This weekend at NXT Takeover: Chicago, all three yellow brand belts will see their defenses. Additionally, Tyler Bate will defend his WWE UK Championship against Pete Dunne. So, who should fans expect to come out on top? Coming out of this Takeover event, who will be the faces of NXT?
NXT Takeover: Chicago Preview
WWE UK Championship Match: Tyler Bate vs. Pete Dunne
As far as this one goes, Tyler Bate really has no reason to lose. I mean, the WWE UK show hasn’t been completely set up yet. In that case, Bate should stay a solid champion for when the show does come around. Additionally, Pete Dunne, although the number one contender, isn’t ready yet. Truthfully, the common fan doesn’t know much about “The Bruiserweight” right now. Therefore, WWE UK should stick with their staple. Most fans right now know about Tyler Bate, and fans should expect him to retain.
Predicted Winner and STILL WWE UK Champion: Tyler Bate
NXT Women’s Championship Match: Asuka vs. Ruby Riot vs. Nikki Cross
Since her arrival on the yellow brand, Asuka has been unstoppable. However, it seems like NXT Takeover: Chicago would be a good place for her to drop the belt. With an ever-hot crowd like Chicago, the WWE can afford to take the belt from Asuka. In addition to logistical purposes, it just makes sense. Let’s think about this for a second. By taking the belt off of Asuka, it allows SAnitY to regain some traction should Nikki Cross win. Every good stable needs to have the “hold all the gold” moment, and it seems like SAnitY’s time. Additionally, it propels the feud between her and Ruby Riot even further. By that, I mean that they actually have something to fight over now.
Let’s consider the other option for a second: Ruby Riot winning. If that’s the case, SAnitY could go further as well. Perhaps they go the Tye Dillinger route and try to get her to join their ranks. If she should refuse, Cross goes after her, they have a grand old time. After that, the title can change hands again, but Riot still initially won. However, that just isn’t likely. In all truth, Nikki Cross should win this match.
Predicted Winner and NEW NXT Women’s Champion: Nikki Cross
NXT Tag Team Championship Ladder Match: DIY vs. AOP
This actually might be the most interesting match of the night. However, it also might be the most obvious outcome of the night. With DIY quite obviously on their way out, the Authors of Pain should retain. Hopefully, the Creative team uses DIY well on the main roster. After all they’ve done in their tag matches at other Takeover events, their potential is undeniable. And now, the Authors have Heavy Machinery waiting in the wings. NXT fans, prepare for the “hoss match” of the century with that one.
Predicted Winners and STILL NXT Tag Team Champions: Authors of Pain
NXT Championship Match: Hideo Itami vs. Bobby Roode
Alright, the Hideo Itami hype is real here. Just coming off an injury, Itami is primed and ready to be the next NXT Champion. However, Bobby Roode‘s GLORIOUS run isn’t over just yet. At NXT Takeover: Chicago, Bobby Roode will add another chapter to his yellow brand run. Now, of course fans should expect Itami to give him a great fight. However, that does not mean that he should or will win. Everything points to him grabbing the brass ring on the next shot he gets. But sadly, not this time for Itami.
Predicted Winner and STILL NXT Champion: Bobby Roode
