NXT TakeOver: Phoenix is coming to you live out of the Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona, this Saturday, January 26th, on the WWE Network. We’ve got the match card, as well as our predictions and overall thoughts on the show for you to check out below. Let us know what you think is going to happen during TakeOver Phoenix by tweeting us, @TheRumbleRamble.
Matt Riddle vs. Kassius Ohno
This one feels pretty easy to predict. Matt Riddle recently debuted, and of course immediately entered into a feud with the gatekeeper of NXT, Kassius Ohno.
Riddle has to prove himself against Ohno before he can move on to bigger things, such as the North American Championship, or maybe even the top prize: the NXT Championship.
Winner: Matt Riddle
Ricochet (c) vs. Johnny Gargano
NXT North American Championship Match
At the behest of his former best friend turned bitter rival turned villainous mentor (Ciampa and Gargano have a complicated relationship, okay), Johnny Gargano challenged Ricochet for his North American Championship.
Given the track record of these two, this match is going to be insane. Like five-star potential, insane. Ricochet isn’t going to let his championship go easily, but we think it’s high time Johnny Gargano is rewarded for all of his hard work – in the form of the NXT’s newest championship.
Winner: Johnny Gargano
Undisputed Era (c) vs. War Raiders
NXT Tag Team Championship Match
There isn’t a single doubt in our minds that War Raiders will give Undisputed Era the fight of their lives and come close to winning the championships, but let’s not forget the other two members of Undisputed who just happen to be free Saturday night.
Adam Cole and his crew kicked off the year by announcing to everyone that they will rule NXT in 2019, bringing all the titles the yellow brand has to offer (minus the women’s championship) to the Era. Defeating Hanson and Rowe will be the first step of their NXT takeover.
Winner: Undisputed Era
Shayna Baszler (c) vs. Bianca Belair
NXT Women’s Championship Match
Shayna Baszler has had an excellent run as NXT Women’s Champion, and although her reign is most likely winding down, it’s not time for a “good guy” to take the top spot quite yet.
Bianca Belair is exceptionally talented – there is truly no limit to how far she can go, but we think the dethroning of the Queen of Spades is a moment that should be reserved for Io Shirai at the TakeOver before WrestleMania.
Winner: Shayna Baszler
Tommaso Ciampa (c) vs. Aleister Black
NXT Championship Match
Aleister Black has been at the top of NXT since debuting; he’s feuded with basically everyone, had incredible matches with everyone, and although we love his position as NXT’s Prince of Darkness, we would also love to see him as a surprise entrant in the Royal Rumble, then stick around to become a staple on the main roster after.
Tommaso Ciampa will continue his run as NXT Champion, possibly joining forces with the new North American Champion, Johnny Gargano, sometime in the near future.
Winner: Tommaso Ciampa
What do you think is going to happen at NXT TakeOver: Phoenix? Let us know on Twitter, @TheRumbleRamble.
