NXT Takeover: Phoenix Preview

Ah yes, another Takeover and another event that has been immaculately built. Even the match that is going to get the event started presumably could steal the show. I imagine some of these acts may be going into their final Takeover if we're being real as I would expect some of these acts to get called up after Wrestlemania. So that is going to affect how I, your trusted prognosticator will prognosticate! Without further adu, my picks.


Kassius Ohno VS Matt Riddle
Matt Riddle has no reason being as beloved as he is. He should be this hated pretty bro, but he comes across with this sincerity that makes me believe that the Matt Riddle who leads the "bro" chants is the same Riddle you get on his days off.

That has to drive Kassius Ohno insane. He's the perfect feud for the bro, he's possibly one of the greatest indy wrestlers ever and has a wrestling credibility that can't be denied. That said there is no doubt that Riddle is going to go over here as there have to be huge plans in the works for him.
Winner: Matt Riddle

Johnny Gargano VS Ricochet (North American Championship)
The puppet Gargano after being directed towards Ricochet has him firmly in his sights. This whole self delusional heel thing he is doing is really working for me. Like he still sees himself as the conquering hero when in reality he's just a scumbag now, driven insane by Ciampa.

While the Ricochet feud doesn't have much build, he can have a high quality match with well anyone. I think matches with this short of a build will have the champ retain.
Winner: Ricochet

The War Raiders VS The Undisputed Era (NXT Tag Team Championship)
I could see this one going either way. There is enough of a history here with the Raiders to justify having a title bout and they have been booked as strong as you possibly can so they are formidable.

What a dick.

The Era will probably have to use their speed and ability to exploit a moment's weakness to win this one although I wouldn't be surprised if the Infamous one himself Bobby Fish got involved and caused either a DQ finish or a less than clean win, keeping the feud going and the War Raiders strong.Winners: Undisputed Era

Bianca Belair VS Shayna Bayzler (NXT Women's Championship)
Now this match intrigues me. Bianca Belair is undefeated but clearly has been going against a lower caliber of opponent than Bayzler has.

Bayzler now has her two cronies who will no doubt be lurking. There is absolutely no doubt the bigger feud would be either Kairi Sane or Io Shirai for the NXT title. However, the way my stanning is set up, I will not be betting against Binky Belair.
Winner: Bianca Belair

Aleister Black VS Tommaso Ciampa (NXT Championship)
The era of Tommy Entertainment has been just that, entertaining. His run as a heel has just been masterful. And his constant puppeteerring of the man formerly known as Johnny Wrestling is going to ensure that he has someone potentially watching his back. His run as a heel has also given Aleister Black the foe he needed to take his character to the next level and not just occultist who shows up to kick people in the face.

Gotta keep your head on swivel.

He has been able to show off how he is a pretty good promo and uses just enough of the black magic feel he has to not come across as corny. As much as I love Black, I think the money is in Ciampa retaining and possibly reigniting a feud with Velveteen Dream maybe perhaps?
Winner: Ciampa

Well there you have it, my humble predictions for the next Takeover. As usual I will say they are probably wrong but either way you know they are going to tear the damn house down.