Here are my predictions for what will be the best PPV of the weekend.
Johnny Gargano vs Tomasso Ciampa in a Chicago Street Fight
Who I pick to win: Tomasso Ciampa
I love both these wrestlers. I was a major fan of DIY when Gargano and Ciampa were tag partners, and I was so pissed when the creative minds of NXT decided to break them up. Now that time has passed, and I see what creative had in mind, the sting of their break has lessened. Ciampa is doing some of the best heel work I’ve seen in a long time, and Gargano is playing beautifully off of Ciampa’s dastardly heel ways. I’m hoping they give fans another 5-star performance this weekend.
Aleister Black vs Lars Sullivan for the NXT Championship
Who I pick to win: Lars Sullivan
I really want Aleister Black to win, but right now they are really trying to push Sullivan as this undefeatable monster so that when he moves up to main, he can contend with the likes of Strowman, Joe, and Lesnar. It wouldn’t serve his persona to lose to Black, regardless of how badass Aleister is in the ring. I honestly hope that I’m wrong.
Shayna Bazzler vs Nikki Cross for the NXT Women’s Championship
Who I pick to win: I really don’t know
This really was a coin toss for me. I may be overthinking it, but I am of two minds on this match. If Shayna wins, then hopefully Nikki Cross will be moving up to Smackdown with the rest of Sanity, and that’s why they haven’t been on TV yet. If Cross wins, then either Shayna is moving up to be a surprising foil for the Jax/Rousey match, or this is the start of a really good feud for Bazzler and Cross. I can’t decide, and that is what’s good about NXT.
Undisputed Era vs Lorcan & Burch for the NXT Tag Team Championship
Who I think will win: Undisputed Era
I really like both tag teams in this match, but the Undisputed Era has really been on a tear in NXT right now, and rightly so to be honest. Lorcan & Burch are just two hard grizzled badasses in the same vein of a Suzuki. They get in the ring and just beat their opponents down with aggression, and with hits that will have your ancestors feeling the pain. This should be a stiff, hard-hitting match.
Ricochet vs. Velveteen Dream
Who I think will win: I honestly don’t know
The creative of NXT is always known for its 50/50 booking, and this match is just another shining light in that reputation. Both of these wrestlers are amazing and have the ability to put on stellar matches. I really think that this match has a chance to be the match of the night.
And there you have it. These are my picks (or lack thereof,) for Takeover: Chicago. What do you think? Let me know in comments.
