NXT TakeOver: XXV Predictions

A week from tomorrow, NXT will host the 25th edition of its acclaimed TakeOver series, bringing it to WWE's home state of Connecticut for the first time ever.

The location is admittedly odd and the build has been confusing due to unexpected call-ups, schedule changes, and so on, but the card looks stacked.

This is odd, because the May-June period is usually the time when NXT hosts its "filler" TakeOver of the year, but this card looks like anything but that. It's in stark contrast to last year's TakeOver: Chicago II, for example, where all three title matches were unambiguously predictable.

Perhaps the yellow brand feels the need to go all out for its diamond TakeOver event, despite the unusual time and location. Let's hope that's true.

There are, as usual, five matches on the card. Who will win them?

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#5 NXT Tag Team Championship: The Undisputed Era vs. The Street Profits vs. The Forgotten Sons vs. Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch

The sudden departure of the Viking Raiders has left the tag team division a total mess, but NXT is making up for it.

This should be an insane way to open the show, but the outcome really comes down to two teams - the Street Profits, who are hot right now, and the former champions, the Undisputed Era.

It all depends on how quickly NXT wants to make Adam Cole's proclamation that the Undisputed Era will "be draped in gold" a reality.

However, when looking at the potential of an Undisputed-dominant NXT, there are few babyface teams to challenge the Era other than the Street Profits.

The Profits could potentially win and have more challengers, but that goes against Cole's proclamation, which, if the Era are to have any future in NXT, has to be fulfilled.

It therefore makes more sense for the Undisputed Era to win the titles on June 1st and for the Street Profits to enter a longer feud with them.

Winners: And new, three-time NXT Tag Team Champions, the Undisputed Era.

#4 Matt Riddle vs. Roderick Strong

This is the most obvious match of the night. Matt Riddle reportedly has a big match in his future (more on that later), but even without that, there's no way he would be losing here.

Roderick Strong has been portrayed, at least in Adam Cole's mind, as the weak link of the Undisputed Era, and if the night goes as I believe it will, that will be a story worth exploration all on its own, as he, unlike his brethren, lacks a certain accessory.

Will he turn on them, they on him, or will something else entirely come about? Or perhaps he will go after a certain other championship, to complete Cole's proclamation?

Either way, Roderick Strong is losing this one. That outcome sets up both his story and that of his opponent going forward. There's really no other way this is going down.

Winner: Matt Riddle.

#3 NXT North American Championship: Velveteen Dream (c) vs. Tyler Breeze

All due respect and a speedy recovery to Dominik Dijakovic, but there's no doubt that we got a huge upgrade here.

One of NXT's beloved originals has returned and already has more momentum than he ever had on the main roster. His promo opposite Dream this week was one of the year's best.

This should be a wild match with a lot of antics. As usual, Dream has an incredibly strong chance of stealing the show.

The outcome isn't in too much doubt though. It's on short notice, and Dream likely wasn't losing his title to his original opponent.

The only way I can see it changing is if NXT wants to set up Dream for an NXT title run while transitioning the North American Championship onto Roderick Strong. That's possible, but not too likely right now.

Winner: And still NXT North American Champion, Velveteen Dream.

#2 NXT Women's Championship: Shayna Baszler (c) vs. Io Shirai

Ignore the title and watch the second half of the video. Listen to how that crowd came unglued with that Kendo Stick attack.

Io Shirai really should win here. Shayna Baszler has more than overstayed her welcome in NXT and there's no one else in a position to challenge her.

Kairi Sane needs to be avenged. The entire women's division needs to be avenged. The scene desperately needs to be refreshed.

Yet, for all the sense it would make, I'm betting on Shayna Baszler's nonsensical booking prevailing, as it has during her entire run in NXT. The outcome in New York taught me that lesson. The moment doesn't yet feel there for Shirai to win. I hope I'm wrong.

At most, I'm hoping that there are shenanigans to set up Io Shirai's win later. She can't afford a clean loss, but it's a real possibility, given her previous pin on Baszler.

Winner: And still NXT Women's Champion, Shayna Baszler.

#1 NXT Championship: Johnny Gargano (c) vs. Adam Cole

It's put up or shut up time for Adam Cole. If he loses now, he's done.

If the Undisputed Era has any future in NXT, even more than in the tag team ladder match, its representative needs a victory here.

With Johnny Gargano now having had his big moment and Tommaso Ciampa gone, his story arc is truthfully complete. He may yet still prevail, of course. There aren't, however, many heels on the scene to challenge him aside from Cole.

Cole, on the other hand, has many potential challengers, like Keith Lee, Kushida, and Matt Riddle, who reportedly will be having an NXT title match at the next TakeOver. For the sake of Cole's credibility and a greater diversity of potential challengers awaiting him than Gargano, I'm betting he finally takes it here.

Winner: And new NXT Champion, Adam Cole.