nXt Take Over: In Your House 2021 (Predictions)

On Sunday, June 13, we will see an nXt take over like never before.  We have a Fatal Five Way for the nXt championship and we will witness the first ever Million Dollar Champion in decades.  This post will tell you what I think will happen and why.  It has been a while since I have done a predictions post so I may have a little ring rust but here it goes.

Mercedes Martinez vs. Xia Li

There is no love for each other between these two talented wrestlers.  They have been rivals since the indies, so who  will cone out on top?  Mercedes things that Xia will lose the match very easily.  She thinks she lives in Xia's mind but I got news for you, with Xia's new determination, we will see Martinez fall.

Winner: Xia Li

Million Dollar Championship

This match has been building for weeks.  We have all loved the adventures of Cameron Grimes and his dealings with the Million Dollar Man.  Then LA Knight stuck his nose where it doesn't belong due to jealousy or his ego.  Now, we are faced with a dilemma of who would be the best man to carry the Million Dollar Championship. Both men are talented but I feel Grimes is a better candidate.  Some may feel that Cameron would go over the top if he was to win and I think that would be just fine.  LA Knight is an imitation of the Rock.  He needs to find his own character instead of a Xerox copy of someone from the attitude area.  At least Grimes is an original, who I can see going far as the next Million Dollar Champion.  If all is fair in the world, I see Grimes with the 'W'.

Winner: Cameron Grimes

nXt Women's Championship 

Raquel Gonzalez Vs Ember Moon is the match I am most hyped about to be honest.  I have been a huge Ember Moon fan since the indies so my heart is wanting her to win the championship to become a two-time nXt champion.  Sure, Raquel has the height and muscle, but Ember has the speed and agility needed to take down the champ.  What it comes down to  is it going to be a fair fight or is Dakota Kai going to try to intervene for her friend. 

Winner: Ember Moon

Fatal Five Way nXt Championship Match

To be honest, this is the match I could do without.  There are too many factors in this match that could lead to a new champion. Kross is a powerhouse when it's one on one or even two on one,  but four on one?  I don't think so.  Then there are the challengers, who in my opinion had there shots.  Why not put Balor in the mix and have a Savage Six Way?  That's how ridiculous this is.  If there is a new Champion crowned I hope it's Johnny Takeover otherwise let Kross keep the belt.  If Kross does lose the belt,it wouldn't surprise me if he is called up to Raw or Smackdown.  Out of the two, when  he is called up I would like him to go to Raw and take on Lashley.  That would be epic!

Winner: Karrion Kross (If he is defeated, he will not be pinned.)

nXt Takeover: In Your House 2020 Predictions

Greetings Wrestling Fans,

    How the Hell have ya been?  I know it's been a while since I have done a wrestling prediction post, but with the return of In Your House, I figured now would be a good time as any to return to my prediction posts.

Six-Woman Tag Team Match

Mia Yim, Tegan Nox & Shotzi Blackheart take on Candice LeRae, Dakota Kai & Raquel González in a  in a Six-Woman Tag Team Match.  Who will win?  It could go either way in my opinion but I hope Team Yim comes out on top.  Sure Team LeRae is ruthless, but Team Yim has the most talent as well as heart,

My Prediction: Team Yim gets the W.

Finn Balor Vs Damian Priest

Damian Priest is trying to make a name for himself by taking out Finn Balor but he will soon realize that Finn is not one to play with.  I figure this will be a good match but not with the outcome Priest wants.

My Prediction: Finn gets the Winn (Hey Raz, see what I did there?)

North American Championship

Johnny Gargano has done everything in his power to get in Keith Lee's head.  It appears to be working, however I think Johnny will see how LIMITLESS Keith's power and persistence is when it comes to defending the North American Championship.  When all is said and done, Johnny Gargano will bask in Lee's GLORY.

My prediction: Keith Lee gets the "W" 

Triple Threat Match

Three talented women all want the prize that is the nXt Women's Championship.  You have the Queen, Charlotte Flair (who built this division) going against Rhea Ripley and Io Shirai, who are two of the best at what they do in the ring.  Rhea is a powerhouse and Io is an aerobatic ace.  They both hope to get an advantage over the technical technician that is the Queen.  When Rhea and Io wrestle Charlotte, the advantage can be in their corner if they could some how get the Queen out of the ring.  Rhea has already proven that Charlotte has her number but Io's number has not been called...yet.  I feel like this match has the capability of being the match of the night.  I would like to see Io Shari win her first championship, but something tells me we will all bow to the queen.

My prediction:  Charlotte leaves takeover with her title.  

nXt Championship

The Dream wants the Gold.  Adam Cole wants to keep the gold.  Who will walk away with their dreams coming true?  In my opinion the title will remain Undisputed.  Sure, the Velveteen Dream will prove he belongs to the dance, but Adam Cole will show why he is the longest reigning nXt Champion in history.  

My prediction:  Adam Cole will retain his title and the victory will be UNDISPUTED!

Tommaso Ciampa vs. Karrion Kross

Karrion Kross came to nXt to dominate.  How do you get everyone's attention?  By attacking the biggest fish in the pond, that's how.  With the help of Scarlett, Kross may be in Ciampa's head just a little bit, but Tommaso will show Kross why he is the measuring stick of nXt.  Kross says time's up for Ciampa, but Ciampa will clean his clock.  I believe this is another contender for match of the night.  I am sure Scarlett will try to ensure a victory for Kross, but never underestimate the Blackheart.

My prediction:  It will be WAR, but Ciampa will walk away with the win.

Survivor Series 2018 - My Picks

    Well, I have to admit that after seeing last night's War Games, I do not know how well this pay-per-view will match up.  I mean War Games was extreme in many ways.  I know the WWE has some great talent, but two of the matches I wanted to see have been altered since the card was announced.  First, I am pissed that the Man cannot finish what she started on RAW and I am also pissed that Daniel Bryan used a low blow to weasel his way to victory to take on the Beast.  
    I know that the business is business but this sucks.  I am excited to see the Series, but I really wanted to see the Phenomenal One make the Beast tap and I wanted to see the Man show Rousey  how it's done in the WWE.  
    Oh well, let's get to my picks.  Yesterday I was correct 3 out of 4 times, so let's see how well I do today.

Kick-Off: RAW Tag Division Vs Smackdown Live Tag Division

10-on-10 Tag Team Traditional Survivor Series Elimination Match 

    Both the RAW and Smackdown Live Tag divisions are pretty decent, but I think Team Blue has the best teams.  The Revival and the Ascension are my favorite teams on RAW, but they are always overlooked. I think tonight is their chance to say look at me and to gain some respect from the RAW locker room.  Team Blue aka Smackdown Live is stacked with tag team talent.  I honestly think Team Blue has the greatest chance to pull of the win.  

Winner: Smackdown Live

WWE Cruiserweight Championship
 Buddy Murphy (c) vs. Mustafa Ali

    WWE Cruiserweight Championship Match

    I admit I do not watch 205 Live as much as I would like to due to my work schedule, but I feel this will be one hell of a match.  Both Murphy and Ali are talented wrestlers, but I think Murphy will some how come out with the victory but Mustafa Ali will steal the show as usual.

Winner: Buddy Murphy

Raw Tag Team Champions AOP vs. SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Bar (w/ Big Show)

RAW VS Smackdown Live - Tag Champions Vs Tag Champions Match

    The Authors of Pain are the most dominate force in the RAW tag division, but they need to realize the Bar is not only dominant physically, but mentally as well.  Plus, with insurance like the Big Show, it will be a little harder to pull of the win than when they double teamed Rollins to get the titles.  They may be Corbin's mercenaries, but the Bar is a well seasoned fighting unit that is ready for war.  It will be a tough battle, but the Bar will leave the AoP destroyed on the field of battle.

Winner: the Bar

Women’s 5-on-5 Traditional Survivor Series Elimination Match

Women’s 5-on-5 Traditional Survivor Series Elimination Match

    The women's match is one of the unknowns in my opinion.  We know exactly who is on team RAW, but with the loss of Charlotte Flair, we do not know the exact make-up of the Smackdown Live team.  There are several women they could choose from, but the top two choices are probably Lana and Mandy Rose.  I, personally, think that they will put Mandy Rose in Flair's spot.  With that said, Team Blue has some talent, but Team Red has the POWER.  I think this match will be one of RAW's only victories.

Winner:  Team RAW

Intercontinental Champion Seth Rollins vs. United States Champion Shinsuke Nakamura

Champion Vs Champion

Intercontinental Champion Rollins Vs United States Champion Nakamura

    I think this match will be the most entertaining matches in the single's division matches that are on the card.  Both men are talented wrestlers and have shown the WWE Universe why they are champions.  They take no crap but they can dish it out.  Personally, I think Ambrose will make an appearance and distract Rollins which will allow Nakamura to capitalize.  The match could go either way, but I feel it will go the way of Team Blue.

Winner: Shinsuke Makamura

Men’s 5-on-5 Traditional Survivor Series Elimination Match

Men’s 5-on-5 Traditional Survivor Series Elimination Match

     One might think that RAW has this one in the bag because of Strowman and McIntyre, but I would disagree.  Smackdown Live has the high flying duo of Hardy and Mysterio as well as the AWESOMENESS of the Miz, but most importantly, they have Samoa Joe who can put you to sleep and throw your limp body over the ropes.  Team RAW has a Monster who could easily lose focus and settle a score with the team's manager, Baron Corbin.  There are many ways Corbin can "Get These Hands" without the Monster breaking his word to Stephanie.  Because of how I feel tempers will flare up in this match, my money is on Team Blue.

Winner: Smackdown Live

Universal Champion Brock Lesnar vs. WWE Champion Daniel Bryan

Champion Vs Champion

Universal Champion Brock Lesnar Vs. WWE Champion Daniel Bryan

   Originally, this was one match that I was looking forward to.  I thought the match would be PHENOMENAL, but now I think it is going to be a massacre.  Don't get me wrong, Daniel Bryan is a talented wrestler, but he is no match for the Beast.  Daniel may get some shots in, but no low blow is going to take the Beast out of game, it will only ensure your visit to Supplex City will be very painful.

Winner: the Beast, Brock Lesnar

Raw Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey vs. Charlotte Flair

Ronda Rousey Vs Charlotte Flair

    This was originally supposed to be a champion vs champion match, but the medical officials will not let the Man defend Team Blue.  So, we have the next best thing in the Queen.  I feel this will be a good match and that Charlotte will provide competition for Rousey.  Rousey will realize she has not wrestled someone like the Queen.  I do feel, Becky "the Man" Lynch will make her presence known because I do not feel she is just going to sit around and watch.  The question is, who will the Man's appearance shake up the most?  I feel it will be a close match but I think Rousey just might get her first loss tonight.

Winner: Charlotte Flair

nXt Takeover: War Games 2018 - My Picks

    The focus has mainly been on Sunday's Survivor Series, but I feel that nXt War Games will still the show.  If this Takeover is anything like last year's War Games, the WWE talent at Survivor Series will have to step it up.  Let's take a look at the card.

NXT Women's Championship (2-out-of-3 Falls Match)
Shayna Baszler (c) vs. Kairi Sane

    Kairi Sane has tasted gold and she wants her title back.  There is only one problem Shayna is the champ and she i it was due to an error of Baszler's own doing.  Don't get me wrong, Kairi is a very talented wrestler, but Shayna is a trained fighter and a  2 out of 3 falls match may be to her advantage.  If Kairi has the endurance to last, she may pull off an upset.  However, Shayna also has her friends if needed.  Personally, I think this match will be great, but I don't think the title is changing hands anytime soon.

Winner: Shayna Baszler

Grudge Match
Aleister Black vs. Johnny Gargano

    Aleister has been on the shelf for months due to an ambush orchestrated by Johnny Wrestling.  I know this match is important to both players.  Hell, this match might as well be a 1st contender match for the nXt championship.  Whoever wins this grudge match will be able to jump the line, and claim their spot for the title.  
    When thinking about this match, I could see a win going either way.  On one side, you have Aleister who wants to take out Gargano for jumping him and regaining his title.  On the other hand, you have Gargano who thinks Aleister is in the way of his championship title shot.  This match should be good, but I feel that Aleister has the edge due to the anger within.  It was easy to jump Aleister when he wasn't looking, but now Johnny, all eyes are on you.

Winner: Aleister Black

NXT Championship Match
Tommaso Ciampa (c) vs. Velveteen Dream

    We all know that the Velveteen Dream is a superstar, but can his charisma handle the power of the Black Heart?  I don't think so.  I think this match will be very entertaining, maybe even the best match of the night.  However, Ciampa loves his gold and will let nothing get in his way to glory.  Dream is a high flyer, but Ciampa is a hard hitter.  This will be one hell of a battle, but Ciampa will walk, maybe crawl, away with the title.

Winner: Tommaso Ciampa

War Games Match
NXT N.A.Champion Ricochet,U.K. Champion Pete Dunne & the War Raiders vs. Undisputed ERA

    Now, for the match of the night...War Games.  This match is going to be so epic you will understand why the pay-per-view bares the same name.  The Undisputed ERA has been a thorn in the sides of Richochet, Dunne, and the War Raiders for the past few weeks.  So, to end this "war", they will take out their aggression in the field of battle known as War Games.  The Undisputed ERA has been in a War Games match before and they were victorious so the advantage has to go to them however, the War Raiders love to fight and this match fits their style.  Who will win?  Who knows, this is really anyone's game.  Because they have been in the match before, I give the win to the Undisputed ERA.  Don't get me wrong, they will be hurting in the morning.

Winner: Undisputed ERA

Saturday Showcase: Black Mask

    Tonight, the nXt Takeover pay-per-view, War Games is a must see with the Undisputed Era taking on the team of Ricochet, Dunne, and the War Raiders.  With that said, I thought my Saturday Showcase should have something to do with War Games. So, I researched a bit and came across the War Games story line in Batman comics that resulted in the Black Mask gaining control of Gotham's underworld.

Batman: War Games

    Black Mask was first introduced to us back in the '80s in Batman #386.  He was created by Doug Moench and Tom Mandrake.  The Black Mask was born Roman Sionis.  Roman was born into a wealthy family but a series of unfortunate events would alter his "personality", among other things.  To show you how twisted he had become, he used part of his father's ebony casket to make his first mask. 

    The purpose of the Black Mask was not only to strike fear into those who saw him, but it was a representation of his true nature.  He is just as deadly as Two-Face, but he doesn't let a coin decide your fate.  If Roman doesn't like you, no one will ever see you again.

Batman: the Brave and the Bold

    Black Mask's Abilities:

• Criminal mastermind with gifted tactical mind
• Master of torture and intimidation techniques
• Skilled marksman and hand-to-hand combatant
• Expert with firearms
• Mind control via mask

Black Mask's Affiliations:

• False Face Society
• Gotham mafia
• Secret Society of Super Villains
• Black Lantern Corps

    The Black Mask started as a small time hood that came across the Bat occasionally to one of the biggest baddies in the DC Universe to ever go toe to toe with the great detective.  He is fearless as well as ruthless.  He has killed time and time again.  Each time Batman thinks he puts an end to him, the Black Mask just keeps coming back for more.

    In recent years, the Black Mask has turned his attention to the Red Hood and his team.  In fact, there was a time when he was able to "convince" Bizarro to do his bidding.  

Black Friday

    Well, that is my post about the one and only Black Mask.  I suggest you read up on him because he really is a great villain to root against.  If you want to check out the Batman: War Games story line, here is the list of comics you will need.  This issues are put in order for you to follow along.

War Drums:

• Detective Comics #790-796
• Robin (vol. 4) #126-128
• Batgirl #53
• Solo #10

Act One - Outbreak:

• Prelude: Batman: The 12 Cent Adventure #1
• Part 1: Detective Comics #797
• Part 2: Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #182
• Part 3: Nightwing #96
• Part 4: Batman: Gotham Knights #56
• Part 5: Robin (vol. 4) #129
• Part 6: Batgirl #55
• Part 7: Catwoman (vol. 3) #34
• Part 8: Batman #631

Act Two - Tides:

• 
  

  Part 1: Detective Comics #798
• Part 2: Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #183
• Part 3: Nightwing #97
• Part 4: Batman: Gotham Knights #57
• Part 5: Robin (vol. 4) #130
• Part 6: Batgirl #56
• Part 7: Catwoman (vol. 3) #35
• Part 8: Batman #632

Act Three - Endgame:

• 
  

  Part 1: Detective Comics #799
• Part 2: Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #184
• Part 3: Nightwing #98
• Part 4: Robin (vol. 4) #131
• Part 5: Batman: Gotham Knights #58
• Part 6: Batgirl #57
• Part 7: Catwoman (vol. 3) #36
• Part 8: Batman #633
• Epilogue: Detective Comics #800
• Epilogue: Batman #634

    There are also trades with these issues in a collected set, but they are hard to find.  If you are able to find them or download them, I really do suggest you read the series because it really is a good story line.

Until next time, get your READ on!

First Appearance: Batman #386 (August 1985)

nXt Takeover: Brooklyn 2018 (Derf's Picks)

    Well, the time has finally come to see who wants it more at nXt Takeover.  Who will become champ?  Will the belts stay with the current champions?  Well, her is what I think.

 NXT Women’s Champion Shayna Baszler vs. Kairi Sane

   This match promisises to be a good one.  Shayna has been trying to get in Kairi's head since day one. It appears to be working a little too well.  It is a longshot but I think Kairi will get the win and Shayna will then be bumped up to RAW or SmackdownLive to raise hell there.

My Pick - It will take a miracle, but I pick Kairi Sane.

NXT North American Champion Adam Cole vs. Ricochet

    I like both of these contenders but I don't think Cole will lose the belt just quite yet. It will be a battle fought both on the ground and in the air, but Adam Cole will remain your champion.

My Pick: Adam Cole BAY BAY!

NXT Tag Team Champions Undisputed ERA vs. Moustache Mountain

    Another Undisputed Era match that will end with an Undisputed Victory.  Moustache Mountain will bring the fight, but the Undisputed Era plays for keeps and will come out on top.

My Pick: the Undisputed Era

EC3 vs. Velveteen Dream

    This could be the match of the night.  EC3 is the top 1 % and the Velveteen Dream never disappoints.  Look forward to some new moves as well as a well though and fought plan by the Dream.  This promises to be a match that will live on in nXt history.

My Pick: I like both wrestlers, but I think EC3 will just crush Velveteen's Dream.

NXT Champion Tommaso Ciampa vs. Johnny Gargano (Last Man Standing Match)

   Champion Vs Contender, Brother Vs Brother, Friend Vs Foe, none of this matters to Ciampa or Gargano.  This is about vengeance, this is about power, this is about glory, this is about the nXt Championship!  Johnny wrestling would love to become the new nXt champion, but does he have what it takes to be heartless enough to defeat Ciampa?  I think it will be a well fought bout but I feel that Ciampa will be victorious.

My Pick: Ciampa remains Champ

My Picks for nXt Takeover Chicago

Tomorrow is Takeover Chicago and there is going to be a lot of great matches.  This PPV promises to outshine MITB, that is how many quality matches there are on this card.  Let's take a look.

nXt tag titles:  The Undisputed Era Vs Lorcan and Burch

I think this will be a hard fought title match but the Undisputed Era will rise to the top.  Not only are they a more focused group, they are on the same page.  I mean, Lorcan and Burch are enemies who formed a team to get gold.  The Undisputed Era will use this to their advantage and make the team of Lorcan and Burch nonexistent.

Ricochet vs. Velveteen Dream

I believe this could be the match of the night.  Both men are very talented but Ricochet has the edge and the experience that should cause him to walk away with the win.  I know there are rumors out there that Ricochet is wrestling injured, but I believe he will still make the Velveteen Dream realize that not all dreams come true.

NXT Women’s Champion Shayna Baszler vs. Nikki Cross

Shayna is a talented and brutal fighter, but Nikki is insane.  Nikki's chaotic ways will lead to the most challenging match that Shayna will ever have.  The match is Nikki's for the taking, but in her chaotic state she could become distracted which would be the only way I see Nikki losing.  I believe Nikki should and will win the nXtWomen's Title.

Johnny Gargano vs. Tommaso Ciampa (Chicago Street Fight)

As much as I love and appreciate Johnny Wrestling and Ciampa, I really hope this is the last match these two have against each other.  Since it is a street fight I expect a lot of emotions and blood to be spilled.  Johnny is a great wrestler but Ciampa has proven to be fearless and has a blood lust.  This thirst is what I believe will allow Ciampa to walk away with the win.

NXT Champion Aleister Black vs. Lars Sullivan

This will be an epic championship match.  Black is a very talented striker but Lars is a monster.  I expect Lars to push Aleister to his limits, but I think the monster will tire out before getting the pin.  So, I am picking Aleister Black to successfully defend his title and walk away champion.

Wanna Wrestle? My picks for nXt Takeover New Orleans

As all of you know, I am a huge wrestling fan.  This weekend is slam packed with action just like any Wrestlemania Weekend should be.  Wrestlemania 34 as well as nXt Takeover is special this year because it is taking place in my backyard of Nawlins or New Orleans for those of you out-of-towners.  I was not able to make the podcast predictions with my Somewhatnerdy brothers, so I decided to share my picks via my blog.  Since Takeover starts in a few hours, let me just get to the picks.

nXt Tag Team Championship Triple Threat Match: 

The Undisputed Era vs. the Authors Of Pain vs. Strong & Dunne

I feel this match could go either way.  I mean, matches with more than two opponents can be tricky and end up terrible for the champs.  The Undisputed Era have their hands full especially with Fish hurt and Cole being forced to work two matches.  So,basically it comes to timing.  If Cole wrestles in this match first, they have a shot at retaining, but if this is his second match we could see new champs.  I personally feel that creative is pushing for Strong and Dunne to win.  I think Cole will be called up and the Undisputed Era will get their rematch win Fish is healed.

Winners: New Tag Champs, Strong and Dunne

NXT North American Championship Ladder Match: 

EC3 vs. Adam Cole vs. Ricochet vs. Velveteen Dream 

vs. Lars Sullivan vs. Killian Dain

This match is going to be nothing but pain for all involved.  Since it is a ladder match, I do not see the powerhouses like Lars or Dain winning.  Cole could grab it, but like I said earlier, I feel he will be called up so why give him a title?  Velveteen Dream may have a following but I do not think he is championship material yet.  That leaves EC3 and Ricochet, which I feel will be the main focus of the match.  I think they were both brought in to be champions.  Since it is a ladder match, I think Ricochet will get the win.

Winner: Ricochet

 Unsanctioned Match: 

Johnny Gargano vs. Tommaso Ciampa

Johnny Wrestling Vs the Blackheart.  Who will win this battle of betrayal?  Since this is a non-sanction match, I believe the advantage will go to Ciampa.  I think he will go on to win and Gargano will be called up to 205 Live or Smackdown.

Winner: Tommaso Ciampa

nXt Women’s Championship Match: 

Ember Moon vs. Shayna Baszler

At first, this match was hard for me to make a prediction.  There are rumors that Ember will be called up soon and she is also wrestling with an injury which would make one think that Shayna will win.  However, with Rousey fighting at Wrestlemania, I don't see the chance for a "fighter"  to win on both PPV's.  Who knows, the may give the nod to Shayna to confuse fans about Rousey's match.  I want Ember to retain her title but her injury is a factor I cannot ignore.  It will be a tough battle but Shayna should come out on top.

Winner: New nXt Women's Champion, Shayna Baszler.

nXt Championship Match:
 Andrade “Cien” Almas  vs. Aleister Black

I am a huge Aleister Black fan and I want him to win this match.  I do feel that it will be a long and gruesome battle between the two and of course we can look forward to interference, but I feel Black will come out on top.  With that said, I also feel that Almas will be called up in the coming weeks.  Hell, who knows, he might be in the Andre the Giant Battle Royal tomorrow. 

Winner: New nXt Champion, Aleister Black.