6 Last-minute predictions for NXT TakeOver: Stand & Deliver Night 1

#3 The Gauntlet Eliminator provides action for both nights of NXT TakeOver: Stand & Deliver

Johnny Gargano awaits the winner!

It seemed like a convoluted way to get a challenger for Johnny Gargano, but NXT TakeOver: Stand & Deliver will give several stars a spotlight. It made sense to have Kushida, and Pete Dunne eliminated because they were headed for a singles clash. Tyler Rust is a rising star but may have to wait for a title program.

Austin Theory has been better as a supporting character as a member of The Way. Jake Atlas has had a few title shots here and there. Outside of Leon Ruff, everyone involved in the Gauntlet Eliminator match fits.

Bronson Reed seems like he's ready to break out, and Swerve just needed a push and attention to stand out. While he'd make more of an impact targeting someone other than Ruff, he's still on the rise.

Cameron Grimes recently returned to NXT and is even funnier than before. Dexter Lumis has been tormenting The Way for months. LA Knight recently joined NXT, adding another big player to the mix.

Knight certainly doesn't lack confidence. He reiterated that sentiment heading into NXT TakeOver: Stand & Deliver after winning the final entrant spot in the Gauntlet Eliminator.

EXCLUSIVE: The past is the past. Let @LAKnightWWE talk to ya about his victory in tonight's #BattleRoyal on #WWENXT! pic.twitter.com/8ch2Tj0BqL

— WWE Network (@WWENetwork) April 1, 2021

Since Swerve and Ruff will start the match, it's unlikely they'll win. Swerve has already fought Gargano once before but lost. Will he get another shot at Johnny Wrestling?

Stage is set, opportunity presented, opponents have been decided.1 step closer to getting that NA Championship gold and new fronts to match it! HAHAHAHAHahahahahahswaggin😈😈😈😈😈#justdifferent pic.twitter.com/NjzESNSlP2

— Just Different (@swerveconfident) April 1, 2021

Grimes just came back, and this is his first big spotlight contest. He'd make for a funny Champion, but he probably won't win at NXT TakeOver: Stand & Deliver.

It comes down to three men. Reed makes logical sense since he is a face and can fight off the likely two-on-one attacks from Gargano and Theory on Night 2 of NXT TakeOver Stand & Deliver. Knight is the big new star to the brand but is a heel. That rules him out, even though he could be holding gold at some point in 2021.

According to the story that NXT has been telling over the last few months, it seems like Dexter Lumis will be the one to challenge Gargano on Night 2 of NXT TakeOver: Stand & Deliver. It looked like he would be facing Johnny Wrestling one-on-one, but the decision was made to have the Gauntlet Eliminator.

Lumis was also supposed to be a part of the ladder match to crown a new NXT North American Champ once Keith Lee relinquished the title last summer. He was injured and taken out of that match. For that reason, and because of the ongoing angle, Lumis will win the Gauntlet Eliminator on Night 1 of NXT TakeOver: Stand & Deliver.

Prediction - Dexter Lumis stalks Gargano on Night 2 of NXT TakeOver: Stand & Deliver.