: Emma
WHO GETS PINNED:
Shawn: Charlotte
Adam: Becky Lynch
Aaron: Dana Brooke
THOUGHTS by Shawn Wilken: In a fatal four-way match, you have the ability to give an up-and-comer a win while protecting the others from a one-on-one loss. It’s for this reason that I have Dana Brooke pinning Charlotte. Both Charlotte and Becky Lynch are a firm part of the Divas Revolution on the main roster so it’s a nice gesture to pass the torch over to the next crop of female wrestlers. Dana Brooke seems to be one of the more promising heels in the division and despite needing to work on some things in the ring, she definitely has the charisma to make a case.
Eva Marie vs. Carmella
WINNER:
Shawn, Aaron and Adam: Eva Marie
THOUGHTS by Adam Contant: No matter what the temperature is in Brooklyn tonight, the Barclay Center will be scorching hot with heat for Eva Marie, and not necessarily good heat either. Does she deserve it? While that is debatable, there is no debating the fact that New York wrestling fans have certain quality and style standards they demand be met, and Eva Marie just does not yet have the experience to give it to them. That being said, this could be an excellent learning opportunity for everyone involved. Eva Marie has handled her fans backlash well so far, but I am expecting the crowd tonight to be brutal to her. She will either crack under the pressure, or she will use it as motivation. Having her win over another hometown girl will create some great heat that NXT can parlay into the Eva Marie character while building sympathy for Carmella.
Baron Corbin vs. Samoa Joe
WINNER:
Shawn and Adam: Samoa Joe
Aaron: Baron Corbin
THOUGHTS by Aaron Wrotkowski: Baron Corbin is terrible. He can’t cut a promo. He can’t wrestle. He can barely run ropes. He can’t sell. He can’t bump. He does three moves and they all look bowling shoe ugly. If he beats Samoa Joe I’ll crack up because everything about Baron Corbin, save for a cool entrance that feels handpicked by HHH, is absolutely terrible and why I don’t buy into “WWE is changing you guys!” rhetoric. I expect him to be WWE World Heavyweight champion by 2018.
NXT Women’s Championship Match
Sasha Banks (c) vs. Bayley
WINNER:
Shawn, Aaron, and Adam: Bayley
THOUGHTS by Adam Contant: With Charlotte, Becky Lynch, and Sasha Banks all being called up the WWE’s main roster, it may be time for NXT to choose a new representative for their women’s division. Looking at the current roster, there are a few women who could handle the responsibility, but none of them are as ready as Bayley. My only question heading into tonight is will the Brooklyn fans be as ready to accept her as champion? While Bayley is certainly popular, Sasha Banks has her own strong following that I believe will be out in full force tonight. Bayley’s dream could turn into a nightmare if Banks’ supporters have anything to say about it, even if it is the right decision.
NXT Tag Team Championship Match
Blake & Murphy w/Alexa Bliss (c) vs. The Vaudevillains
WINNERS:
Shawn and Aaron: The Vaudevillains
Adam: Blake & Murphy
THOUGHTS by Shawn Wilken: It’s finally the Vaudevillains turn to run with the tag team championships after a lengthy, meaningful run for Blake and Murphy. The dynamic of Alexa Bliss is interesting because where she goes after this program has its options. Does she continue to roll with Blake and Murphy as they attempt to win back their titles or does she involve herself in the women’s title picture, especially after the main stays move over to the main roster?
Tyler Breeze vs. Jushin Thunder Liger
WINNER:
Shawn and Adam: Tyler Breeze
Aaron: Jushin Thunder Liger
THOUGHTS by Aaron Wrotkowski: It would make the most sense to give a win to Tyler Breeze, even a super cheap one he doesn’t deserve, but I get the feeling they will want Liger to win this match for the big crowd reaction and to give the legend his due.
NXT Takeover: Brooklyn Main Event
NXT Championship Ladder Match
Finn Balor (c) vs Kevin Owens
WINNER:
Shawn, Aaron, and Adam: Finn Balor
THOUGHTS by Shawn Wilken: With Kevin Owens smoothly transitioning into a full-time role on the main roster, Finn Balor takes this win in what will be one of the best matches you’ll see in 2015. If you have basic knowledge on how to work YouTube, you’ve probably seen these guys work ladder matches in the past, and if you have, you know what to expect. The question will turn into who faces Finn after this program ends? With Sami Zayn and Hideo Itami still out, perhaps Tyler Breeze gets his chance to shine.
