The next WWE NXT TakeOver event takes place this week, and is the first since the historic Brooklyn show from August. This time round, the main event is a blockbuster 30 minute iron match for the Women’s Championship. The conclusion to the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic tournament as well as the debut of Asuka make this another unmissable event for NXT. Here’s how I think each match will go down at NXT Takeover: Respect.
Bayley vs Sasha Banks in a 30 minute iron-man match for the NXT Women’s Championship
[adinserter block=”1″]I have no doubt this match will be the best of the night and a contender for best of the year. The chemistry between these two ladies is breath-taking, and the emotions they draw from the crowd when they perform is rare even among the best of the best. They deserve this main event spot, and I doubt the expectation will get to them in the slightest. As for a prediction, there is only one winner. There’s no chance Bayley drops the title in this match. I’m sure they will tease it by having Sasha lead the iron man match with very little time left, but Bayley will prevail and retain the title.
Winner – Bayley wins and retains the title
Apollo Crews vs Tyler Breeze
Two men who massively need a big win, yet are facing each other. Apollo Crews needs a victory to continue his early momentum, whereas Breeze needs a victory following recent defeats at TakeOver events. The signs point to Crews getting his biggest win yet, which will be a bit of a shame for Breeze who seems really stuck going forward. Following this defeat, either Breeze goes on to get a massive victory at the next TakeOver in December, or he moves to the main roster immediately. If he doesn’t, he faces loses all momentum he’s gained with the NXT audience and risks becoming a Bo Dallas on the main roster.
Winner – Apollo Crews
Dana Brooke vs Asuka
Asuka arrives. This lady is scary and talented, and her striking ability is remarkable. Given the correct support and booking, she will go on to have special matches against the best in the company. Right now, she faces another accomplished wrestler in Dana. This match for Dana isn’t about winning or losing. This is her chance to show her ability, to show she can mix with the best and deserves the hype she’s been getting. Hopefully, she blossoms, even if it is in defeat.
[adinserter block=”2″]Winner – Asuka
The Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic semi-finals and final
The final four teams in this tournament are all interesting choices to have come this far. Firstly, I find it remarkable that a tag team tournament doesn’t have the tag team champions involved. I wouldn’t have had them win, but I would have had the Vaudevillians at least get to the semi-finals. Not only are they extremely interesting, but they are also good competitors. Secondly, no tag team really stands out as one who will definitely win. Rhyno and Baron Corbin are a makeshift team and are unlikely to go all the way. Jason Jordan and Chad Gable seem on the verge of splitting given their recent disagreements, so they don’t seem like heading for victory. Samoa Joe and Finn Balor are heading towards a battle against each other, and their fallout is likely to happen at TakeOver. And Dash Wilder and Scott Dawson don’t exactly scream out as favourites to win. It’s all a bit strange, as the better and more popular tag teams seem to have taken a step back here. I feel like Balor and Joe will win their semi-final, Chad and Gable will win theirs, and then Joe and Balor will win the tournament. Then, as they are being presented as the winners, Joe beats down Balor and begins their feud. Regardless of who wins and how they win, the end is going to be a touching moment for all involved at NXT, especially the fact that Dusty’s children, Cody Rhodes and Goldust, are going to present the award to the winners. Expect a few wet eyes around the arena.
Winners – Samoa Joe and Finn Balor
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