By Speed on the Beat (@SpeedontheBeat)
So, WWE is vying for your attention almost as much as it did during the Attitude Era. Who would've thunk that all it'd take was turning the spiritual successor to Tough Enough (pre-Tough Enough reboot[s]) into a legitimate breeding ground for up-and-coming talent--and a developmental league, if you will, for the indie legends of the world to hone their skills before facing off on the main roster? I mean, ever since NXT has began their PPV schedule, WWE's getting mainstream press. Granted, it's not "The Rock's stopping by on The Tonight Show" or anything...yet. But, we're in another wrestling boom, it'd seem. So, tonight's TakeOver: Unstoppable event is one we should watch...and closely, mainly because of its implications. These are my predictions, in no particular order.
Triple Threat Match for Number One Contendership to NXT Championship
Finn Balor versus Tyler Breeze versus Unknown Hideo Itami Replacement
The triple threat number one contender's match for the NXT Championship has been altered due to Hideo Itami's injury. Word is that Itami will still be "represented," per Triple H. So, one has to wonder. Who will represent Itami? Now, we've heard rumblings/rumors that Uhaa Nation, Samoa Joe, and others could be the "representation." I could see Uhaa, mainly because of his friendship with Finn Balor (therefore, they'd probably be able to work the match and crank out a beauty). But, whoever takes Itami's place, mark my words: if they win, they're feuding with Itami first, not the NXT Champion. And yes, I know that Itami's going to be out for months. But, still, mark my words. If I'm wrong, I'll review Bash at the Beach '98. Yep, that's how sure I am of this.
NXT Championship
Kevin Owens (C) versus Sami Zayn
I've already spoken about Owens in depth. I see a John Cena interference, furthering their feud and thus promoting Owens to the main roster. Why? Well, for starters, Cena's been treating the US Title better than he's probably treated Nikki Bella on-screen in, like, ever. So, any affront to that belt is an affront to him and will cause him to spaz out and open a can of flat Whoop-Ass on someone. That someone, tonight, will probably be Kevin Owens. That's not saying Owens is going to get leveled by Cena; it's just saying there will be outside interference. Sami Zayn will regain the NXT Championship because of this. Now, with the NXT crowd, Cena would become even more "heelish tweener clusterfuck" than he already is, mainly because the crowd loves both Owens and Zayn.
NXT Tag Team Championship
Blake and Murphy (C) versus Enzo Amore and Colin Cassady
Enzo and Collin win the NXT Tag Titles in a match that I probably couldn't care less about. I mean, both teams are good. It's just, I'm legitimately "eh" towards it.
NXT Women's Championship
Sasha Banks (C) versus Becky Lynch
Sasha is main roster-ready. That's the long and short of it. She's like A.J., but less "Let's Light It Up," more let's eff you up if you deny my bawse-ness. Simply put, there isn't a "Diva" on the main roster that can match up to her at the moment. Yes, that includes Paige. Because, while Paige has been wrestling for her whole life almost, Sasha Banks has made leaps and bounds in a shorter time to put her on a level that matches (and, in some ways, surpasses) Paige.
Rhyno versus Baron Corbin
It's sink or swim time, in some ways, for Baron (yes, again). He's lost pretty much every ounce of momentum he had upon his return in December. Rhyno, on the other hand, looks the best he has in years. I'm still unsure why Rhyno is in NXT, but I've enjoyed what I've seen so far. Rhyno wins in a match that doesn't really mean much.
Bayley and Charlotte versus Dana Brooke and Emma
Remember this time last year when Emma was doing Santino's Cobra and Bayley was, well, Bayley's just Bayley. She's perky with a booty that just don't quit. Mild sexism aside, the pairing of Bayley and Charlotte will win to give Heel Emma and Brooke their comeuppance. Plus, Charlotte needs one more match to showcase (remind?) people that she's main roster-ready. Why not get it in an easy match where she'll probably lock the Figure Four on Emma and make her tap for her ally Bayley...or something.
