NXT, the developmental brand of World Wrestling Entertainment has become a powerhouse. Spun out of a semi-reality show and the previous developmental system, then known as Florida Championship Wrestling, NXT has cemented itself as one of the WWE’s top brands. In 2014, NXT presented the first of what are now quarterly live specials on the WWE Network. These specials, along with the weekly NXT show have made NXT a fertile training ground for future WWE Superstars and a platform for stars of the independent and international scene. Tonight’s special ‘NXT TakeOver: The End’ is no different and looks to be another stellar show. All 3 NXT titles will be on the line tonight along with a debut of an international superstar.
Andrade “Cien” Almas vs. Tye Dillinger
photo: CMLL
CMLL and NJPW star La Sombra will be making his NXT television debut with a new name and new look against NXT hand Tye Dillinger. Almas has been a professional wrestler since 14. He has competed against Mexican legends Mr. Aguila and Mistico, and has even gone toe to toe with Shinsuke Nakamura. Tye Dillinger has carved out a niche for himself as an enhancement talent and reasonably entertaining foil on NXT.
Prediction: Andrade gets a chance to show the NXT crowd what he is capable of and comes away with the win.
American Alpha (champions) vs. The Revival – NXT Tag Team Championship
photo: WWE
At NXT TakeOver: Dallas, the on fire team of Jason Jordan and Chad Gable captured the tag titles from a hard hitting team of Dash and Dawson. It was a culmination of a long journey for Jason Jordan, who had been struggling to find his place, having been in NXT for a number of years. Teaming with Chad Gable reinvigorated Jordan and the two went on a tear, rolling through every tag team NXT could throw at them. The Revival and their ‘No Flips, Just Fists’ mantra served them well in capturing the gold, but couldn’t hold on to them when American Alpha came calling.
Prediction: Alpha retains in a phyiscal and high impact match, expect a great show from both teams.
Asuka (champion) vs. Nia Jax – NXT Women’s Championship
photo: WWE
Kill. Asuka. Kill. Japanese superstar Asuka made her NXT debut last fall. She is undefeated. She choked out Bayley at NXT TakeOver: Dallas to capture the NXT Women’s Championship. She is a force. She will face powerhouse Nia Jax, who won a triple threat match to become the #1 contender for the title. One of the frequent criticisms of women’s wrestling is that the performers “fight like girls”. That is not going to be case in this match. This is going to be a brutal match and it just may be the match of the night.
Prediction: Asuka retains, but she is going to have to work hard for it.
Austin Aries vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
photo: WWE
The Greatest Man That Ever Lived takes on the King Of Strong Style. Both Aries and Nakamura made their NXT debuts this year, after illustrious careers in other promotions and on the international scene. This match will have showmanship, high impact, and plenty of theater. Easily a ‘Match Of The Year’ candidate if both men bring their ‘A game’, which they most definitely will.
Prediction: Knock down drag out great match, but a double DQ so both men look good coming out of it.
Samoa Joe (champion) vs. Finn Balor – NXT Championship
photo: WWE
Samoa Joe and Finn Balor have spent the better part of the last 6 months beating each other into paste and Joe was finally able to keep Balor down to claim the NXT gold at NXT TakeOver: Dallas in April. This title match will be different as it will be the first time the NXT title will be defended in a steel cage, but both men have competed in a number of cage matches in various promotions prior to their arrivals in NXT.
Prediction: Finn Balor regains the title, but he’s going to be feeling it for some time after
Please share your predictions with us in the comments or on social media @monkeys_robots, @matpdouglas, or on our Facebook page.
NXT TakeOver: The End airs Wednesday June 8 @ 8pm exclusively on the WWE Network
