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

#1 Io Shirai and Raquel Gonzalez will close the first night of NXT TakeOver: Stand & Deliver

Io Shirai vs. Raquel Gonzalez

Will Io Shirai regret walking up to Raquel Gonzalez and challenging her to a match at NXT TakeOver: Stand & Deliver? Shirai has been one of the best NXT Women's titleholders in NXT history, and she can add to that legacy by beating Gonzalez.

.@shirai_io didn't hold her own as #WWENXT #WomensChampion by playing it 𝙨𝙖𝙛𝙚. 😈 Don't miss @shirai_io & @RaquelWWE collide over the NXT #WomensTitle in the MAIN EVENT of next Wednesday's Night 1 #NXTTakeOver: Stand & Deliver! pic.twitter.com/S3me4CpK3M

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) April 1, 2021

Gonzalez has been slowly groomed as one of the future stars leading up to NXT TakeOver: Stand & Deliver. She was initially paired with Dakota Kai to learn the ropes from a trusted veteran. During the partnership, she's been featured as an imposing threat to anyone in the NXT Women's division.

Kai and Gonzalez even won the first-ever Women's Dusty Classic. That led to them being crowned the inaugural NXT Women's Tag Team Champions. The reign was short-lived, however, as they lost the titles to Ember Moon and Shotzi Blackheart in their first defense.

That quick title switch was done so that Gonzalez could challenge Shirai for the title at NXT TakeOver: Stand & Deliver. The two have been circling each other for months, dating all the way back to WarGames. Gonzalez pinned Shirai to win that match for her team. This title shot is a byproduct of that pin.

Since she was pinned by Big Mami, Shirai decided to challenge Gonzalez instead of waiting for the other shoe to drop.

3 days left...😈#WWENXT #WomensTitle #NXTTakeOver : Stand & Deliver pic.twitter.com/TrYcIGf4n9

— 紫雷イオ、Io Shirai (@shirai_io) April 4, 2021

Will Gonzalez be able to dethrone the impressive Shirai at NXT TakeOver: Stand & Deliver? It would make sense for a few reasons. Shirai has had a successful and lengthy reign of over 300 days dating back to last summer. She could be ready to move to the main roster as SmackDown could use several reinforcements in its women's ranks.

Will the dominance of @shirai_io continue or will we see a NEW #WWENXT Women’s Champion in @RaquelWWE at #NXTTakeOver: Stand & Deliver Night 1️⃣? pic.twitter.com/NQSGd6eoWs

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) April 4, 2021

Gonzalez will be the most imposing figure The Genius of the Sky has faced during her title reign. Shirai has had an amazing run atop of NXT during one of the toughest periods in recent memory.

It still seems like things are headed for a big title switch in the main event of Night 1 of NXT TakeOver: Stand & Deliver. Shirai has had her time atop NXT and might be ready to move up to RAW or SmackDown. Gonzalez is still learning the ropes but might be ready to do so as the new NXT Women's Champion.

It would open up new feuds for the title and give some newer recruits like Stark big opportunities. There's also the upcoming debut of Taya Valkyrie. NXT TakeOver: Stand & Deliver could be the beginning of a new era in the NXT Women's division.

Prediction - Raquel Gonzalez defeats Io Shirai to become the new NXT Women's Champion.