NXT TakeOver: Portland is finally here!
Not surprisingly, the pay-per-view looks amazing and the show should be a great night of storytelling and wrestling. Let’s get into our predictions for NXT TakeOver: Portland. Remember, these are just my opinions on what
could happen. These are not spoilers, so there’s no need to smash your computer against the wall if there’s a prediction you don’t like.
NXT Championship Match: Adam Cole vs. Tommaso Ciampa
This should be a fantastic match. However, the question is, what happens after the dust settles between Cole and Ciampa? There’s really nothing else the current NXT Champion could do in the main event scene. Cole has beaten most of the top faces on the brand except Keith Lee and Velveteen Dream.
Another interesting scenario could be that the Undisputed Era turns on Roderick Strong and the former North American Champion faces Cole at TakeOver in Tampa. There were strong teases that the faction could split up last year, and if Cole, O'Reilly & Fish retain their titles, maybe Cole will kick Strong out of the group because he isn’t a champion.
There’s been no friction between the members lately so I don’t expect it to happen; however, NXT does have a lot of time between now and WrestleMania to re-introduce the tension and eventually break-up Era and Strong. I’m predicting Cole vs. Velveteen Dream for the NXT Championship in Tampa, though.
Ciampa winning is actually a strong possiblity if officials don’t believe that Cole vs. Dream is the next match to make, as there are more possibilities and fresh match-ups with the former NXT Champion. Tommaso Ciampa vs. Finn Balor for the NXT Championship? I can see that happening should Balor beat Gargano. However, Cole gets my vote for the win here.
Winner: Adam Cole
NXT Women’s Championship Match: Rhea Ripley vs. Bianca Belair
I’m not even going to waste much time here as Rhea Ripley vs. Charlotte Flair is happening. Sure, NXT can swerve us by having Belair win the title. If that happens, then Ripley will get the belt back by WrestleMania because, again, Ripley/Flair IS happening.
Therefore, giving Belair the title here makes no sense, so the easy pick is Rhea Ripley. This should an interesting match. Neither are very experienced in the ring, but I can see these ladies putting out a good match. However, the result will never be in question.
Winner: Rhea Ripley
NXT North American Championship Match: Keith Lee vs. Dominik Dijakovic
It’s too early for Lee to drop the title. This should be a great match between the two heavyweights; however, if Lee lost the championship then he will lose some of the nice momentum that he’s been building up.
Granted, it’s possible that Lee vs. Adam Cole for the NXT Championship is the next step, so officials may believe that Lee needs to lose the belt. I can see Roderick Strong playing a factor into the finish with Dijakovic oblivious.
Hell, I can see the swerve of Dijakovic being revealed as a new member of the Undisputed Era. The faction does need a big man in the group and Dijakovic is a former Ring of Honor star. I don’t particularly see this route happening though, so Keith Lee will retain; however, his match in Tampa remains a mystery at the moment.
Winner: Keith Lee
NXT Tag Team Championship Match: Bobby Fish and Kyle O’Reilly vs. Matt Riddle and Pete Dunne
There’s not much else for Fish and O’Reilly to do in the tag division. My dream scenario would see the Revival come back home to NXT and instantly challenge the duo for the straps in Tampa. However, I just don’t see that happening.
Officials seem behind the odd ball pairing of Riddle and Dunne, so I see the titles changing hands. Eventually, Riddle vs. Dunne will happen, with the latter most likely turning heel. However, I do feel that having a run with the belts will help build to that eventual feud. The audience will get to connect with the duo as a team more, giving the turn more impact when it happens.
Of course, Riddle could be the man who turns heel here, but Dunne was a fantastic heel and I think that role would suite him better. This should be another great match and could be the show stealer.
Winner: Matt Riddle and Pete Dunne
Finn Balor vs. Johnny Gargano
Finn Balor takes this one. Gargano doesn’t need the win and Balor is still new in his heel run. NXT seems to be teasing Tyler Bate vs. Finn Balor down the road (which should be awesome); however, I wouldn’t be surprised if Balor vs. Ciampa (without any titles) happens in Tampa.
With how intense this feud has become; this match could end via Disqualification or countout. The rematch in Tampa could be a Last Man Standing or Falls Count Anywhere stipulation. I’m not too confident in the other two scenarios because that leaves Johnny Gargano without a big opponent during WrestleMania weekend.
To me, there isn’t an obvious next step for Gargano as he’s won every title on the brand and there’s no need to have another Cole or Ciampa/Gargano NXT title match. I’m going to go with a Disqualification or Countout finish here.
Winner: DQ win or Countout finish that sets up a rematch at TakeOver: Tampa.
Street Fight: Dakota Kai vs. Tegan Nox
If Dakota Kai loses to Nox again then it instantly makes her heel turn pointless. Kai’s new character needs to be put over so the win should go to her here.
It’s very possible that Dakota Kai vs. Rhea Ripley for the NXT Women’s Championship is booked for TakeOver: Tampa. While the conclusion of the match will never be in question, Kai is the obvious next step as Ripley’s next challenger due to their history.
Also, it’s really the only women’s match I can see taking place at TakeOver: Tampa. Granted, there’s still some time left for NXT to build up a non-title women’s feud, but I’m more confident in Kai vs. Ripley.
Winner: Dakota Kai
That’s it! Thanks for reading and if you have any predictions of your own then put them below in the comments section.