Just like every NXT Takeover weekend, the main roster is now facing the task of trying to upstage an unreal Saturday with a PPV that has had a pretty weak build up. We have 3 titles on the line and a few feuds beginning, but the backstories behind most of them kind of lie in our own knowledge more so than the on screen action we've been given. CM Punk had a front row seat to the NXT show last night and I'm hoping the son of Chicago comes back again to see how the company he left is looking on the main roster. Ultimate troll move and I love it. Let's look at the card.
Kick-Off Show
Aiden English vs. Tye Dillinger
A fight between two jobbers makes this one a tough call. With the firing of Gotch, English pulled a Bruce Jenner by successfully transitioning into a character that is slightly different but still recognizable. Dillinger comes into tonight with a 2-0 record against his performance, but he's a crowd favorite who has made a living out of putting characters over and I think English needs a win here because why not?
Prediction: Aiden English
Main Card
Luke Harper vs. Erick Rowan
In an attempt to separate Erick Rowan from the Wyatt Family, we will now see him face his former teammate. Rowan has definitely become more of a weirdo, but compared to Harper he can't be viewed as a legitimate contender. We're now seeing Harper move into the fringe of the main title picture with people starting to recognize his talent, and this match shouldn't be used to stop any type of momentum for the big picture. Especially since Harper already owns a win in this matchup.
Prediction: Luke Harper
Baron Corbin vs. Sami Zayn
Sami Zayn is a loser and Baron Corbin is not. Sami Zayn always loses the big one and Corbin deserves a bigger push. That's exactly why Corbin will probably beat the shit out of Zayn just to lose on a roll up and piss us off.
Prediction: Sami Zayn
Naomi, Charlotte, & Becky Lynch vs. Natalya, Carmella, & Tamina
Charlotte as a face is clearly all an act to try and get even closer to Naomi's belt. But when does she turn on them? The team of faces is so clearly the alpha here, but will Charlotte stick around to make sure her team wins? If Charlotte ditches her team, then the Welcoming Committee could win because of the numbers, but in this one, I'm just gunna pick talent and assume a Charlotte turn post match.
Prediction: Naomi, Charlotte, & Becky Lynch
The Usos (c) vs. Breezango -- Tag Team Championships
I appreciate the push Breezango has gotten, but the new look Usos have been rolling and that shouldn't be stopped by a team like this. Expect an easy win with a better match up with American Alpha or The New Day on the horizon.
Prediction: The Usos retain
Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Dolph Ziggler
Welcome to the big leagues kid! We've seen Ziggler carry the feud leading up to Nakamura's debut and the obvious debut win might not be so obvious at all. Expect a full showcase of Nakamura's talents and a cheap win from Ziggler to kick start a running feud until it's time for Nakamura to focus in on a championship.
Prediction: Dolph Ziggler
Kevin Owens (c) vs. AJ Styles -- United States Championship
This is one of those where we should be happy with either result because both of these men are capable of carrying any championship and making it as elite as it gets. That being said, Owens has really been running with this "Face of America" shtick and unless they want this to be a long feud, I can't picture him dropping it. Even tho KO after a title loss is as good as it gets. I'd expect Owens to do whatever it takes to win here, possibly a dirty win to keep Styles away from the loss too.
Prediction: Kevin Owens retains
Randy Orton (c) vs. Jinder Mahal -- WWE Championship
If I were in charge, Orton wouldn't even be champ right now. I wish it was Bray so bad. But the world isn't perfect. The thing about Orton tho, is that at this point, he doesn't need the belt to look elite. And Jinder has been looking ruthless lately, especially with the Bollywood Bros helping him out. I'm predicting a cheap win and a quick title reign for Jinder to keep him satisfied.
Prediction: Jinder Mahal
