NXT TakeOver: WarGames 2019 / TakeOver Chicago III predictions

Here are my predictions for tonights NXT TakeOver ppv:

WarGames Match
Shayna Baszler, Io Shirai, Bianca Belair & Kay Lee Ray vs. Rhea Ripley, Candice LeRae, Tegan Nox & Mia Yim
-> This event will feature the first-ever Women’s WarGames match. The teams are Rhea Ripley, Candice LeRae, Tegan Nox, and Mia Yim vs Shayna Baszler, Io Shirai, Bianca Belair, and Kay Lee Ray. It is pretty awesome that the Women’s division is getting a WarGames match this year. There is plenty of talent on the roster and it is cool to see them get a chance to shine. My guess is that it ends up being a fun match. I think that the babyface team will win, which will help set up Rhea Ripley vs Shayna Baszler for the NXT Women’s Title at the next Takeover.
Winner Prediction: Rhea Ripley’s Team

WarGames Match
Undisputed Era (Adam Cole, Roderick Strong, Bobby Fish & Kyle O'Reilly) vs. Tommaso Ciampa, Keith Lee, Dominik Dijakovic & ???
->  Triple H has been teasing an “epic” surprise at NXT Takeover: WarGames. Specifically, this surprise will be for the final member of Team Ciampa. I think that it is going to be John Morrison. It was rumored a few months ago that he signed with WWE and this would fit the criteria of an “epic” surprise.

A 4-on-4 WarGames match has been officially confirmed for the event. It will be The Undisputed Era vs Tommaso Ciampa, Keith Lee, Dominic Dijakovic, and a mystery partner. As noted prior, my prediction for the mystery partner is John Morrison. He would join Tommaso Ciampa, Keith Lee, and Dominic Dijakovic. I am excited about another WarGames match involving The Undisputed Era. They always seem to kill it in these types of matches. My guess is that this year will be no different with all of the talent involved on Team Ciampa.

I think that Ciampa’s team will be winning this match. This would set up Ciampa vs Cole and Morrison vs Strong for the next Takeover event. It would also potentially set up Dijakovic and Lee vs O’Reilly and Fish for the NXT Tag Team Titles.
Winner Prediction: Tommaso Ciampa’s Team

Singles Match: Finn Balor vs. Matt Riddle
->  Johnny Gargano is currently injured, which means that he can’t face Finn Balor at WarGames. Instead, Finn will be facing off against Matt Riddle at the event. I was really excited about Balor vs Gargano but I am not going to complain about this match either. My guess is that this ends up being a really fun match. WWE has done a good job of building up this feud in only a few short weeks. As for the winner, I am going with Finn Balor. There seem to be some big plans for him in NXT and I don’t see him losing here. This is also Balor’s first Takeover since they turned him heel and it seems silly to have him lose already.
Winner Prediction: Finn Balor

Number One Contenders Match: Pete Dunne vs. Damian Priest vs. Killian Dain
->  WWE has officially confirmed a triple threat match at Takeover. That match will be Pete Dunne vs Killian Dain vs Damian Priest. The winner will face off against Adam Cole at Survivor Series for the NXT Championship. This should be a fun match for the card. It will be nice to see Dain and Priest get showcased on a Takeover.

As for the winner, I am going with Dunne. I like both Dain and Priest but I think Adam Cole vs Pete Dunne has the chance to be the best match of the three options. Survivor Series will be a great showcase for NXT, so WWE will likely want to put on the best match possible. Plus, Dunne is the only babyface, so it would make sense for him to be the one who faces Cole.
Winner Prediction: Pete Dunne

Kickoff-Pre-Show
Singles Match: Isaiah Swerve Scott vs. Angel Garza
->   This match was announced one night before the WarGames event shortly after SmackDown went off the air, and without a doubt, this should be a great one. It should also give us a better understanding of who may challenge Lio Rush next for the NXT cruiserweight championship.

This match will get the Chicago crowd hot early. Expect fast-paced action between these young stars. Scott is slightly taller than Garza and has a little bit more name recognition as the former "Killshot" in Lucha Underground. Scott will pick up the victory in a close battle that will definitely feature the charismatic heel, Garza. Garza has tons of potential to be over in Chicago, a town that is known for appreciating great heels.

Winner Prediction: Isaiah "Swerve" Scott via pinfall 


pics (c) by NXT / WWE
text (c) by MK