PREDICTIONS: NXT Takeover Philadelphia

A lot going on in Philly right now.

Technically this is already in progress, but I made these predictions two days ago and forgot to post them and Im’ avoiding all social media and news until I watch it tomorrow anyway. Takeover!


Velveteen Dream vs. Kassius Ohno

Both guys are due for a win back - Ohno lost to Lars Sullivan at the last Takeover and Dream just lost to Gargano this week. Dream’s got momentum and needs the win more, so I’m going to hope NXT does the right thing and puts himover.

Aleister Black vs. Adam Cole

This is a tough call because they both need the win. Black because winning is his character, Cole because he hasn’t won much as a singles guy, especially big matches. There’s not much story behind the match that’d lead me one way or the other, but let’s go with Aleister Black.

Ember Moon vs. Shayna Baszler (NXT Women’s Championship)

This is another really tough one. Baezler shouldn’t be taking the title off of Ember Moon three weeks after her debut, but at the same time, she’s being depicted as so dangerous that a straight loss here isn’t called for. I’m betting Moon retains but also gets seriously beat down. Likely a Baszler disqualifiction thing.

Undisputed Era vs. Authors of Pain (NxZT Tag Team Championship)

I can’t really envision another title run doing a goddamned thing for the Authors. at this point, and the Undisputed Era are new champs, so I think they need to retain somehow.

Andrade “Cien” ALmas vs. Johnny Gargano (NXT Championship)

By all accounts, Tommaso Ciampa is a couple months away from being cleared to compete. So the question is, do you put the belt on Gargano now and have Ciampa cost him it later? Because their feud won’t be over the belt because it doesn’t need to be over the belt. Or does Ciampa somehow cost him the match in Philly? I’m going to go with Gargano getting his Cinderella moment this weekend, then losing the rematch to Almas down the line thanks to Ciampa.