How’s it going everybody? Thomas Robinson here with the Armbar Analysis. NXT TakeOver is taking over the Full Sail University once more, with the stars of NXT having to follow up an incredible TakeOver event in August at Brooklyn, New York. I’ll be running down the card, giving my predictions on what will be an historic event for NXT. This will be historic as the women of NXT will be headlining the show, with the first ever 30 minute Iron Woman match for the NXT Women’s Championship. This will also see the finish to the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic tournament, with four teams left to fight it out. It’s going to be something special so let’s get to it.
Finn Balor and Samoa Joe vs “The Mechanics” Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic tournament semi-final
I do like the chemistry Finn Balor and Samoa Joe have with each other, which was demonstrated greatly in their quarter final match with Enzo Amore and Big Cass. I’m assuming that Balor and Joe will be the talk of the town for the finish of this tag team tournament. Therefore, I’m going with Balor and Joe to make it to the finals of the tournament.
Winners: Finn Balor and Samoa Joe
Jason Jordan and Chad Gable vs Baron Corbin and Rhyno in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic tournament semi-final
Again, I’d be shocked if Baron and Rhyno didn’t make the final either. To me, it’s been looking like we’re in for a Balor/Joe vs Corbin/Rhyno final. I have to say that I am a fan of the strategy of elevating singles stars by putting them in a tag team scenario first. Paul Heyman used to do as head writer for SmackDown! in 2002 with the famous SmackDown! Six and it’s great to see that strategy used again with this tournament.
Winners: Baron Corbin and Rhyno
Asuka vs Dana Brooke
Of course, the debuting Asuka will be the one to win this one. I haven’t seen a lot of Asuka (aka Kana) in the past so this will be a treat for me to see her in action against Dana Brooke. It’ll be interesting to see whether she’ll be thrown into the mix for the NXT Women’s Championship following TakeOver. I wonder what the plans are for NXT’s newest women’s star.
Winner: Asuka
Apollo Crews vs Tyler Breeze
Again, this match doesn’t seem to be a difficult one to figure out. Apollo Crews is the new kid on the block. I was very impressed of him when I first saw him as Uhaa Nation and he put on quite show during his debut at the last NXT TakeOver. I think Apollo Crews will pick up the win but him vs Breeze will be an intriguing match to watch.
Winner: Apollo Crews
Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic tournament final
Who will be the tag team that wins the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic? On one hand, it wouldn’t hurt Finn Balor too much if he and Joe were to lose in the final. It’s not like Finn Balor is putting the NXT Championship on the line or anything and Joe could take the pin to make sure NXT doesn’t have their champion beaten on PPV. On the other hand, it’d be strange for Balor and Joe to make it this far in the tournament if they weren’t supposed to win it. I’d go with a Dusty finish but that seems way too obvious! I think this tournament was made for Balor and Joe to end up winning the whole thing and here’s why. Reportedly, the plans for WWE are to have this tag team lead into Balor vs Joe for the NXT Championship. To me, it wouldn’t seen right to promote that match by having the tag team eventually lose in the final. I think what will happen is that Balor and Joe will pick up the win and then something happens which plants the seeds for their title match at NXT TakeOver: London. I don’t think Samoa Joe will turn heel, although it might help the storyline along if he did. I think he might just lay out Balor after the match and hold up the belt. I think it’s more likely that they’ll begin the build for Balor vs Joe at this TakeOver special event rather than just another episode of NXT. One thing I believe is that the roads to London for Balor and Joe will begin with a win in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic.
Winners: Finn Balor and Samoa Joe
Bayley vs Sasha Banks in a 30 minute Iron Woman match for the NXT Women’s Championship
I personally believe we’re in store for quite possibly the best women’s match the WWE will ever put on. That’s a big claim to make as the pressure is on for these women to be able to pull off a 30 minute classic. However, both Sasha and Bayley have put on some incredible performances in NXT for the past year. Sasha’s not had a lot of chances to make an impact on the main roster yet, with her stable Team B.A.D. playing third-fiddle to Team PCB and Team Bella. However, this is a great opportunity for her to show WWE just how much of a boss she really is. Her and Bayley have the chance to really show the WWE universe what’s up with their work at Full Sail University.
There’s no doubt in my mind that Bayley will retain the title, ending Sasha Banks’ time at NXT. However, there’s no question that Sasha will want to end her stint at NXT with a bang.
Winner: Bayley
Anyway, I hope you all enjoyed this prediction piece. What do you think will happen at NXT TakeOver? Who’s winning the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic? Which woman will prove to be the ultimate Iron Woman of NXT? Leave a comment below or tweet @SLTDWrestling with your thoughts on the NXT special in Florida.
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