NXT TakeOver: Philadelphia Preview and Predictions

WWE NXT TakeOver: Philly is almost here and once again we have a loaded card. The show is headlined by NXT Champion Andrade 'Cien' Almas defending against the plucky Gargano. Gargano has been on a roll of late but can he go all the way this Saturday?

Ember Moon is set for her first big title defence against former UFC fighter Shayna Baszler. The cards look in favour of the challenger but if anyone can rise to the occasion, it's Ember.

One of the biggest matches of the night sees Adam Cole face Aleister Black in an Extreme Rules match. Both men have been going at it fiercely in NXT and the winner of this match will probably be the next challenger for the NXT Championship.

The rest of the Undisputed Era, Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly, defend the NXT Tag-Team Championships against the Authors Of Pain who look like they're in no mood to play around.

Finally, Kassius Ohno faced the Velveteen Dream. This one promises to be a good opener for the show.

Kassius Ohno vs Velveteen Dream

Velveteen Dream came within seconds of beating Johnny Gargano for his #1 contendership earlier this week on NXT. Despite the disappointment of losing, Dream will move on from that to face Kassius Ohno at TakeOver which will probably be the opening match of the night.

Ohno has taken over the role as one of the defacto gatekeepers of NXT, with him facing Lars Sullivan at TakeOver: WarGames in a similar role. With Velveteen Dream in the middle of a hot run on NXT, despite this week's disappointment, he's the favourite to win this match.

Despite being on a losing run of late, Ohno's performances have not disappointed. In particular, his match on NXT with Johnny Gargano was easily one of the best NXT matches in recent months.

Prediction: Velveteen Dream

Undisputed Era (Bobby Fish and Kyle O' Reilly) vs Authors of Pain (for the NXT Tag-Team Championships)

The Authors look like a potent threat as TakeOver looms nearer. After absolutely destroying a couple of jobbers earlier this week on NXT. However, with rumours that a main roster call-up for the Authors could be coming soon, I'd be surprised if they left with the NXT Tag-Team Championships on their shoulders once again.

Expect a screwy finish to this match with Fish and O' Reilly leaving with the Tag-Team Championships still around their waists.

Prediction: Undisputed Era

Aleister Black vs Adam Cole (Extreme Rules)

Of all the matches taking place at TakeOver, this one is probably the hardest to call. Both men are undoubtedly two of the biggest names on the NXT roster right now.

Triple H made some interesting comments on a conference call last year saying that he believed that Aleister Black would be a big player in WWE in the future. With that being said, in case Black is set for a main-roster call-up after the Rumble (even though it seems unlikely), I would put Adam Cole as the favourite to win on Saturday, not a clean win though.

The winner of this match will probably be the next challenger for the NXT Championship.

Prediction: Adam Cole

Ember Moon (C) vs Shayna Baszler (for the NXT Women's Championship)

Ember Moon faces her toughest test since Asuka (one she didn't overcome) as she faces former UFC fighter and MYC competitor Shayna Baszler at TakeOver.

Baszler has been on a roll since her NXT debut, almost breaking Dakota Kai's arm and attacking Aliyah. Baszler has established herself as the bully of the NXT Women's Division, and as she stated on her face-off with EMber Moon, the NXT Universe will know who she is.

Ember won the Championship at NXT TakeOver: WarGames and this will be her first proper title defence. Could we see Ember Moon dropping the title and then showing up during the Women's Royal Rumble match? Possible but I really hope that doesn't happen. Ember is a talented performer but needs a little more time in developmental so that she can head to the main-roster completely ready for the challenge ahead of her.

As far as TakeOver is concerned, I see Shayna leaving with the NXT Women's Championship.

Prediction: Shayna Baszler

Andrade 'Cien' Almas (C) vs Johnny Gargano

The story between Almas and Gargano has been building for months, starting with Vega distracting Gargano with a DIY t-shirt at NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn III. After a mini losing streak, Gargano is back with a bang, now #1 contender for the NXT Championship. Can Gargano overcome the odds to leave TakeOver with the top title in NXT?

The fan in me wishes he would but sadly I don't see that happening. Almas just won the title at the last TakeOver and I don't see him losing it this soon.

Here goes my prediction for the match: Gargano is on the cusp of winning the title when Tomasso Ciampa makes his long-awaited return to NXT and hopefully to start a long feud with Gargano.

Prediction: Almas wins after interference from Tomasso Ciampa