This weekend’s NXT Takeover: Portland is a can’t miss for any wrestling fan. From the top to the bottom this card is filled with must-see matches. With that said let’s take a look at those matches.
Street Fight- Dakota Kai vs Tegan Nox
While they have already faced off once this match had to happen. A rivalry that started with that tough to watch beatdown Dakota Kai gave to Tegan Nox, it simply could not culminate in a standard match. While it would be appropriate/amazing to see Nox pull out the victory, Kai could easily take it here.
The NXT women’s division is stacked, but it needs more heels in the title picture and Kai would fit right in. No matter who wins Saturday night, the true rivalry between these two is just beginning.
NXT Tag Team Championship: The Undisputed Era (Kyle O’Reilly and Bobby Fish) (C) vs The BroserWeight (Matt Riddle and Pete Dunne)
The newly formed BroserWeights have been entertaining both in the ring and on the mic. Matt Riddle and Pete Dunne have shown amazing chemistry, gelling together far better than most would have predicted. The duo established themselves as a force to be reckoned with en route to winning the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic.
The #BROserweights journey to #NXTTakeOver: Portland, a thread. ⬇️⬇️⬇️ @SuperKingofBros @PeteDunneYxB
— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) February 13, 2020
All of that said, The Undisputed Era’s Kyle O’Reilly and Bobby Fish are the most dominant tag-team in NXT history. Both Fish and O’Reilly are tag-team experts having been partners for years, but it is their stablemate Roderick Strong that could dictate this match. Strong has frequently interfered on behalf of his friends however, he may have a roadblock named Velveteen Dream. With no official match announced between Dream and Strong, don’t be surprised if they play a factor in this match.
Finn Balor vs Johnny Gargano
It’s hard to believe this rivalry started about four months ago, but fans are finally getting this dream match. Johnny Gargano vs Finn Balor at one point seemed like a dream match we would never get and that all changed with a Pele kick. The night Balor turned to the dark side sent shockwaves throughout the WWE Universe and has reinvigorated his character.
Gargano has been excellent as the angered babyface and no doubt “Johnny Takeover” will be looking to steal the show. This should be the match of the night and give a clearer image of what awaits both men this WrestleMania season.
NXT North American Championship: Keith Lee (C) vs Dominik Dijakovic
This rivalry was not built on animosity, betrayal, or any of the regular troupes but respect and simply wanting to prove who’s better. Keith Lee and Dominik Dijakovic are modern-day titans that can perform moves that are difficult for men half their size.
It’s tough to see a scenario where Keith loses with the momentum he has. One thing is for sure these two will not hold anything back.
NXT Women’s Championship: Rhea Ripley (C) vs Bianca Belair
It would not be a stretch to say this match will have the biggest impact on the Road to WrestleMania than any other on the card. All of that can be attributed to Rhea Ripley challenging Charlotte Flair. Normally something like that would make Rhea Ripley’s win seem like a formality. That was until Bianca Belair grabbed a mic.
Belair through her promos alone has made many believe she could face Flair at the show of shows. No matter who walks out with the win, the NXT Universe will be excited to see what’s next.
NXT Championship: Adam Cole (C) vs Tommaso Ciampa
Adam Cole is on track to become the longest-reigning NXT Champion in history. This time last year, Tommaso Ciampa was in the same boat, that was until a tragic neck injury almost ended his career. Since his return, Ciampa has only had one thing on his mind, get Goldie back.
This feels like it will be the culmination of the story but the ending is tough to predict. As heartwarming as it would be to see Ciampa get his life back, I can’t help but feel Cole will walk out with the win. No matter what, expect these men to do justice to the NXT Championship in this match.
Stay tuned to the Last Word on Pro Wrestling for more on this and other stories from around the world of wrestling, as they develop. You can always count on LWOPW to be on top of the major news in the wrestling world, as well as to provide you with analysis, previews, videos, interviews, and editorials on the wrestling world. Be sure to catch all of the NXT action via the WWE Network.
