'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
NXT TakeOver: WarGames will take place this weekend. The event is a popular one on the NXT calendar, and it often has many shocking moments. Last year's show was impressive for several reasons. An unexpected heel turn from Dakota Kai remains one of the event's most surprising developments. Despite Kai's betrayal, Team Ripley still defeated Team Baszler in a match that stole the show.
In 2019, fans also saw Team Ciampa take on The Undisputed Era. Former WWE Universal Champion Kevin Owens appeared as the mystery member of the babyface team. (The group also included Keith Lee, Dominik Dijakovic, and Tommaso Ciampa.) With Owens' help, Team Ciampa walked away victorious in a thrilling match.
2019's NXT TakeOver: WarGames gave fans some jaw-dropping moments, like Kai's stunning heel turn. There could be a similar a heel or face turn this weekend. A significant alignment change could help NXT enter 2021 on a compelling note. Here's a look at some stars who could switch sides on Sunday.
#5 Raquel Gonzalez could betray Team Candice at NXT TakeOver: WarGames
Since her alignment with Dakota Kai, Raquel Gonzalez has risen to the top of the ranks in NXT. She has quickly turned into a true monster heel. Recently, fans were thoroughly impressed when they saw Gonzalez battle Rhea Ripley. In real life, Ripley and Gonzalez are actually close friends. On multiple occasions, Ripley has requested to work with Gonzalez.
The pair have been rivals for quite some time. But WWE could make use of their real-life friendship in an NXT storyline. Gonzalez could turn on Team Candice on Sunday, turning face in the process. The in-ring chemistry that Ripley and Gonzalez displayed during their feud stood out to many NXT fans. They could wind up as the new power team in NXT.
#4 Damian Priest
Recently, former NXT North American Champion Damian Priest has helped the new champion, Leon Ruff. The pair have aligned against Johnny Gargano, who won the belt from Priest at NXT Halloween Havoc. Ruff went on to take the title from Gargano.
Fans of NXT have seen some moments that have teased the tensions between Priest and Ruff. For example, Priest didn't seem impressed during their tag team match against Raul Mendoza and Santos Escobar. In the end, Ruff surprisingly tagged himself in to score the pin after Priest mowed down their opponents.
Priest and Ruff will face off this weekend, and Johnny Gargano will also be in the mix. The trio will battle it out over the WWE NXT North American Championship. Fans may see Priest turn on Ruff on Sunday. In doing so, he could snatch the title back for himself. He could also become Gargano's newest ally.
Damien Priest has already proven that he's a strong, versatile performer. A heel turn could naturally lead to a feud with Leon Ruff over the NXT North American Championship.
#3 Bobby Fish
Bobby Fish has been with NXT for just over three years now. Throughout those three years, Fish has been aligned with The Undisputed Era, alongside Adam Cole, Kyle O'Reilly and Roderick Strong.
A rift in The Undisputed Era could lead to the group's demise. This progression has been rumored in recent months. The group was originally heel stars, but they have gradually turned face this year. Cole's feud with Pat McAfee has accelerated this change.
Fish could be a great choice if WWE turns a member of the group . The two stars rumored to turn against the rest of the faction are Fish and Strong. An Undisputed Era split could take NXT in several directions. Either one of this duo could become singles stars away from the group. They could also start their own faction. It's also possible that they will join McAfee's stable.
Putting the members of The Undisputed Era against one another in a huge rivalry might be a dynamic way to usher in a new chapter for the group. Fish turning heel against the other members of team could go down as one of the biggest turns of the year.
#2 Rhea Ripley
Rhea Ripley has been one of the biggest names in NXT since last November. She originally portrayed a heel when she came to NXT. But she turned face through her storyline with Shayna Baszler. Ripley then became a fan-favorite when she led both the NXT Survivor Series Team and the face team at last year's WarGames.
Ripley was successful in dethroning Baszler, but she later later lost the title to Charlotte Flair at WWE WrestleMania 36.
Ripley has stayed in her babyface persona for over a year now in NXT. But that run could end on Sunday. This year, Ripley is part of Shotzi Blackheart's team of faces. Still, she could turn on her teammates and return to her villainous roots.
Ripley recently lost a shot at the NXT Women's Champion, Io Shirai. Although Ripley seemed gracious in her defeat, she could be harboring negative feelings towards Shirai. This conflict could erupt at NXT TakeOver: WarGames.
"The Nightmare" is due for something meaningful, and a heel turn at WarGames could be just what the doctor ordered.
#1 Roderick Strong could stab the Undisputed Era in the back at NXT TakeOver: WarGames
A possible split of The Undisputed Era remains a hot topic in NXT. This weekend's show could be the perfect time to do so.
Roderick Strong once famously betrayed his former tag team partner, Pete Dunne. Back then, Strong helped The Undisputed Era earn a crucial victory, and he then joined the group.
Strong has been a member of The Undisputed Era ever since. For a long time, the faction was the top heel force in NXT. But the group gradually turned face because they are so beloved by the fans.
Turning Roderick Strong heel would be a great way to create conflict in the popular stable. It could also help establish Strong as a singles star. Joining forces with Pat McAfee's crew is an option, too.
There's a fairly good chance that Strong will once again turn heel again this weekend. The storyline between The Undisputed Era and Pat McAfee's group has been one of NXT's best. A Strong heel turn would only add even more excitement to it.
