Wrestlemania 33 is just around the corner, and NXT Takeover: Orlando will be the night before. Although most of this year’s hype revolves around Wrestlemania, there is plenty to excite fans for Takeover. It seems like every match on the card has serious potential to be the best of the night. More casual fans will see great stories come to an end, while the hardcore audience will find an amazing showcase of wrestling. So, who’s on the card? Additionally, who should NXT fans expect to come out on top? Let’s find out.
NXT Takeover: Orlando Preview and Predictions
Andrade “Cien” Almas vs. Aleister Black
Throughout the past few weeks, Andrade Almas has finally started to work for fans. That is to say, most NXT fans cannot stand him and his cocky heel persona. Nevertheless, it’s a real shame that his run of success is coming to such a quick end. Almas faces Aleister Black this Saturday night at NXT Takeover: Orlando, and the outcome is basically a foregone conclusion.
Fans should expect Black to absolutely dominate this one. It seems that whenever the yellow brand brings in a new star, they push that star to the moon. Of course, it’s a system that works, even if it’s predictable. In any case, fans must expect the obvious outcome in this one. Maybe Almas will put up a fight, or this one could be a squash match. Really, it could go either way.
Predicted Winner: Aleister Black
SAnitY (Eric Young, Alexander Wolfe, Killian Dain & Nikki Cross) vs. Tye Dillinger, No Way Jose, Roderick Strong, and Ruby Riot
The last match announced following the go-home episode of NXT on the WWE Network, SAnitY will all be in action this weekend. They will be facing Tye Dillinger, Roderick Strong, No Way Jose, and NXT newcomer Ruby Riot (formerly Heidi Lovelance on the indie circuit). Riot debuted in NXT last week to help Dillinger, Strong, and Jose fight against SAnitY. If the WWE wants to push Riot as a singles competitor, they’ll get her involved in the match at Takeover: Orlando. Again, the yellow brand has a habit of pushing big-name newcomers all the way to the moon. Riot is the missing piece, and now SAnitY is ready to fall.
Predicted Winners: Dillinger, Jose, Strong, and Riot
NXT Tag Team Championship: Authors of Pain vs. DIY vs. The Revival
As Paul Ellering‘s boys continue to dominate NXT‘s tag team division, they become a force of nature. There’s a certain mystique surrounding the Authors of Pain while they run roughshod through the yellow brand. This Saturday, fans should expect the beatings to continue.
The Authors are going to win this match for two reasons. First of all, NXT‘s creative team are building them into powerhouses. Although the Authors usually look invulnerable, they always seem to bounce back almost immediately. When and if the opposing team can get some offense in on the Authors, their momentum stops as soon as it starts. Secondly, the Authors are the only team remaining on the yellow brand after this match.
It’s almost a given at this point. Both DIY and The Revival are moving up to the main rosters after Takeover: Orlando, and that’s no secret. What does either team have left to conquer on the yellow brand? It simply doesn’t make sense to keep them in NXT after this weekend. Perhaps a Post-Mania Raw debut? Either way, this one’s outcome is rather obvious.
Predicted Winners: The Authors of Pain
NXT Women’s Championship: Asuka vs. Ember Moon
Since her debut, NXT‘s Ember Moon has captivated audiences in a myriad of ways. First off, her physical style is different from almost any other women’s wrestler today. Moon’s finishing move is beautifully devastating, and everything about her screams for audience attention. Additionally, the NXT Women’s Champion is on her way out.
Truthfully, Asuka is a lot like DIY and The Revival. Since her yellow brand debut, Asuka has defeated any and all challengers, compiling and undefeated record. Simply put, it’s time for Asuka to move on. What’s left for her to do, aside from giving up the belt? That’s right. At Takeover: Orlando, fans can expect to see Asuka drop the NXT Women’s Championship once and for all. With a couple of Eclipses at the hands of Moon, Asuka will show that she is mortal. No one is perfect, and Asuka’s NXT run is coming to an end.
Predicted Winner: Ember Moon
NXT Championship: Bobby Roode vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
Alright, here’s the big one. Saturday night, the NXT Champion Bobby Roode will defend his title against Shinsuke Nakamura. If WWE is smart, they will strike now while the iron is hot on Nakamura. Everything about him is begging to move to the main roster. Additionally, Roode is the new face of the yellow brand. No one man can stay on the top of NXT forever, and now is Shinsuke Nakamura’s time. While both men could move to the main roster here, Nakamura has stayed in NXT longer. Truthfully, he’s been in WWE’s developmental territory for far too long. This Saturday, expect him to go out on his back. Oh, and expect him to show up on Raw next Monday.
Predicted Winner: Bobby Roode
