'NXT Takeover: Rival' match by match analysis and predictions

NXT is beginning to become one of the most interesting parts of WWE and they have been consistently churning out top quality events that are easily on par (if not better) than any of the main rosters recent PPV’s. It goes without saying that Takeover: Rival, headlined by a deeply personal Owens v Zayn championship match, is sure fire to deliver beyond all measures. Let’s take a look now at each match and analyse potential outcomes for every bout in the event.

#1 Adrian Neville v Finn Baylor (No.1 Contenders match)

Two amazing athletes who will surely produce a compelling match up. Baylor and Neville are two of the most athletic individuals that WWE/NXT has to offer. The high stakes on this bout will make it even more fascinating to watch.

Neville having only just lost the championship and Baylor being poised with all the important qualities to become a megastar, pushing him into the title picture makes the most since. It’s also likely that Neville may soon move up to the main roster, possibly post Wrestlemania.

Predicted Winner: Baylor wins, pushing himself into the title picture

#2 Murphy & Blake v The Lucha Dragons (NXT Tag Team Championship match)

Like the majority of the matches on this card, this bout is sure to be a solid contest. I seriously doubt this match will steal the show or anything, but it is still sure to be a fun and entertaining bout.

Murphy & Blake possess a lot of potential, much more than The Lucha Dragons did. Having only just won the titles, I’m fairly comfortable that they will be retaining here.

Predicted Winners: Blake & Murphy retain their championships

#3 Baron Corbin v Bull Dempsey (No DQ)

This is probably one of the least interesting bouts on the entire card. These men have met multiple times now, with Corbin always coming out victorious in a short amount of time. The No Disqualifications stipulations will make this bout slightly more intriguing. But with a solid card, this match is unlikely to get much time.

Corbin clearly possesses much more potential than Dempsey and demonstrates a better connection to the crowd. Hopefully Corbin emerges victorious and ends his feud with Dempsey moving onto bigger and better things.

Predicted Winner: Baron Corbin defeats Bull

#4 Charlotte v Sasha Banks v Bayley v Becky Lynch (NXT women\'s championship match)

If you think all women’s wrestling is average, then you clearly haven’t been watching NXT. The women down in NXT have been consistently demonstrating how well they can perform and proving that the females need to be given more time on the main roster.

Charlotte has held the title for a long time now and a change may be due. Sasha Banks has proven herself as not only a great heel but also a fantastic in ring performer. Bayley clearly has the fans won over and also performs quite well in the ring. Charlotte retaining the title is also not out of the question but there’s a chance she may be due for a call up to the main roster soon to shake up the divas division.

The only person who I really don’t see as having a legitimate chance of winning is Becky Lynch. That being said, she is a fairly solid performer, I don’t believe she is quite ready yet to be champion.

I would love to see Bayley win, but I’m predicting to see The Boss walk out as the new NXT women’s champions.

Predicted Winner: Sasha Banks captures the gold

#5 Hideo Itami v Tyler Breeze

This match was only recently added to the Takeover: Rival card. Despite the lack of an intriguing story, this match will still probably be surprisingly good. Hideo Itami is a great wrestler and Breeze is a solid heel who plays his character perfectly.

I think Itami might win, but as a Breeze fan I believe he needs the win more to regain some momentum.

Predicted Winner: Tyler Breeze wins

#6 Sami Zayn v Kevin Owens (NXT championship match)

A deeply personal feud between two former friends, one wants revenge because of betrayal, the other simply will do whatever it takes to snatch up the NXT Championship. This bout is guaranteed to be absolutely enthralling throughout and will cement both wrestlers as stars.

Owens is excelling in his heel role and would want gold around his waist would be a perfect fit while Zayn is not only extremely likeable but also makes a great champion. Both are remarkable in ring workers and the emotion behind this story promises to deliver.

However, this match is very difficult to predict. This will be Zayn’s first major title defence and a win will help solidify him as a solid champion. On the other hand, Owens is only recently to debut and they would be smart to capitalize on his momentum by having him win the title. This bout could really go either way. Personally, I’m predicting an Owens victory. Zayn will stay in NXT for a while to feud with Owens before moving up to the main roster.

Predicted Winner: Kevin Owens captures the NXT Championship

Regardless of what happens at NXT Takeover: Rival, the event is sure to amaze and set the bar very high for the WWE Fastlane PPV.