Here we are, NXT Takeover 31! While the card is shaping up much differently than I would expect after the last Takeover, it is still a stacked and exciting card from top to bottom! With that said, let’s dive in!
KUSHIDA VS Velveteen Dream
The biggest thing that jumps out at me about this match is, this is Kushida’s first singles match on a Takeover. He has shown a more aggressive side since he started this back and forth with Velveteen Dream, and hopefully, that aggression leads to more opportunities for the Japanese sensation.
Kushida should pick up the win and continue to establish himself as a threat on the black and gold brand.
NXT Cruiserweight Championship: Santos Escobar (C) VS Isaiah “Swerve” Scott
On any other card, this would be my pick to steal the show. Santos Escobar has been phenomenal since winning the “Interim” NXT Cruiserweight Championship, and Isaiah Scott has been a highlight on the brand since his debut.
I would not at all be surprised to see Scott pick up the win and claim the title that has eluded him for so long. Unfortunately for Swerve, I see Escobar continuing to establish his dominance over the division and further establishing his claim as the true champion before Devlin’s eventual return.
NXT North American Championship: Damian Priest VS Johnny Gargano
This match was foreshadowed at the last Takeover event when Damian Priest knocked Johnny Gargano off the ladder to claim the belt. Since then, Priest has continued his path towards living in infamy by defending his belt against Timothy Thatcher, and Gargano has been on a campaign to bring gold back to his household.
Priest seems set for a long title reign, and this feels more like a way to get Gargano on the card. Expect to see “The Archer of Infamy” to retain his title.
NXT Women’s Championship: Io Shirai (C) VS Candice LeRae
The match we have all been waiting for since Io Shirai won the belt. If you have not seen the matches between her and Candice LeRae when Shirai first turned heel, stop and go watch them now!
LeRae earned this opportunity after winning a battle royal to earn the number one contender spot. These two are my top pick to have the match of the night. They also have the most unpredictable outcome of the night. I do however lean towards Shirai since the women’s division is pretty heel heavy right now.
NXT Championship: Finn Balor (C) VS Kyle O’Reilly
Finn Balor vs. Kyle O’Reilly for the NXT Championship was a dream match for myself and many others. On October 4th, that dream becomes a reality! Balor has felt rejuvenated since his return to NXT, and O’Reilly has always given it his all.
It’s far too early for Balor to drop the title, but this could easily be the start of O’Reilly’s rise as a singles star. Here’s hoping this is the beginning of a promising run for the underrated O’Reilly and the continuation of Balor’s return to prominence.
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