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NXT TakeOver: Phoenix (2019) Predictions




NXT TakeOver events have come at a rapid place over the past couple years, and this one in particular seemed to be lost in the shuffle just about a month ago. But the last couple weeks have done some work to help build to the big event (especially the way NXT ended this past week). And let's be honest with ourselves: It's NXT. They bring it on these shows almost every time and end up overshadowing whatever the main roster does most weekends.

So, without further ado, here are my predictions for the 5 matches on this card:

1) Matt Riddle vs. Kassius Ohno

If you would have asked me about this 4 weeks ago, I would have responded with an easy "Riddle. Next." But they've done enough with Kassius Ohno to make me wonder a little bit. I can see Ohno getting a win over Riddle and pushing this feud on into NXT TakeOver Brooklyn for WrestleMania Weekend. On the other hand, do you really want to hand Matt Riddle his first loss already? Keith Lee hasn't exactly put NXT on fire since losing a couple matches lately. I don't want to see Riddle go through the same thing. And despite how well Ohno has been booked lately, I still think Riddle is the better long-term option.

Prediction: Matt Riddle

2) NXT Women's Championship
Shayna Baszler (c) vs. Bianca Belair

I hope you have enjoyed hearing Bianca Belair say "un-de-fea-ted." Because I'm predicting that it comes to an end here at NXT TakeOver: Phoenix. As I wrote in an earlier review, I don't see Belair as being ready to be NXT Women's Champion at this time. I think Baszler showed her up in the promo from a couple weeks ago. Belair could get a rematch in Brooklyn to win the championship, but I don't see her winning it here. And I don't see a DQ finish either. Baszler and The Horsewomen are likely heading to WWE's main roster after WrestleMania. But I don't see her dropping the title until she's on her way out. So, I hope Bianca Belair can come up with a better catchphrase than "un-de-fea-ted."

Prediction: Shayna Baszler

3) NXT Tag Team Championships
Kyle O'Reilly and Roderick Strong (c) vs. War Raiders

I do not see The Undisputed Era walking out of NXT TakeOver with the Tag Team Championships. With the production value put into the big promo a couple weeks ago for War Raiders, I think the Raiders will get the championships here. Now, the big question I have is "How long will they hold onto those championships?" I still believe The Undisputed Era will hold all the gold by the end of 2019 and have yet to see their greatest height. But the War Raiders need a big victory on their resume as a team (in NXT), and this is the opportunity to get one.

Prediction: War Raiders


4) NXT North American Championship
Ricochet (c) vs. Johnny Gargano

It's time. Johnny Gargano finally has to win a championship, right? That's where I'm at when I look at this match. Ricochet hasn't lost a lot of matches since coming to the NXT roster, and his NXT career has been fruitful. A loss for him won't mean much, and he can always regain the championship or go after the NXT Championship. I'm going with Johnny Wrestling on this one.

Prediction: Johnny Gargano


5) NXT Championship
Tommaso Ciampa (c) vs. Aleister Black

The reign of Ciampa will likely continue until at least Brooklyn. Black is someone I see making a debut on WWE's main roster after WrestleMania (as could Ciampa and/or Gargano). Plus, you have to throw in the Johnny Gargano factor. Will Gargano help Ciampa retain the title? Or will Gargano attack Ciampa after all this tension, being unwilling or unable to forgive the past? Could we be getting Ciampa-Gargano IV in a "Loser-Leaves-NXT" match?

But forgetting all that, Goldie isn't leaving The Champ's loving arms quite yet.

Prediction: Ciampa


This should be another quality NXT TakeOver. Each match has the ability to over-deliver and validate every dollar that live audience spends (as well as our $9.99 WWE Network subscriptions).

Be sure to check unwrest.blogspot.com later for the TakeOver review, as well as the Royal Rumble review!

Until next time, take care of yourselves. Spread some awesomeness!

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