This Saturday, NXT hosts arguably its biggest TakeOver event yet, NXT TakeOver: New Orleans. This card features the present and future of the developmental brand. Every championship will be defended, the NXT North American Championship is being introduced, and there is an unsanctioned match between Tommaso Ciampa and Johnny Gargano.
Tommaso Ciampa vs. Johnny Gargano – Unsanctioned Match
After losing a Tag Team Championship ladder match to the Authors of Pain, Tommaso Ciampa turned on Johnny Gargano before needed surgery on a torn ACL. After the time away, the hatred for Gargano remained and Ciampa was tired of feeling like an afterthought. He cost Gargano title opportunities, his career, and their friendship. The feud is so past its boiling point that it is an Unsanctioned Match, meaning that there are no rules.
Prediction:
Either Johnny Gargano gets his huge moment by defeating Tommaso Ciampa and getting reinstated in NXT, or Tommaso Ciampa establishes himself as one of the best heels in WWE and Gargano leaves for good (a.k.a, gets called up to the main roster). Winner: Tommaso Ciampa
The Undisputed ERA vs. The Authors of Pain vs. Roderick Strong & Pete Dunne – NXT Tag Team Championships
Thanks to Adam Cole and Kyle O’Reilly ruining the finals of the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic, this is a triple threat match. On top of winning the NXT Tag Team Championships, whoever wins this match takes home the Dusty Cup. The big question heading into this match is whether Adam Cole will compete or force Kyle O’Reilly to defend the belts by himself.
Prediction:
It seems like the Authors of Pain are long overdue for a main roster call-up and it would be really surprising for a makeshift team to capture gold. Winners, and STILL NXT Tag Team Champions: The Undisputed ERA
Ember Moon (c) vs. Shayna Baszler – NXT Women’s Championship
Even though Ember Moon retained her Women’s Championship against Shayna Baszler at TakeOver: Philadephia, Baszler is getting another opportunity. The story has not changed, except that the rivalry is now more intense than ever.
Prediction:
It is hard to imagine Shayna Baszler as the champion, but WWE really seems to be committing with the former UFC star. Winner, and NEW NXT Women’s Champion: Shayna Baszler
EC3 vs. Adam Cole vs. Lars Sullivan vs. Killian Dain vs. Velveteen Dream vs. Ricochet – NXT North American Championship
A couple weeks ago, General Manager William Regal announced the new North American Championship as a “standard-bearer” that acts similarly to the United States and Intercontinental Championships. This is the perfect opportunity to introduce some of the new signees, so while NXT mainstays of the last years are competing for the gold, EC3 and Ricochet are also making their debuts.
Prediction:
There could be a surprise win with either Ricochet or EC3 winning a title in their first match, but the most deserving should get the gold. Based on the past year of performances, no one deserves this more than the Velveteen Dream. Winner, and FIRST-EVER NXT North American Champion: Velveteen Dream
Andrade “Cien” Almas (c) vs. Aleister Black – NXT Championship
Since capturing the NXT Championship from Drew McIntyre, Andrade “Cien” Almas has gotten to another level. This confidence has led to arrogance, which in turn has seen Almas disrespecting Aleister Black. There have been some assaults and segments between Black and Zelina Vega, but outside of that, this is a standard build for an undoubtedly amazing match.
Prediction:
This is probably the hardest match to predict on the card, but a little more time with the NXT Championship could do wonders for Almas. Winner, and STILL NXT Champion: Andrade “Cien” Almas
