We are just a couple of days away from another exciting NXT Takeover event! This time, NXT heads to the great state of Texas, for NXT Takeover: San Antonio. This event will take place at the historic Freeman Coliseum, which typically holds roughly 10,000 fans for a wrestling event.
Just to give you a little background about this venue, there actually was a WWF pay-per-view held at The Freeman Coliseum. Back in 1991, "This Tuesday in Texas" took place in this very building. This particular event was somewhat unique, primarily because of how the card was structured for the show. On-air, there was a total of five televised matches.
However, there were eight dark matches, prior to the start of the pay-per-view. The event was headlined by a Championship main event, featuring Hulk Hogan defeating The Undertaker to claim the WWF Championship.
This Saturday night, a new breed of talent will take over The Freeman Coliseum, as all three NXT titles will be on the line, including the main event, which will feature current NXT Champion Shinsuke Nakamura, putting his title on the line against the very skilled, and dangerous Bobby Roode.
Who walks away with championship gold at the end of the night? Will there be any major upsets? We will all find out this weekend, only on the WWE Network! In the meantime, let's take a look at my predictions for the entire event.
Roderick Strong vs. Andrade Cien Almas
This could shape up to be a very interesting match-up between two highly underrated stars. Both of these guys had tremendous careers, way before WWE contracts ever came into their lives. Roderick may be the one with the technical edge, as well as the most experienced when it comes to big-time matches in this type of environment.
But, it's important to not overlook Andrade’s ability. This guy was and still is a huge name in Mexico, which is where he first gained notoriety.
Strong may have the more attractive resume, but both men are very likely to have bright futures with the company. It will be a fun match to watch and could lead to a rather lengthy feud. But as for this Saturday, there can be only one.
Prediction: Andrade Cien Almas comes out with the win in this very competitive battle.
Eric Young vs. Tye Dillinger
I'm taking this match as my sleeper for the event. I honestly believe this bout could potentially steal the show. If you're anticipating a match where two Superstars will go back-and-forth, in an absolute clinic...you're in luck, and I'm not even referring to the Nakamura match.
Eric Young comes in as the highly experienced loose cannon, while Dillinger is the guy who is on the verge of becoming a huge fan favourite. Both have similar, relentless styles, in some aspects. Young has had a very interesting ride in NXT, now leading the faction known as SAnitY, which fits his personality perfectly.
Dillinger has been the guy who has had to jump over every hurdle imaginable during his career. However, it would appear that Tye is closer than ever to landing on the main roster. When the dust settles, the outcome of this one is anyone's guess. It's almost a coin-flip situation.
PREDICTION: Tye Dillinger puts together a perfect 10 performance, as he comes out on top. Dillinger wins a good one.
Women's Championship Fatal 4-Way
Asuka(c) vs. Billie Kay vs. Nikki Cross vs. Peyton Royce
Ladies and gentlemen of the WWE/NXT Universe, there's a new crop of talented ladies on the verge of taking their rightful place in the Women's Revolution. While everyone's attention has been focused on the action on the main rosters, a select group of up-and-coming ladies have been quietly honing their skills, preparing themselves for the spotlight.
That spotlight will shine over San Antonio this weekend.
Asuka has been an absolute dominating Champion since taking the reign as NXT Women’s Champion. However, NXT has several women on the roster who have been preparing themselves to challenge Asuka for the title.
All three challengers will soon be household names in women's wrestling and don't be surprised when one or more of these ladies make their debut on one of the two main rosters. This match on Saturday is guaranteed to deliver.
The hard-hitting style of Asuka is set to meet the unpredictable style of Nikki Cross, the submissive style of Billie Kay, so well as the deceptively sleek style of Peyton Royce, in what will be a pivotal contest in NXT women’s history!
PREDICTION: Asuka will be leaving for the main roster soon, but the others aren't quite ready to take the lead. Asuka retains.
NXT Tag Team Title Match: #DIY(c) vs. Authors of Pain
Precious Paul has taken on the challenge of turning two monsters into champions. He has managed some of the all-time greats, including the duo known by many as the greatest tag team of all-time, The Road Warriors.
The challenge he faces with Akam and Rezar is much different than what he's used to, but if anyone can succeed at making these guys a title team, it's certainly Paul Ellering.
On the other side of the ring, Gargano and Ciampa are nearly 250 total pounds lighter than the challengers, so they must use their technical superiority to their advantage, in order to retain their championships.
PREDICTIONS: #DIY is simply the better team. Gargano and Ciampa retain, but the Authors of Pain are surging!
Main Event for NXT Championship: Shinsuke Nakamura(c) vs. Bobby Roode
It's rare that I'm faced with a situation where no matter the outcome of a match, I am 100% content with the winner. That is the case for this match. Shinsuke Nakamura is such a sharp Champion, full of just as much charisma as he has talent.
From the time his music starts, until he departs the arena, he entertains fans. Since arriving in NXT, he has yet to disappoint, which is exactly what most of us anticipated.
The challenger for this match, Bobby Roode, is someone who not only deserves to share the ring with someone of Nakamura’s calibre, but he could very well beat him. Despite being a heel, the fans have put Roode over, in a huge way.
The "Glorious" gimmick is absolutely perfect for Bobby, and he been a major contributing factor to why Roode has been so successful.
As we all know, Nakamura is on his way to the main roster, sooner than later. But will it be THAT soon? This could be determined this Saturday. Look for this bout to blow the roof off of the Freeman Coliseum.
PREDICTION: The true winner of this match, will be the fans watching. As stated earlier, Shinsuke Nakamura is nearing a main roster debut, which is a major reason why I'm making this prediction. Bobby Roode will defeat Nakamura in a barn-burner, becoming the new NXT Champion.
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