NXT Takeover events do not come around often. During the WWE’s tentpole events, such as Wrestlemania and Summerslam, tradition has seen NXT air a PPV-like event on eve of the main roster’s event. This time is no different. NXT will be running a Takeover event at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn ahead of Summerslam. Last year’s event drew incredible numbers at the gate, selling out quickly and encouraging WWE to release more tickets. After the draft and brand split, the roster looks totally different. However it still has a great chance to create new stars and memorable moments.
NXT Takeover: Brooklyn Predictions and Analysis
The staff at Last World on Sports Wrestling came together to share their thoughts about the matches set for Saturday night’s event and here are their predictions.
Chad Gable and Jason Jordan vs. The Authors of Pain
Winners: Jamie, Ryan, Rich: The Authors of Pain
Sean and Aaron: American Alpha
Thoughts by Aaron Patel: This is probably American Alpha‘s final match in NXT. Since being drafted to Smackdown they have garnered a ton of support. They have all the elements to be a top team in WWE, and a high profile win will help them on their way.
Austin Aries vs. No Way Jose
Winner: Aaron,Sean, Rich, Jamie: Austin Aries
Ryan: No Way Jose
Thoughts by Sean Garmer: This match is a little weird because it once again presents the divide between how much you put over the “guys from other companies” as opposed to putting over guys from your own WWE Performance Center. The fact is, Aries is established. Depending on who wins in the title match, he could be put into the NXT Title picture. Aries is finally in the heel persona that is so much better for him. That being said, I think this is one of the feuds that has a chance to go for a bit after this. In order for that to happen, Aries needs to win this match, so you can keep building this and No Way Jose can win a bigger match later.
Bobby Roode vs. Andrade “Cien” Almas
Winner:
Ryan: Andrade “Cien” Almas
Jamie, Rich, Aaron, Sean: Bobby Roode
Thoughts by Ryan Smith: This is a bit strange. Usually, when someone makes their debut on a wrestling show, they’re allowed to get a push, or go on a bit of a winning streak. this gets them over with the crowd and legitimizes them. In this match, both men are relatively new to NXT. Almas gets the win because Roode’s time in NXT might not be as long.
NXT Tag Team Title Match
Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa vs. Dash and Dawson(c)
Winner
Ryan, Jamie, Aaron, Sean, Rich: Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa
Thoughts by Rich Laconi: Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa have continued to impress since their debut. During the Cruiserweight Classic, the man fought each other and put on an emotional tour-de-force, with Gargano coming out the winner. Gragano will be wrestling his last Evolve show in New York on 9/11 and many feel that this is an indication that he is making a long term commitment to the WWE going forward. Although both he and Ciampa have been successful on the independent scene as singles wrestlers, the WWE is a different animal and the tandem has garner the interests of fans as a duo.
Their recent Glorious Photobomb tweets involving Bobby Roode have gone viral and show the WWE universe how they can be just as charismatic outside of the ring. The Revival have been great in NXT and shown that the old-school tag team gimmick they portray is an effective one. However, with Smackdown’s tag team division needing more bodies, look for Dash and Dawson to drop the straps here. Gargano and Ciampa may have competed in the CWC, but these two will not be heading to RAW as part of the cruiserweight division and this win will go a long way to solidify them as stalwarts in NXT and the main roster after that.
NXT Women’s Title Match
Bayley vs. Asuka(c)
Winner:
Jamie, Sean, Aaron, Ryan, Rich: Asuka
Thoughts by Jamie Greer: There’s a feeling of hushed anticipation with this one, very much akin to the vibe before the last Sasha vs. Bayley. Sure, we all knew Banks was going to lose due to her main event status, but we knew they were going to tear the house down. Bayley’s main roster ascension is inevitable, but Asuka needs one last rub from NXT’s most popular star since it’s inception. And with such emotion on the line, you’re going to see two women try and steal the show – and quite possibly succeed. Bayley does not like to do anything second best, and that will include most likely her last match for NXT. It’ll be a great story, but Asuka will retain to officially become the masthead of the next generation of NXT women.
NXT Title Match
Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Samoa Joe(c)
Winner
Sean, Aaron, Rich, Ryan, Jamie : Shinsuke Nakamura
Thoughts by Sean Garmer: I should state that this match is not as open and shut as some people think. There’s no doubt that WWE very much likes Samoa Joe. They also are hugely in favor of Shinsuke as well. Samoa Joe has two guys that he is very familiar with, he hasn’t really faced in NXT. They could be title challengers for him in the future. They could go that route and decide that Joe is so hot right now as the dominant heel champion that they could keep him in NXT a bit longer. Joe is so well liked by the fans, he wouldn’t really have to change much and be cheered by them against an obviously heel Austin Aries or Bobby Roode.
Samoa Joe has been in NXT for a long while and no one deserves to be called up more than him. He could provide such a breath of fresh air to RAW or Smackdown with his no nonsense style and just the fury he uses in his matches. He could really light up the main roster. Not to mention, he would be a wonderful opponent for one Brock Lesnar.
The thing is, everything I just said could also be said about Shinsuke Nakamura. There’s no one with more charisma, no one that has “it” more than Nakamura on the entire WWE roster, aside from The Rock. He also is rather familiar with Brock Lesnar. Having that rematch in WWE would be HUGE, perhaps even Wrestlemania worthy. You really can’t go wrong with either choice. I’m just going to go with Nakamura because of how long Joe has been in NXT. But I just can’t wait for this match.
