NXT Takeover WarGames II: Predicting the match card 

With NXT Takeover: Brooklyn IV now in the history books, fans will start to look ahead to the brand's final Takeover event of the year, WarGames II.

WarGames II will take place in the Staples Centre on November 17th, one night before the WWE's next 'big four' event, Survivor Series.

Last year's WarGames is considered as one of the greatest NXT Takeover events of all time and was voted as the best Takeover of 2017 in the brand's end of year awards

Given the quality we have seen from Takeovers so far in 2018, it doesn't seem like too much of a leap to suggest that this year's event could go on to be even better than its predecessor. The roster is more stacked than it has ever been, and the brand continues to churn out match of the year contenders at every event. With that in mind, let's try and predict what matches we might be seeing at this year's NXT Takeover: WarGames.

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North American Championship: Ricochet vs EC3

Ricochet has quickly become one of the biggest stars in NXT

Ricochet is quickly becoming the biggest attraction in NXT. The former NJPW star has wowed audiences with his incredible feats of athleticism and has just captured his first piece of gold in the company, defeating Adam Cole to become the second-ever North American Champion.

EC3 is one of the biggest names in NXT and would make the perfect first challenger for Ricochet in his first Takeover title defence.

While the top 1 percenter could probably do without another high profile Takeover defeat, having just lost at Brooklyn IV to Velveteen Dream, there is no doubt that Ricochet would help get the best out of him in the ring, and perhaps help push him up the card a little bit.

EC3 has not yet been able to put his heelish persona on display against an out and out babyface, and Ricochet is so adored by the NXT fanbase right now, that there is no way EC3 wouldn't be able to generate some heat going against him.

Keith Lee vs Lars Sullivan

Keith Lee has the potential to become one of the biggest stars in NXT

With all the recent NXT signings, it is going to be extremely difficult for the company to give them all the exposure they need straight away, but one man who should be a priority for the company is Keith Lee.

The former Evolve champion is one of the most impressive big men performers in the industry, and he should be given an opponent at WarGames that allows him to showcase that.

Step forward, Lars Sullivan. Since losing to Aleister Black at Takeover: Chicago, Sullivan has done very little of note, and he would make the perfect first Takeover opponent for Lee. Both men are big strong guys who are also incredibly agile, and having Lee go over him clean would instantly establish Lee as the top big guy on the brand.

NXT Women's Title: Kairi Sane Vs Io Shirai

Kairi Sane and Io Shirai have a long history together

Io Shirai is considered by many to be the best female wrestler on the planet and was recently unveiled as one of the WWE's latest big-name signings.

As luck would have it, the highly decorated Japanese star also happens to have a long history with the new NXT women's champion, Kairi Sane.

While there is an argument to be made that the company should hold off on a match between the two women, Shirai will no doubt be instantly elevated on NXT, and if she wins this year's Mae Young Classic, then it makes sense for her to go toe to toe with Sane at WarGames.

The two women could have one of the best female feuds of all time if handled correctly, and the WWE could get plenty of excellent matches out of them if they book their first encounter correctly.

Velveteen Dream vs Matt Riddle

Matt Riddle was introduced to the WWE universe at Takeover: Brooklyn IV

Matt Riddle was officially unveiled as NXT's latest star at Takeover: Brooklyn IV, with the king of the bros being spotted in the crowd during the night.

Riddle will need a great feud to hit the ground running in NXT, and if there is one man who is great at getting the best out of new talent, it's Velveteen Dream.

The Dream has had excellent Takeover matches with the likes of Ricochet and Aleister Black in the last 12 months, and if he is moving up to the main roster soon, then helping get Matt Riddle over can be his parting gift to Full Sail.

NXT Title Match: Tommaso Ciampa vs Aleister Black

Aleister Black is yet to have his rematch for the NXT title

Providing Aleister Black is back from his injury by War Games, which he should be, then he should be first in line for a shot at Tommaso Ciampa's NXT title.

Not only has he not used his rematch clause yet, but if Ciampa is unveiled as the man who attacked Black in the parking lot, then the Dutch superstar has plenty of reasons to want revenge against the Sicilian Psychopath.

Johnny Gargano will no doubt make his presence felt in the match, but the company should hold off for a little while on having him face Ciampa again. The next time the two men meet should be their final encounter, and should end with Gargano walking away victorious, keeping the two men apart for a few months will add to the tension between them.

Of course, Ciampa should keep hold of his belt here, with Black potentially moving up to the main roster following the event.

WarGames Match: The Undisputed Era vs Moustache Mountain and Pete Dunne vs War Raiders and Zack Gibson

The Undisputed Era made a name for themselves in last year's WarGames match

Last year's War Games felt like a night a coming out party for the Undisputed Era, and the stable should use this year's event to cement their place as the top group in NXT.

The group have spent the last few months feuding with Moustache Mountain and Pete Dunne, also known as British Strong Style, so it would make sense for them to be locked inside WarGames with each other.

As for the third team, War Raiders made their intentions to come after The Undisputed Era's tag-team gold at the event pretty clear when they attacked the group following their match at Takeover: Brooklyn IV.

War Raiders don't have a clear third partner though, so having a British competitor who has issues with Pete Dunne would make a lot of sense. Dunne's title is rarely seen on television, and with the company launching their NXT UK brand very soon, it would be a smart move to get the belt and a performer on the Takeover card.

Zack Gibson is probably the company's best option. Despite the fact that he has lost to Dunne already, the Liverpool born star is a fairly well-known name, and he is one of the top heels in the company's UK division.