NXT TakeOver Portland 2020 Predictions

Here are my predictions for the first stand alone NXT ppv

NXT Championtitel Match - Adam Cole (c) vs. Tommaso Ciampa
-> Cole has been on a tear since winning the belt and his showdown with Ciampa should be a war. But I’ve got the man who never lost his belt bringing “Goldie” back home. Going with Undisputed Era to lose all their belts in one night. Ciampa wins the title

NXT Women’s Championtitel Match - Rhea Ripley (c) vs. Bianca Belair 
-> I adore both these women and I’m very here for Ripley vs. Flair at WrestleMania, but I would love to see Belair make everyone regret overlooking her and this match, win the title, and go on to defend it against the woman who doesn’t even go here. I’ll predict that Ripley retains though.

NXT Tag Team Championtitel Match - The Undisputed ERA (c) vs. Matt Riddle & Pete Dunne
-> It seems like the options here are that the Broserweights either win the titles and help bring UE’s reign over NXT to an end or the Broserweights lose and start feuding with each other. Their act is going so well and it seems like the titles are due to come off UE, so I’ll predict Dunne and Riddle win the titles and their breakup feud headlines TakeOver: Boston.

NXT North American Championtitel Match - Keith Lee (c) vs. Dominik Dijakovic 
-> After Lee’s impressive showing in recent months, it’s hard to imagine he drops the belt here. Going with Lee, and expecting another instant classic. Keith Lee retains

Street Fight - Tegan Nox vs. Dakota Kai 
-> Their showdown on NXT a few weeks ago left much to be desired. I’d imagine when Kai and Nox brawl with no rules, we’ll get the level of violence expected as retribution from Kai’s heel turn from WarGames. After Nox picked up the win on television, I’ve got Kai taking this one. Dakota Kai will win this one.

Johnny Gargano vs. Finn Bálor 
-> After a lengthy rivalry, I’ve got Bálor rolling right on through Gargano as he builds as one of the ultimate villains of NXT. Finn Balor wins (maybe a No contest)


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

NXT TakeOver XXV results

Here are the results of NXT TakeOver 25:

pic (c) by WWE

1. Matt Riddle vs. Roderick Strong
A vicious assault by Roderick Strong to Matt Riddle not only smoothed over mounting tensions between The Messiah of the Backbreaker and Undisputed Era leader Adam Cole, but it also set in motion the opening match of Saturday's WWE Network event special.
The vengeful Riddle grounded Strong with a series of suplexes and punished him with a flying punch to the face. Strong halted his momentum, though, dropping him with a backbreaker to the ring apron. Like a shark smelling blood in the water, he continued his focused attack.
The master striker and former mixed martial artist fought his way back into the match and unloaded on Strong. He sent him to his back with a nasty kick to the chest. Riddle ducked a discus clothesline, delivered Go To Sleep and scored a near-fall off a wicked German suplex.
Strong rocked The Original Bro with a nasty enzuigiri and delivered a superplex from the top rope.
Riddle responded with a V Trigger, a beautiful powerbomb and another knee strike for a close two-count. He scaled the ropes, came off but crashed back-first on to Strong's knees. The enforcer of Undisputed Era delivered a nasty backbreaker, a powerbomb and the Strong Lock.
Riddle survived, unloaded with a series of knockout elbows and tried for the Bromission. Riddle, though, was in too much pain to properly apply it. Instead, he delivered a reverse neutralizer for the pinfall victory.
               
Result: Riddle defeated Strong.             Grade: A




2. Fatal 4-Way Ladder Match for the NXT Tag Team Championships
The Viking Raiders relinquished the NXT Tag Team Championships in May, convinced no team was able to defeat them for them. Saturday night, former titleholders Kyle O'Reilly and Bobby Fish, The Forgotten Sons, The Street Profits and Danny Burch and Oney Lorcan battled in a Fatal 4-Way Ladder match to crown the new champions. Just when it looked like The Undisputed Era's Fish and O'Reilly were gaining the upper hand early, a tope suicida from Wesley Blake of the Forgotten Sons halted their momentum. Not to be outdone, big man Angelo Dawkins of The Street Profits launched himself off the top rope and wiped out everyone at ringside.

The Street Profits were highlighted, as Montez Ford delivered a big leapfrog into a seated senton on Blake, who was placed on a ladder. A big flapjack from the babyfaces sent Steve Cutler face-first into the same ladder. Fish and O'Reilly returned to the squared circle, and the former delivered a wheelbarrow German suplex to Ford on to the ladder. In a cool moment, Cutler delivered a beautiful powerbomb to O'Reilly into the ladder Fish was standing on, downing the favorites to win the match.
With the opposition down, Blake and Cutler scaled the ladder in hopes of retrieving the gold. Dawkins and Lorcan pulled the off and each Superstar took turns holding The Forgotten Sons for their partners to takedown.

Jaxson Ryker, sensing his team was in dire straits, entered the ring and laid waste to anyone around him. He utilized the ladder to demolish his team's opponents and sent Lorcan sailing into a ladder with a nasty back body drop. Undisputed Era, Street Profits and Lorcan and Burch teamed up to obliterate Ryker and ensure he would not be a factor in the remainder of the match. The action continued to break down until Fish, O'Reilly, Lorcan and Burch found themselves atop the ladders. The Forgotten Sons, though, cleared them from the ring in breathtaking fashion and set up the ladder for themselves to climb.

A big spear from Dawkins and a springboard on to the ladder from Ford, followed by a hard right hand, earned The Street Profits their first titles.
                             
Result
The Street Profits defeated The Forgotten Sons, The Undisputed Era and Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch to win the NXT Tag Team Championships.
                 
Grade
A



3. North American Championship Match: Velveteen Dream vs. Tyler Breeze

Two of the most eccentric personalities in the history of NXT squared off Saturday, as Tyler Breeze returned to the brand that made him a star to battle one of its most prominent young competitors, The Velveteen Dream, for the North American Championship.

Breeze, more focused and determined than ever before, targeted Dream's knee and flattened him with a forearm off the apron. Prince Pretty, a student of Lance Storm, applied a familiar half Boston Crab in an attempt to tap out the champion. Dream, though, reached the bottom rope and forced the break.
The challenger was super aggressive as he took the fight to Dream but left himself open for a big kick that allowed the champion to create space. Breaking the referee's count, he headed back to the floor and repeatedly bashed Breeze's face into the announce table. Dream added insult to injury, snapping a selfie with a beaten down Breeze and the North American Championship.

But Breeze fought back into the match and teased a tombstone piledriver that Dream reversed. More reversals followed and an Unprettier from Dream to nearly secure his win. The champion tried for the Purple Rainmaker, but Breeze got his legs up and caught Dream's elbow. Breeze delivered the Supermodel Kick and Unprettier but could only keep his opponent down for two.
The Beauty Shot should have won it for Breeze, but Dream expertly rolled to the arena floor.
Dream grabbed the belt from ringside and tried to use it, but Breeze grabbed it and tossed it away. The distraction allowed Dream to re-enter the ring, deliver the Dream Valley Driver and score the win with the Purple Rainmaker.
                     
Result
Dream defeated Breeze to retain the title.
             
Grade
A



4. NXT Women's Championship Match: Io Shirai vs. Shayna Baszler
Io Shirai faced her most monumental match since the Mae Young Classic Final in October when she challenged Shayna Baszler for the NXT Women's Championship on Saturday. Hoping to replicate the success she had against The Queen of Spades in her home country of Japan, Shirai entered the match as the underdog hoping to dethrone the dominant champion.
Baszler stalled early and paid for it in the form of a baseball slide dropkick from her top contender. It was only a matter of time, though, before Baszler turned the tide and inflicted serious damage to her opponent's hand.

The unforgiving Baszler targeted her opponent's injured hand, focusing her attack on it as she attempted to take that particular weapon away from Shirai. The challenger delivered a deadlift German suplex but was unable to hold her grip for the count.
A springboard dropkick followed, but The Queen of Spades shot her shoulder off the mat at two.
Moments later, Shirai delivered a wickedly beautiful moonsault that wiped out Baszler on the arena floor.

Double knees from Shirai followed before the challenger scaled the ropes. Marina Shafir and Jessamyn Duke appeared, but Candice LeRae came from out of nowhere to obliterate the Horsewomen with a kendo stick. Back in the ring, Shirai survived the choke out and tried for the moonsault. Baszler moved, and the challenger landed on her feet. The fight continued, with Shirai trying for the la magistral cradle. Baszler countered into the choke and forced Shirai to try to fight her way out of it. The suffering was too much, though, and Shirai had no choice but to tap out in order to live to fight another day.
               
Result
Baszler defeated Shirai to retain.
             
Grade
A




5. NXT Championship Match: Johnny Gargano vs. Adam Cole
In New York in April, Johnny Gargano realized his dream of capturing the NXT Championship by defeating Adam Cole in a Best 2-Out-of-3 Falls match. Without the safety net of extra falls, Gargano defended his title against Cole in the main event of Saturday's historic TakeOver: XXV.
An early exchange left Cole on the floor, needing to regroup. Gargano maintained control through the opening moments, with Cole repeatedly attempting to create space but finding himself on the receiving end of a targeted attack to the left arm by the champion. Not to be outdone, and recognizing the significance of the moment, Cole seized an opening and attacked his opponent's knee.
Gargano fought through the pain, delivered a big kick and a step-up enzuigiri. A tornado flatliner then earned him a two-count.

Cole answered moments later with a backstabber to a flying Gargano for a near-fall of his own. He followed up shortly thereafter with a burning hammer facebreaker for another two-count as frustration began setting in. Champion and challenger exchanged forearms and then traded superkicks both in and out of the ring, leaving them lying on the arena floor as Ranallo reminded fans of the champion's advantage that states a title cannot change hands on a count-out.
A slingshot DDT back into the squared circle scored Gargano a two-count. A double stomp to the back of Cole's neck left the challenger staggered. Before Gargano could execute a short sidekick, Cole rolled to the floor. A momentary delay by Gargano allowed Cole to catch him with an ushigoroshi on the floor.

He withstood an attempt by the challenger to finish him off and applied the Garga-No Escape. Cole fought out, though, and applied the Figure Four. Forced to endure tremendous pain in his injured knee, Gargano nearly had his shoulders pinned to the mat. Injuries to both men set in and forced them to strike each other with whatever available limbs they had left. Gargano sailed through the ropes with a suicide dive, but Cole caught him with a superkick in midair as chants of disbelief poured down from the stands. On the floor, Cole delivered the Panama Sunrise. Back in, he was still only able to keep Gargano down for two.

Cole tried for the last shot, but Gargano countered into the Garga-No Escape. Cole, though, reversed that into his own version of the submission. The champ fought out and delivered a Last Shot of his own for a near-fall as chants of "fight forever" spilled from the stands.
The Superstars traded kicks, and Gargano delivered a lariat that turned Cole inside out. Superkicks were traded before Cole delivered a reverse rana and last shot.
You guessed it: two-count.

Frustrated, Cole retrieved a chair from under the ring, but referee Drake Wuertz stopped him from using it. Gargano then exploded through the ropes with a suicide dive that wiped out the official. A superkick from Gargano to Cole, knocking the chair back into his face, failed to score the win because there was no one to count the pin. Cole suckered in Gargano, teasing involvement by Undisputed Era, only to deliver a modified piledriver. Two-count.
The challenger then set up the champion for a Last Shot, but Gargano fell face-first, too exhausted to hold himself up. Or so we thought. Gargano played possum, forced Cole to drop his defenses and suckered him into the Garga-No Escape.

But Cole then targeted the knee of his opponent, delivered another Panama Sunrise and one more Last Shot to win the title.
                   
Result
Cole defeated Gargano to win the title.
               
Grade
A+


text by (mk) 

WWE Elimination Chamber 2018 predictions

Here are my predictions for tonights WWE ppv Elimination Chamber 2018

Men’s Elimination Chamber (Cena vs. Reigns vs. Rollins vs. Strowman vs. Elias vs. Balor vs. The Miz)
my pick: I´ll go with Finn Balor. Hopefully not Reigns.

Women’s Elimination Chamber (Bliss vs. Banks vs. Bayley vs. Rose vs. Deville vs. James)
my pick: this is my title change of the evening. Banks will win the title and will go on as heel.

Cesaro & Sheamus vs. Titus Worldwide (Raw Tag Team championship)
my pick: Cesaro and Sheamus will retain the titles

Asuka vs. Nia Jax
my pick: I would so love to see Nia Jax winning this one and go on to WrestleMania. But I guess Asuka will go undefeated into WrestleMania.

Woken Matt Hardy vs. Bray Wyatt


my pick: Bray Wyatt for sure and the tranformation of Woken Matt Hardy into Broken Matt Hardy will go on.

Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson vs. The Miztourage
my pick: sadly Gallows and Anderson are back in the KickOff show. They deserve on the ppv card. So they will win and move on.







pics (c) by WWE

NXT TakeOver Brooklyn 3 Predictions

Johnny Gargano vs. Andrade "Cien" Almas



-> After his friend and tag team partner Tommaso Ciampa betrayed and attacked him, Gargano is now a solo act. A showdown with Almas is the first major stopping point of his journey as a singles competitor.

Almas, meanwhile, is in the midst of a shift in attitude. The devil-may-care playboy has grown more focused thanks to Zelina Vega (aka Thea Trinidad) at his side. 

This should be a solid bout from an in-ring standpoint and intriguing in terms of who WWE is more interested in pushing right now. I go with Almas.

Aleister Black vs. Hideo Itami

-> Frustration has seen Itami morph into a more vicious competitor of late. He turned on his friend Kassius Ohno during a slow-burn heel turn and is now intent on climbing the NXT ladder with a new, looser moral code.  He faces one of NXT's hottest acts in Black. 

The Dutch bruiser's presence, heavy-handed strikes and technical prowess have made him a star for the brand in short time. WWE seems to recognize his potential as a top-tier anti-hero. He's undefeated at NXT so far, taking down the likes of Bobby Fish, Ohno and Almas.

This bout promises to be a thriller flush with haymakers. Black and Itami are among NXT's hardest strikers, and there will be plenty of red flesh and loose teeth when this is all over. I go with Aleister Black.

The Authors of Pain vs. Sanity (NXT Tag Team Championship)
 -> In a rare heel-on-heel championship match, the unhinged faction that is Sanity will try to be the first to topple Akam and Rezar of The Authors of Pain.

Alexander Wolfe and Killian Dain will have the advantage of their stablemates Nikki Cross and Eric Young lurking at ringside. And after Sanity has suffered so many losses with zero titles to show for it, Wolfe and Dain can change the group's narrative in a big way here. 

This will be a major test for both teams, as The Authors of Pain have long had the benefit of top-notch opponents facing them, from The Revival to #DIY. Wolfe and Dain aren't that. 

Beyond retaining, Akam and Rezar will be out to prove WWE's faith in them as a top monster duo is justified. AOP will retain.

Asuka vs. Ember Moon (NXT Women's Championship)
 -> The women's champ remains undefeated. She remains the unstoppable champion no challenger can bring down. Moon offers the most convincing threat Asuka has faced, though.

The Texas native is one of the best in-ring performers in NXT right now. She's a compelling, larger-than-life figure. Her ceiling is high, and she's most certainly championship material.

Will she be the woman who finally dethrones Asuka?

Win or lose, Moon promises to deliver one of the most thrilling matches of Asuka's reign. She can hang with the champ whether the bout leans more toward a slugest or an aerial affair. This has show-stealer written all over it. NEW CHAMP with EMBER MOON

Bobby Roode vs. Drew McIntyre (NXT Championship)

-> WWE released the Scottish wrestler in 2014. After tearing it up in the United Kingdom and the U.S. independent scene, he has stormed into NXT looking stronger, more magnetic and more fiery than ever before.

He's produced a number of smashmouth works of art at Full Sail. Roode, on the other hand, has had a number of underwhelming performances with sluggish energy. Something has to give when they meet in Brooklyn.  McIntyre is poised to snatch the title from Roode and replace him as the flag-bearer of the brand. Seeing him try, one boot to the chin after another, is going to be quite the ride.

Booy Roody will retain


pics (c) by WWE

NXT TakeOver Chicago results and review

Eric Young vs. Roderick Strong
We go right to the ring and out comes SAnitY - Eric Young, Killian Dain and Alexander Wolfe.
Roderick Strong's music hits and EY waits. Strong comes out of nowhere and takes out Dain and Wolfe on the floor. Strong hits the ring and unloads on EY as the bell rings. Strong keeps control but EY turns it around as they go to the floor. EY brings it back in but Strong fights him. Strong nails a dropkick as SAnitY looks on from ringside. Strong with more offense until he runs into an uppercut in the corner. EY with a belly-to-back as fans boo. Young stomps away on Strong now.
EY keeps control and hits a neckbreaker for a 2 count. Young keeps Strong grounded now. Strong fights back. Back and forth now. Strong with a running elbow in the corner. EY gets sent to the apron but Strong kicks him off. Strong with a dropkick to Wolfe. Strong also rocks Dain but Dain comes back and launches himself at Strong while the referee was distracted. Fans boo. EY brings it back into the ring and works Strong over. EY brutalizes Strong in the corner and comes off the second rope for a 2 count. Wolfe ends up getting in a kick to the head while the referee is distracted. EY with a 2 count.

Fans try to rally for Strong but he keeps control. Strong fights up and out but EY drops him to the mat again. EY with another 2 count. Strong eventually dropkicks EY out of mid-air. Strong fights back and looks to make a comeback. Strong with a backbreaker and a big running knee in the corner. Strong drops EY again for a 2 count. EY rolls to the floor for a breather. Dain and Wolfe check on him. EY goes on to pull Strong from the apron and hit the Youngblood on the floor. EY brings it in the ring for another 2 count.

They trade shots in the middle of the ring now. EY drops Strong to boos. EY goes to the top but Strong grabs his foot. Strong climbs up for a superplex but EY headbutts him to the mat. EY nails the big elbow drop for a close 2 count. EY goes for the Youngblood again but Strong rolls him up for 2. EY runs into a kick. Strong nails another kick. Strong kicks Dain off the apron. Strong throws EY into Wolfe, sending him off the apron. Strong goes to put EY away but EY apparently rakes him in the eyes. EY goes to the top but Strong cuts him off. Strong climbs up as fans chant for him. EY fights him off and tries to bring Strong to the mat but Strong fights it. Strong goes to the mat but comes right back with a jumping knee, knocking EY off the top onto Dain and Wolfe.
Strong brings it back in the ring and keeps control. Strong with a big backbreaker for the pin.
Winner: Roderick Strong (7 of 10 points)


WWE UK Title Match: Pete Dunne vs. Tyler Bate
We go to the ring and Greg Hamilton introduces WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross. Ross comes out to a pop and joins Nigel for commentary as Tom and Percy head to the back. Pete Dunne is out next as Hamilton introduces him. The first-ever WWE UK Champion Tyler Bate is out next.

Fans chant "Bruiserweight" as the bell rings. They lock up and go at it, going to the mat with back and forth. Fans do dueling chants for the two now. Dunne takes control and works on the hand and wrist. Bate fights out and hits a dropkick, sending Dunne to the floor for a breather. Bate shows off and tells Dunne to bring it back in. The referee counts. Bate goes to the floor and Dunne nails a hard forearm to the jaw. Dunne works on the hand and fingers. Bate blocks a stomp onto the steel steps. Bate with an uppercut off the steel steps. Bate brings it back in right before the 10 count. Dunne rolls right back out and decks Bate when he comes over.

Dunne slams into the apron with a suplex from the floor. They bring it back and Dunne has control. Dunne keeps Bate grounded as fans do dueling chants again. Dunne with a big stomp to the ribs after breaking a hold. Dunne keeps control and delivers several stomps to the side of the head. Dunne with more kicks that just anger Bate. Bate gets up and nails an exploder suplex.

Bate with a running European uppercut in the corner, and another. Dunne comes right back but Bate counters and drops him on his head for a close 2 count. Fans chant NXT as they both are down. A UK chant starts now. Bate gets up and goes for a moonsault but Dunne catches him in a triangle choke. Dunne with strikes while the hold is applied. Bate with a 2 count. Dunne with more strikes. Dunne's shoulders go down again. Bate powers up and breaks the hold with a powerbomb. Fans chant "this is awesome" now.

Bate with the airplane spin several times in the middle of the ring as fans pop big. Bate with a close 2 count. Bate gets up first. Dunne counters and nails a big forearm as Bate comes off the second rope. Dunne goes on and nails a sitdown powerbomb for a close 2 count. The crowd goes wild as both Superstars are down. They get up and trade shots in the middle of the ring. Bate drops Dunne with a big left. Dunne counters and nails an enziguri. More back and forth. Bate nails a big shot coming off the ropes but Dunne still kicks out at 2.

Fans chant "fight forever" now. Bate goes for the Tyler Driver 97 but it's blocked. Bate counters the Bitter End with a big DDT. Fans chant "holy s--t" now. Bate ends up hitting a moonsault from the top to the floor on Dunne. Bate brings it right back in and goes to the top. Bate with the corkscrew 450 for a close 2 count as the crowd goes nuts again. Fans chant UK again. Bate runs the ropes for a big dive but Dunne side steps and puts him on the floor. Dunne brings it back in and hits the Bitter End for the pin and the title.
Winner and New WWE UK Champion: Pete Dunne (10 of 10 points)

Triple Threat for the NXT Women's Title: Ruby Riot vs. Nikki Cross vs. Asuka
Back to the ring and out first comes Ruby Riot. Nikki Cross is out next as the SAnitY music hits. NXT Women's Champion Asuka is out next.

Nikki starts off by tossing her jacket into Riot for a cheap shot right as the bell rings. Nikki goes after Asuka but Asuka fights back and hits a Rear View for Riot, then takes Cross down. Cross ends up getting sent to the floor. Ruby and Asuka face off before locking up. Back and forth between the two. Ruby sends Asuka out and then runs the ropes but Nikki runs in and drops her. Nikki keeps control and runs over Ruby on the floor as we see the injured Ember Moon watching backstage. Cross with a neckbreaker on Ruby in the ring. Asuka comes off the top with a dropkick to break it up. Asuka with kicks to Cross on her knees now.

Nikki counters with a shot to the gut. Nikki drops Asuka for a 2 count. Nikki laughs now. Ruby comes in as all three are involved now. Asuka ends up dumped to the floor as Nikki laughs some more. Ruby and Cross go at it now. Ruby fights back and unloads, nailing a dropkick. Asuka comes back in but Ruby nails a hurricanrana from the top. Ruby sends Nikki face first into the turnbuckles. Asuka comes back up and sends Ruby down. Nikki knocks Asuka off the apron. Nikki jumps off the apron but Asuka catches her in the jaw with a knee. Ruby runs the ropes and nails a dive on Asuka.
Ruby ends up with a pin attempt on Nikki after coming off the top. Asuka with a German on Ruby for a 2 count. Nikki fights off a German attempt. Nikki drops Asuka for a 2 count. More back and forth and pin attempts. Asuka gets the Asuka Lock applied on Ruby after playing possum. Nikki breaks it up with a splash. Nikki takes ruby out and sends her to the floor, then catches Asuka in the apron and unloads with strikes. Nikki drags Asuka over to a corner. Nikki with the hanging neckbreaker for a 2 count as Ruby breaks it up.

Ruby and Nikki collide with crossbody attempts. Asuka tries to get back in it but she ends up on the floor as the other two go at it. Ruby drops Nikki with a pele kick but Asuka breaks up the pin with a running knee. Asuka stumbles over and falls on top of both opponents for the win.
Winner: Asuka (8 of 10 points)


NXT Title Match: Hideo Itami vs. Bobby Roode
We go to the ring and out first comes Hideo Itami to a pop. The latest "Glorious" entrance starts up as NXT Champion Bobby Roode makes his way out to a pop.

We get formal ring introductions from Hamilton before the match. Hideo goes for an early GTS but Roode scrambles and retreats to the floor. Back and forth after Roode comes back in. Itami takes control with a headlock. Roode gets out but misses a chop in the corner. Itami with a chop of his own. Itami takes Roode to another corner and delivers chops. Itami with a running knee to the gut and a kick to the back. Itami with a kick to the chest. Itami stands tall for a pop.

Itami mocks Roode some and angers him. Roode charges but Itami keeps control. Itami works Roode over in the corner now. Roode runs into boots. Roode counters a DDT from the top. Roode goes to the second rope and nails a Blockbuster for a 2 count. Roode keeps control and nails a shot to the throat. Roode works Itami over in the corner now. Roode whips Itami to the opposite corners with clotheslines. Roode with a neckbreaker for a 2 count. Roode keeps Itami grounded now.
Itami fights up and out but Roode charges with a knee to the gut. Hideo blocks a neckbreaker and backslides Roode for 2. Roode comes right back with a clothesline. Roode shows off to a mixed reactions. Roode taunts Itami as he tries to get up. Itami gets up and smacks Roode hard in the face. Roode comes back with a knee. Itami with a kick. They go at and Itami nails a running kick to the face.

Itami with a clothesline and another. Itami ducks a clothesline and unloads with kicks. Hideo with a suplex. Roode runs into boots again. Itami uses the top turnbuckle to drop Roode's neck over the rope. Itami comes off the top for another close 2 count. Roode blocks the GTS and sends Itami to the corner. Itami keeps control with strikes to the shoulder. Roode ducks a kick but can't get the roll up. Itami turns that into an arm bar but Roode escapes. Roode ducks a kick and goes for the big DDT but Itami rams him into the corner. Itami with kicks in the corner now. More back and forth now. Roode misses a Blockbuster and lands hard. Itami plants Roode with a Falcon Arrow for another close 2 count.

Itami with more kicks to the chest. Itami unloads with kicks as the referee warns him. Itami runs the ring but Roode catches him in a spinebuster for a 2 count. Roode readies for the Glorious DDT but Itami blocks it. Itami goes for the GTS but Roode goes to the apron. Roode drops Itami over the top rope. Roode brings it to the floor and slams Itami into the barrier. Roode talks some trash and Itami counters, sending Roode shoulder-first into the steel steps. Itami charges with a dropkick but Roode misses and Itami dropkicks the steel steps. The referee checks on both Superstars. Roode clutches his shoulder and Itami clutches his knee.

Roode gets up first as the referee counts. Roode stumbles around but makes it into the ring. Itami makes it in at the 8 count. They trade shots in the middle of the ring now. Itami unloads and sends Roode into the corner. Itami with the big hesitation dropkick. Itami calls for the GTS but his leg goes out and Roode slides out. Roode hits the Glorious DDT but Itami kicks out. Itami scoops Roode and nails the GTS for a big pop. Roode falls out of the ring. Itami quickly tries to get Roode back in for the pin. A brief CM Punk chant broke out. Itami rolls Roode back into the ring but he kicks out at 2.
Hideo picks Roode up for another GTS but Roode turns it into a pin attempt but Itami gets the 2 count instead. They tangle and Itami blocks the Glorious DDT with strikes. Itami drops Roode with slaps. Itami drops his knee pad and the crowd pops. Itami goes for the GTS but it's blocked. Roode with the Glorious DDT. Roode keeps it locked and hits another Glorious DDT for the pin.
Winner: Bobby Roode (8 of 10 points)

Ladder Match for the NXT Tag Team Titles: DIY vs. The Authors of Pain
We go to the ring as Hamilton introduces the match. WWE Hall of Famer Paul Ellering is out first with NXT Tag Team Champions The Authors of Pain, Akam and Rezar. Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa are out next to a pop. We see the NXT Tag Team Titles hanging high above the ring as the two teams face off. The bell rings and they go at it.

Akam and Rezar take their opponents to the corners but they fight out. DIY clear the ring and stand tall early on as fans pop. They both go to the floor and bring ladders from under the ring. Rezar runs over and takes Ciampa down. Akam launches Gargano into the barrier. Rezar launches Ciampa into the barrier next. Ciampa sends Akam into the steel steps and takes him out. Gargano comes off the apron with a senton to take Rezar down on the floor. Fans chant for DIY now. They bring the taller ladder from the entrance and try to bring it in the ring but The AOP recover. DIY still take The Authors down on the floor as Gargano nails a dive with an assist from Ciampa. DIY go back in the ring and stand another ladder under the titles. Akam runs in but Gargano kicks him. They climb for the titles but Akam pushes the ladder over. They slam it into his face.

Rezar stops a climb but they unloads on him in the corner. Gargano whips Ciampa's knee into Rezar in the corner. Rezar catches Gargano in the air and slams him onto Ciampa. Akam holds the ladder down while Rezar climbs. DIY stops the climb again. They slam a ladder to the backs of their opponents. Ciampa climbs for the titles but gets pushed over. Akam and Rezar climb the same ladder now. Ciampa and Gargano both get up swinging. The Authors scoop their opponents for the Super Collider but they use that to get to the ladder and reach for the titles but The Authors bring them to the mat. The Authors keep control with more big shots with the ladders. They talk some trash and get booed. They put Ciampa in the corner and lay a ladder across the rope in front of him. They drive the ladder into Ciampa's gut and deck him while he's pinned in. Akam positions a ladder under the titles. Rezar climbs while Akam holds the ladder down. They stop the climb to come over and beat on DIY as they were getting up.

They fold the ladder up and charge at DIY, knocking them down and out of the ring. Referees check on DIY at ringside. The Authors go under the ring for another ladder as Ellering directs traffic. Fans chant for tables as another ladder is brought into the ring. They also bridge two ladders from the apron to the barrier. They go for a Super Collider on the apron through the tables but Ciampa slides out and makes the save. Gargano kicks Akam on the apron. Akam and Rezar are down on one knee on the apron. DIY nail superkicks, causing AOP to fall back onto the ladder bridges. DIY work them over and look to the standing ladder in between the two bridges. Fans chant "yes!" as they both start climbing. Ciampa and Gargano splash each of their opponents through ladders from up high on another ladder. Fans chant "holy s--t" as all four Superstars are down. Referees check on them and we get replays.

More back and forth between the teams. Gargano looks to have the titles after a big spot but Ellering comes in and stops him. Gargano drops Ellering with a superkick for a pop. Akam runs over Gargano and sends him to the floor. They double team Ciampa in the corner on a ladder now. Fans boo. Ellering is still down on the floor but he orders The Authors to put an end to Ciampa. They go to shove a ladder into Ciampa's neck but Gargano gets in the way and makes the save. They ram the ladder into Gargano instead.

The Authors start climbing as fans boo. Rezar has the titles but Ciampa runs up and stops him. Ciampa slams Rezar from the top of the ladder through a ladder that was laying in the corner. Akam climbs up for the titles but Gargano crawls in. Akam crawls down and pushes Gargano to the side. Fans chant DIY now. Akam kicks Gargano. DIY come back with kicks on Akam as he gets a ladder stuck around his head. DIY charge from each side and take Akam down with the double team Meet In the Middle. Ciampa sells the leg injury. Fans chant NXT now. DIY position a ladder and start climbing for the titles.

DIY reach the titles and start unhooking them but The Authors kick the ladders out. DIY are left hanging from the titles. The Authors turn that into powerbombs and a Super Collider. Akam and Rezar climb up and retrieve the titles to retain as fans boo.
Winners: The Authors of Pain (9 of 10 points)

After the match, Akam and Rezar stand tall with their titles before going out to help Paul Ellering up. We go to replays as they leave together. Ellering and The Authors stand tall at the entrance before leaving. We see DIY recovering in the middle of the ring. Fans applaud them and start chanting DIY after The Authors leave. Ciampa and Gargano embrace before getting to their feet. They stand up and fans pop again. The chants and cheers continue as we get another replay of the finish. DIY are now standing at the entrance as fans continue chanting their name. Ciampa grabs Gargano and launches him into the LED board. Ciampa unloads on Gargano and beats him down. Fans boo and Gargano looks shocked. Referees are asking Ciampa what he's doing. Ciampa drops Gargano with a knee to the face. Ciampa walks around before coming back over and dropping his knee pad. Ciampa delivers another hard knee to the face. A "f--k you Ciampa" chant starts up now. Ciampa throws Gargano onto the announcers table now. Ciampa stares Gargano down and scoops him up. Ciampa leaps back from the announce table through a bunch of production tables off to the side of the stage. A "holy s--t" chant starts up. Ciampa goes back to the stage and stands on top of the announce table but fans boo. Gargano is checked on as an "asshole" chant starts up. Ciampa looks down at Gargano and the chaos below. Takeover goes off the air with Ciampa standing tall. 

pics (c) NXT / WWE

NXT TakeOver Chicago preview

Here is my preview of tonights NXT PPV

NXT Championship Match: Bobby Roode (c) vs. Hideo Itami
-> Bobby Roode is in the way of NXT's renaissance, and Hideo Itami is poised for a real now-or-never moment. Plus it's Chicago, and a Go 2 Sleep and a title win just feels right. Pick: Hideo Itami

NXT Tag Team Championship Ladder Match: Authors of Pain (c) vs. Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa
-> I love #DIY and it really seems like they are staying in NXT so it would absolutely make sense to give them the belts back, but it also seems like they are writing an AOP vs Heavy Machinery feud soon…Either way I expect this match to be amazing (can DIY even have a bad match?) and I am really curious to see what the AOP monsters do with the ladders! My gut is telling me DIY, but my brain is telling me AOP… Pick: Authors of Pain

NXT Women’s Championship Match: Asuka (c) vs. Ruby Riot vs. Nikki Cross
-> None of these women winning would make me unhappy-- Asuka's continuing descent into ruthlessness to keep her title, Riot having a sudden stupendous rise, Cross having a savage reign of terror, they're all appealing. But I feel like the story they're telling involves Ember coming back and taking the gold on the biggest stage NXT has to offer in Brooklyn, so... Pick: Asuka

WWE UK Championship Match: Tyler Bate (c) vs. Pete Dunne
 -> I'm going with a switch here. The UK division has lost its momentum after the initial hot tournament and this would be a good way to get that shine back. Plus, Pete Dunne frickin' rules. And if they're not going to put him on the main roster as an awesome midcard villain, may as well put the UK strap on him. Pick: Pete Dunne

Eric Young vs. Roderick Strong
-> Eric Young has been losing often since coming to NXT. Great! That’s his purpose. He’s strong enough with SAnitY and has picked up enough wins that it looks good when he puts someone over. Roddy just had some great character building with those video packages a few weeks back. It would be a shame to follow it up with consecutive losses. Pick: Roderick Strong

pics (c) by WWE / NXT