Thus far, five matches are advertised for this Sunday’s pay-per-view. Let’s examine the full card below. Remember, these are just predictions as I have no inside knowledge of what’s going to happen. Let’s get started.
WarGames match: Adam Cole, Bobby Fish, Kyle O’Reilly, and Roderick Strong vs. Pat McAfee, Pete Dunne, Oney Lorcan, and Danny Burch
This is actually a tough choice. Honestly, I don’t know what the future lies for Undisputed Era. Realistically, these guys have done everything that there is to do in NXT. Cole, Fish, O’Reilly, and Strong should’ve been on the main roster by now, but it’s clear that Vince and company aren’t interested in bringing these men up to RAW or Smackdown anytime soon.
Of course, I could be wrong and Undisputed Era could make their debuts on Monday or Friday night. I just don’t see Era leaving the black-and-gold brand before the first TakeOver in 2021 though. That said, these guys need something to do in the meantime, thus a swerve could likely take place during the match.
Just like Dakota Kai turning heel and going apesh*t on Tegan Nox last year, I feel someone in UE will turn on the group and give McAfee, Dunne, Lorcan, and Burch their win. For me, it’s between O’Reilly or Strong.
There’s been teases of dissension in the past, but nothing recently that sticks out like a sore thumb. If UE isn’t going up to the main roster soon then breaking up the group is really the only way to keep these guys from being stale down in NXT. It’s not impossible for UE to win this match, but Dunne, Lorcan, and Burch need the win more than the UE, plus a turn will actually give the group an out for losing.
Winner: Pat McAfee, Pete Dunne, Oney Lorcan, and Danny Burch
Shotzi Blackheart, Ember Moon, Rhea Ripley, and Io Shirai vs. Candice LeRae, Toni Storm, Dakota Kai, and Raquel Gonzalez in a WarGames match.
I feel this match is a set-up for a new No. 1 contender. Candice LeRae and Dakota Kai won’t get that spot as both women have already failed in their quest to become champions; however, I can see a newly turned Toni Storm or Raquel Gonzalez get the big win for their team over Shirai.
I’m going to choose Storm as Gonzalez is still Kai’s heavy at the moment, though I suspect that the two will break away from each other soon. If Shirai doesn’t take the pin then Rhea Ripley will likely do so. The former NXT Women’s Champion is main roster bound very soon. Otherwise, she would’ve beaten Shirai for the belt several weeks ago.
It’s possible that the babyfaces get the win here, but the heels would gain so much more credibility if they pull off the victory.
Winner: Candice LeRae, Toni Storm, Dakota Kai, and Raquel Gonzalez
Triple Threat for the NXT North American Championship: Leon Ruff (c) vs. Johnny Gargano vs. Damian Priest
Johnny Gargano is NOT winning the NXT North American Championship (at least I hope not). I like the guy, but like the UE, he’s done everything that there is to do in NXT. That leaves Damian Priest and Leon Ruff. Here’s the thing, I still believe that Priest is main roster bound soon. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him on RAW or Smackdown by Royal Rumble.
Ruff hasn’t exactly been presented as a strong champion as he comes in the clear underdog. The match will likely end in one of two ways: 1) Leon Ruff pins Johnny Gargano to retain the NXT North American title 2) Damian Priest becomes a two-time North American Champion. A good part of me is tempted to pencil in Priest as the new champion, but I’ll stick with Ruff escaping with the title on Sunday.
Winner: Leon Ruff
Strap Match: Cameron Grimes vs. Dexter Lumis
Grimes is mainly presented as the cocky, but cowardly heel. He isn’t exactly The Miz as the NXT star does get clean wins, but when it comes to top-level guys such as Dexter Lumis, Grimes usually comes out on the losing end unless it’s a fluky win. I don’t see this feud going past Sunday, so Lumis will likely walk away victorious here.
Winner: Dexter Lumis
Tommaso Ciampa vs. Timothy Thatcher
Ciampa isn’t going up to the main roster anytime soon. Neither is Thatcher. At the moment, other feuds don’t necessarily stick out for either guy so I can see this going past Sunday. Thatcher needs a big win. Creative hasn’t done much with him following his victory over Matt Riddle in the Fight Pit match, so I’m leaning towards Thatcher finally getting another meaningful win here. It will likely be due to heel shenanigans, but Ciampa winning here will cement Thatcher as nothing more than a mid-card talent.
Winner: Timothy Thatcher
That’s it! If you have your own predictions then feel free to do yours in the comment section. Thanks for reading!