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The WWE main roster took center stage last month when they presented their penultimate pay-per-view of the year. Now, it's time for NXT to shine. This weekend, NXT TakeOver: WarGames will emanate from the Capitol Wrestling Center. The show will feature two huge WarGames matches as the men and women of the black-and-gold brand look to end 2020 on a strong note.
In the past, NXT Takeover: War Games has been an event that is ripe with betrayals. Just last year, Dakota Kai turned her back on Tegan Nox and almost cost Rhea Ripley's team the victory. Luckily, "The Nightmare" persevered and reigned supreme in the first-ever women's WarGames match.
Likewise, on Sunday, eight men and eight women will step inside the dangerous structure, and there is plenty of room for controversy.
It's also worth noting that the structure isn't the only place where betrayals can happen. Everyone in NXT has reason to look over their shoulders this time of year.
#5. Candice LeRae accidentally costs Johnny Gargano the NXT North American Championship
Candice LeRae is part of the women's WarGames match, which could be the main event of the night. Meanwhile, Johnny Gargano will face Leon Ruff and Damien Priest with the NXT North American Championship on the line. Here, Gargano could call on the services of his wife.
There aren't disqualifications in a Triple Threat match, so there's room for plenty of shenanigans. As a result, LeRae could come to the ring to help her husband. Gargano has tried everything to help his wife win the NXT Women's Championship in recent months. He has been unable to finish the job, though.
Still, LeRae has every reason to return the favor and help her husband. She could help him regain the title, but this interference could go wrong, too. LeRae could accidentally cost him the match and continue the duo's lack of gold.
#4. Velveteen Dream makes his NXT return
Velveteen Dream has been seen as one NXT's brightest stars throughout his career. He is a former NXT North American Champion. Dream has also challenged for the NXT Championship. But recently, he has been surrounded by controversy.
The former NXT North American Champion hasn't been seen on NXT TV since November 4th. There, he was defeated in his main event match against Tommaso Ciampa.
After a month on the sidelines and some time for the WWE Universe, the star could make his return to NXT this weekend. This absence could help alleviate the negative buzz that has plagued Dream for months.
Ciampa is wrestling Timothy Thatcher in a match that is all about bragging rights. If Dream is looking to make an impact, then targeting Ciampa could add some emphasis to his return.
Ciampa is a superstar who has made a career out of betrayals himself. He could get a taste of his own medicine at NXT TakeOver: WarGames. Dream could target the former NXT Champion in order to take the spotlight back.
#3. Ember Moon turns on Team Shotzi inside NXT War Games
Ember Moon is a main roster star who has decided to return to NXT. "The War Goddess" is a former NXT Women's Champion, and she came back to the black-and-gold brand to recapture the title.
This weekend, she will be in the ring with NXT Women's Champion, Io Shirai. It's fair to wonder whether Moon wants to send a message to the champion. Currently, Shirai doesn't have a clear challenger for her next title defense. If she gets pinned at NXT TakeOver: WarGames, she could quickly have a new threat on her hands.
Moon certainly deserves a shot at the NXT Women's Championship. The fact that she's on the same team as the champion shouldn't be a reason for her to hold back. Moon has been a heel in the past, and she could return to this persona. Other members of Team Shotzi could turn heel,, too. But Moon is worth watching on Sunday night because she has every reason to target Shirai.
The potential for betrayals on Team Shotzi is the reason Candice LeRae's group currently has the edge.
#2. Pete Dunne turns on Team McAfee at NXT War Games
Pete Dunne was part of the first-ever United Kingdom Championship Tournament back in 2017. Back then, he made it clear that he would do anything it takes to get to the top. Dunne then enjoyed a lengthy run as the NXT UK Champion. During his reign, he proved that he is better off when he works alone.
Dunne has been overlooked on NXT for a few years, though he always puts on remarkable matches. When he returned to NXT, Dunne was a shocking addition to Pat McAfee's team. Many fans wondered why Dunne aligned with McAfee. It's hard to argue that he's doing it for the money because he's "The Bruiserweight."
Something about Dunne's alliance with McAfee doesn't feel natural. When the gloves come off inside the WarGames structure, Dunne could show his fighting spirit. After all, he has been inside the cage in the past, which sets him apart from his teammates.
Perhaps the former NXT UK Champion has an ulterior motive for being involved in this feud at NXT WarGames. His feelings could become clear on Sunday night. The lights will be on bright, so it's the perfect opportunity to stab McAfee in the back.
#1. Rhea Ripley could turn on her team at NXT War Games
Rhea Ripley was once the stand-out star on NXT. Earlier this year, she became the first woman to defend her NXT Championship at WWE WrestleMania. Since her loss at the biggest event of the year, Ripley hasn't been on the same level in NXT. Now, she's teaming with the NXT Women's Champion rather than facing her.
Ripley recently revealed that she believed that she was moving up to the main roster in October. But the former champion has remained on NXT, and it seems like she has lost a lot of confidence. It could be time for Ripley to begin a new chapter in her run on NXT.
Ripley worked well as a heel earlier in her career. So she could revert to that persona this weekend in her second WarGames match. "The Nightmare" has a chance to make a meaningful impact on Sunday night. It's hard to believe that she cares about the issues between Shotzi Blackheart and Candice LeRae. Instead, she might be invested in this match for a different reason.
As with Ember Moon, Ripley could opt to betray the NXT Women's Champion, Io Shirai. Turning heel in such a shocking way would probably put Ripley back at the forefront of NXT's women's division.
