WWE NXT TakeOver: Orlando Match Card and Predictions

Let’s face it, pretty much everyone these days prefers an NXT PPV to a WWE one. We cling on these shows to deliver the goods, so we at least have some kind of buffer when a WWE show fails to deliver.

So let’s not kid ourselves – is anyone really expecting Wrestlemania 33 to be one of the great Wrestlemanias? If the chatter online is to be heralded above all else, then, well, no. No we are not. And as of this writing*, none of the likes of Sami Zayn, Dolph Ziggler, Luke Harper or even recent NXT alumni Samoa Joe are booked for WM33, with only a week to go.

As such, we turn our hopes to the upcoming NXT Takeover: Orlando, taking place on the eve of Mania itself, to be our saving grace. My hopes and spirits are high.

With that being said, I’m going to take a look at Takeover, and offer my thoughts and predictions on how this night will go down.

 

Andre ‘Cien’ Almas vs Aleister Black

This match marks the official NXT debut for Aleister Black to our screens, not counting his impromptu match with Neville at the WWE UK Tournament. As one of NXT’s most notable recent signings, the former Tommy End will be no stranger to wrestling fans in the UK and Europe, where he operated primarily, along with notable appearances for US promotions such as PWG and EVOLVE.

Anyone who has seen Black/End before knows exactly what kind of force he is, with a background in kickboxing and martial arts, his offense is a unique mix of lethal kicks and strikes – all of which hurt. A lot.

This is Black’s introduction to the NXT universe, and I can’t see him taking a loss here, also considering they’ve been airing his vignettes for a few weeks now. Besides, NXT never seems exactly certain of what they want to do with Almas, other than have him compete in ultimately empty feuds to eat up TV time.

Whilst this match was more or less randomly thrown together, I’m calling a victory for the Anti-Hero at Takeover.

Prediction: Aleister Black

 

Triple-Threat Elimination NXT Tag Team Championship Match

The Authors of Pain (c) vs DIY vs The Revival

DIY and The Revival had two of the best matches not just in NXT or WWE but all of wrestling at previous Takeover events in Brooklyn and Toronto. It’s The Authors of Pain who have been the monsters of the tag division, though.

Whilst I’m not AOP’s biggest fan, it’s hard to rule them out of retaining the titles here. If DIY or Revival want a chance, then both teams are going to have put aside their differences to work together and take these beasts down.

Part of me suspects DIY may be eliminated first here, and the reason I say this is because I often feel that it’s only a matter of time until Tommaso Ciampa turns on partner Johnny Gargano. Seeds were planted a while ago (with Gargano beating Ciampa in the CWC, and then Gargano taking the pinfall against The Revival at Takeover Brooklyn) and a loss here could be enough to drive Ciampa over the edge. I love DIY though, so do hope I am wrong here.

I think Revival will take the final pin, seeing AOP retain, so the Orlando crowd can send the team off with a mighty ovation (as it is strongly rumoured they will be getting a main roster call up post-Mania).

Prediction: Authors of Pain

 

NXT Women’s Championship Match

Asuka (c) vs Ember Moon

Asuka has been keeping the women’s division in NXT afloat, ever since the likes of Bayley (and the other Horsewomen) were called up. As it stands, the division has still been finding its feet and building up their new roster with the likes of Liv Morgan, Peyton Royce, Billie Kay, and indeed, Ember Moon.

However, none are yet close to the dominance and established character of The Empress of Tomorrow, so I don’t see her dropping the title here. Not to mention, her undefeated streak rivals that of Goldberg, so I doubt WWE would want to see that end any time soon.

I feel Ember Moon will offer one of Asuka’s strongest challenges yet, she’s the closest to Asuka’s level yet, and this will be a closely fought battle, but ultimately the experience of the champion will see her stay on top of the NXT women’s mountain.

If I were to guess, if anyone were to take the title from Asuka, it would be Nikki Cross, but that’s another discussion for another time.

If by some chance Asuka does lose here, don’t be surprised if she shows up during the Smackdown Women’s Championship match at Wrestlemania.

Prediction: Asuka

 

NXT Championship Match

Bobby Roode (c) vs Shinsuke Nakamura

Along with what is certain to be a GLORIOUS entrance from the NXT Champion, I see Bobby Roode retaining in glorious fashion in the main event.

As a two-time champ, there’s not much left for The King of Strong Style to accomplish in NXT, and as with The Revival, all the talk indicates that Nakamura will be making his Raw or Smackdown debut on either of their post-Mania episodes.

If Roode is to win here, the hopefully there is none of the ‘injury’ business that took away from their last bout at Takeover: San Antonio, and the Glorious one wins clean here. A no-BS victory will really cement his standing as NXT’s top guy.

Whilst it would be a massive blow for NXT to lose Nakamura, and potential matches with Kassius Ohno, Aleister Black and Eric Young (all of which Roode can feud with next) in the process, I would just as much love to see Nakamura take on the likes of AJ Styles, Kevin Owens and Seth Rollins. All of which of definite dream matches.

Prediction: Bobby Roode

 

Other Predictions

With only four matches announced as of this writing, there are many other big NXT names noticeable absent. Based on what we have seen recently on NXT TV, I would not be surprised to see Sanity on the card.

 

Sanity vs Tye Dillinger, No Way Jose, Roderick Strong and Ruby Riot

Whilst we have seen various incarnations of this match, the inclusion of the latest NXT female wrestler Ruby Riot (formerly Heidi Lovelace) keeps this on-going feud fresh and interesting, and will introduce Riot to the NXT audience (hopefully giving her a high up spot in the women’s pecking order, by establishing her against NXT top-heel stable)

This match gets fan-favourites like Tye Dillinger and No Way Jose on the card, whilst keeping the ever-impressive Roderick Strong relevant.

Prediction: Tye Dillinger, No Way Jose, Roderick Strong and Ruby Riot.

I am also keen to see if and/or how Kassius Ohno may fit in to proceedings here, as one of NXT’s top new babyfaces. And that’s not to mention whether or not Hideo Itami will return too. He’s been causing a stir at recent NXT live events, showing up and GTS-ing whoever he feels like.

It would also be an awesome opportunity to utilise the WWE UK talent (who will be in Orlando for Wrestlemania week and wrestling at some of the WWE events across the week also).

*A couple of these names have since been added to the WM card