Brooklyn – On Saturday August 18th, the WWE presents their fourth consecutive appearance at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Fans will be treated to a tremendous event that doesn’t appear to disappoint. Will Matt Riddle appear? Only time will tell. We can be assured that the event will likely turn heads presenting another incredible event.
NXT Tag Team Championship: Undisputed Era (Kyle O’Reilly & Roderick Strong) (c) vs Moustache Mountain (Trent Seven & Tyler Bate)
Since the initial battle for the championship during the recent WWE UK championship tournament in England, there has been a steady build leading up to their matchup in Brooklyn. When Seven and Bate initially captured the titles from Strong and O’Reilly, the timing and location couldn’t have been more perfect. Fans in England were witness to their hometown heroes walking in as challengers and walking as champions. The unfortunate part was that a mere 48 hours later, the duo lost the title an NXT television taping (which aired a week later). The reign appeared longer than it was because of when it aired on television, but it was actually quite short.
It made sense to have Seven and Bate capture the championships because of the atmosphere in the building when they won. They hold the distinction of being the only tandem from the United Kingdom to capture the tag team championships. They are also the only ones to capture an NXT title outside North America. The narrative was quite clear and it certainly generated a reaction. In hindsight, however, having them lose the titles a short time later seems a little strange. An argument for that booking is that their winning and losing the titles suggests that they aren’t to be taken lightly and are certainly capable of recapturing the championship. That uncertainty may be what makes fans gravitate to this match even more. That said, these are four of the most talented men in NXT. Whether they are in singles or tag team action, and fans will be treated to a highly spirited contest. It will involve a number of near falls and a great deal of technical wrestling. A year ago, some questioned the direction of Tyler Bate may after he lost the WWE UK championship and then lost countless singles matches afterward.
What may not be widely known in North America is that the duo of Seven and Bate, known as Moustache Mountain, competed all over before competing in the WWE UK tournament, and faced the likes of the Young Bucks during that time. Bate is unquestionably a standout, which was why the company made him the inaugural WWE UK champion. The Bate-Strong match up is particularly compelling since their size, stature and technical skill are remarkably similar. The greatest difference between them would be Strong’s experience, which exceeds that of the remaining men in the contest. Unlike other matches involving the Undisputed Era, it is less likely that Adam Cole would be involved in this match. This is simply due to his being preoccupied with his championship match against Ricochet.
The tag team division in NXT is rich with a number of teams that are a threat for the championships. At this point it doesn’t seem likely that Bate and Seven will be two-time champions, and Strong and O’Reilly continuing to hold the titles could be the most logical decision for the division, as they would then go on to face other challengers such as the Street Profits and The Mighty, and of course War Raiders. As it stands right now the prediction is that Undisputed Era will retain the titles. They may use nefarious means to achieve that, but that appears to be the best choice moving forward. Seven and Bate will be an integral part of the NXT UK brand moving forward, and this feud will help bring that division additional exposure even in defeat.
Prediction: Undisputed Era
Velveteen Dream vs. EC3
This match originated with a situation that played itself out during a tag team match that took place at the WWE UK championship tournament, which pitted the team of Velveteen Dream and EC3 against Ricochet and Aleister Black. It was a fairly even contest throughout until Dream appeared tired of what he was facing in the ring and walked out on his partner. As a result, EC3 was left to face Black and Ricochet alone, and was pinned soon after. It was clear that they weren’t on the same page and that their egos clashed during the match up. There is no secret that the key to success for any team is for both members check their egos at the door and pursue their common goal. But this was a case of Dream caring more about himself than the team.
EC3’s loss didn’t hurt him or his perception but did change the direction of his character. His self-confidence isn’t lacking, and this may be a case where he has become a much-needed face to challenge in the division. With the future of Aleister Black in NXT in question, who other than Johnny Gargano can fans get behind? EC3 has charm, charisma, and an incredible gift for gab. His ability to deliver a promo suggests that more opportunities will come to him if he continues to impress and develop at the rate that he has. Velveteen Dream, on the other hand, is coming off of a loss at the hands of Ricochet at the most recent NXT Takeover and didn’t capture the NXT North American championship either. Will, he continue to come up short or does he change the trajectory of his win-loss record at NXT Takeover? While wins and losses don’t normally mean all that much, his being thrust into major programs with other notable talent only to lose does make some question what the long-term plans are for Dream. Perhaps he could be leaving NXT after Takeover, so another loss would simply act as him being ushered out of the brand.
In comparison, a loss for EC3 doesn’t help any momentum he may have developed. Does this win lead to him challenging the winner of the NXT North American or NXT championship matches? One certainty is that Dream will be seeking revenge after being humiliated during the ‘Experience the Dream’ segment on NXT TV recently.
It is remarkable that a match could simply come about because a tag team partner walked away from his partner in a tag team match. There wasn’t any previous animosity between the duo, but this could be a case where both characters’ confidence and ego is such that the mutual animosity is not as evident. This appears to be a match where both need a win to ensure that fans remain invested in them, and a loss would serve no purpose for either character’s ascent. However, if we have to pick the one that is more than likely to go over, it is EC3. This could certainly be built as a redemption match for EC3, who is still just a few months into, his return to the promotion. He could begin his rise up the ranks of the company that he left a few years ago.
Prediction: EC3
NXT North American Championship Match: Adam Cole (c) vs. Ricochet
As far as dream matches go, this one has been a long time coming. Their initial meeting in WWE was when both took part in the six-man ladder match to become the inaugural NXT North American champion. In that match, their exchanges were limited as there were so many different men involved. While Ricochet has already had a program in NXT, this may be the first program that Cole can really sink his teeth into as champion. He did face the wrath of Aleister Black earlier in the year, but this is the first major challenge he has faced for the championship, and the match could lead to a number of great exchanges. Remarkably, in this match, we have two men challenging for the newest NXT championship that are under the age of thirty, yet still, have an astounding twenty-five years of experience between them. Both men have made their names on the independent circuit, competing for promotions all over North America and Japan. A great deal of buzz built around these two men before their time in NXT, some of it emanating from confrontations they had in Pro Wrestling Guerilla.
The early billing of ‘The One and Only’ against ‘the one and only NXT North American champion’ seems quite fitting. One major impediment Ricochet being successful is the potential role of the remaining members of the Undisputed Era. The threat they represent was made evident on a recent episode of NXT TV. Ricochet was taken out prior to his match by Cole and the other members of the faction. It put an exclamation point on their statement by standing over and taunting the fallen Ricochet.
Cole is known for cutting strong promos, while Ricochet hasn’t been given a lot of television time to showcase how he can verbally spar with his opposition. Keep in mind that during his time with Lucha Underground he rarely spoke. As for who to anticipate going over in this match, one thing to keep in mind is that regardless of the finish it isn’t likely going to be a one and done between them. Both men are incredibly engaging, each bringing something different to their characters and their matches. This could be a case where outside interference does indeed a role in their match it could be this one. But even though outside interference could cost Ricochet the match, it could also lend to some incredible spots performed by ‘The One and Only’ against Kyle O’Reilly and Roderick Strong. Fans could also see Moustache Mountain get involved leading to the whole match up being thrown out.
The concern is that having Cole lose the title after a short reign could hurt the value of the championship. With that said, Ricochet is the most notable and exciting in-ring talent in the promotion. In the end, even if O’Reilly, Strong, Bate and Seven all cancel each other out, perhaps Bobby Fish could play a part, leading to Cole being disqualified and losing, but ultimately retaining the championship.
Winner: Ricochet via disqualification (Adam Cole retains championship)
NXT Women’s Championship: Shayna Baszler (c) vs Kairi Sane
The build for the match between these two is rooted in an intertwined history, as Baszler and Sane’s entrances to WWE were so closely tied together. It makes this match up all the more interesting that a rematch of the finalists from the inaugural Mae Young Classic is now for the NXT women’s championship. On the surface, it would seem like Baszler is the one that will walk away as the champion, for a number of different reasons. Her clearly dominance, intimidating persona and strength and size advantage make her seem the clear winner. However, Sane’s Mae Young Classic victory over the Queen of Spades holds value, especially at this time of year. If this match had happened any other time, and the second the Mae Young Classic wasn’t imminent and gathering so much attention, Baszler would be a clear-cut favorite.
Sane lost to Baszler on NXT TV subsequent to her MYC victory, succumbing to the kirifuda clutch choke out finisher. Still, the pirate princess has done well in the NXT women’s division and been on the edge of the title picture on a number of occasions. Recently, she came to the aid of a beaten Candice LeRae, when Baszler followed up her victory with more abuse for LeRae. Sane displayed a very different level of aggression during the rescue.
Sane clearly is in a role where she needs to prove herself, for a number of reasons. Was she the rightful winner of the inaugural Mae Young Classic? Will she be seen as a weaker rendition of Asuka if she doesn’t capture the NXT women’s championship in her first opportunity? She will have to prove to those critical of her that she is a legitimate threat to Baszler. Baszler‘s last major title defense against Nikki Cross was a very good match and finished in a manner that still made Cross look great, despite losing. Sane is a much different character from Cross. It is important for this match to showcase Sane as more than simply a sympathetic face that has to overcome the bully. How will that ultimately come to pass remains to be seen.
What fans are assured of seeing in this match is a number of deceptively stiff strikes on the part of Sane and legitimately fierce offense from Baszler. The narrative is told leading up to this match has been who will face Baszler and put the bully in her place. Sane is the one to answer that challenge. Regardless of whoever walks away as the winner, these two will still be tied to one another for the foreseeable future. However, it appears Baszler is now the face of the division, and its success and how it turns out is based on her. Despite losing when she initial challenged Ember Moon for the NXT women’s championship, she was victorious in the rematch. Fans can anticipate that despite Sane’s best efforts in this match. Baszler is a dominant figure and fierce competitor, so much so that everyone is behind her, whether you are talking about physical ability or in-ring presence.
Winner: Shayna Baszler
NXT Championship Match (Last Man Standing): Tommaso Ciampa (c) vs Johnny Gargano
The originally announced triple threat for the NXT championship has now been changed to a singles contest. It is the next chapter in one of the most hotly contested feuds in NXT history. It was announced by General Manager William Regal on the August 8th episode of NXT TV that the championship match between Aleister Black and Tommaso Ciampa would have been a triple threat. After that show went off the air, WWE.com aired an exclusive interview with Regal. He was in the midst of describing how the match came to be when he was interrupted by a production assistant and was rushed to the area behind the arena. It was there where the cameras captured Black laid out on the pavement. In reality, as has recently been reported, Black suffered an injury, presumed to be to his groin that required surgery and took him out of the match. Some fans speculated whether or not a last-minute addition is slated for this matchup, but we can confirm that won’t be the case.
Regal has announced that this match will be a last man standing contest and will likely be the huge blow off match to this feud that these two deserve. Ciampa has continued to boast about his rise and how his position is unlike any other before him. He is truly embracing the role of heel, and in the process helped make Gargano the biggest face on the NXT roster. Their first match wasn’t sanctioned, their second one was a street fight, and this one, a last man standing match, will feature the added gratification of a title on the line. The build to this match had little to do with Gargano wanting the title, but simply him wanting to get his hands-on Ciampa, to beat on him and make him suffer the way Gargano had suffered.
If fans can anticipate anything in this match, it is that their animosity towards one another will be very obvious. However, it is more about Gargano wanting to get the better of Ciampa than The Blackheart wanting to finish the challenger. Ciampa has stated that he was done with Gargano and has nothing more to prove since he finished him in their street fight at NXT Takeover: Chicago. Ciampa wouldn’t hesitate to hurt his former DIY teammate, but that isn’t his ultimate goal. Much like any heel champion, as long as you walk out with the championship it doesn’t matter how you achieve that.
Fans have been taken on a rollercoaster ride by these two, and have seen the hero achieve success and suffer bitter defeat. In the process, fans have seen Ciampa rise to the status of the top heel in the promotion. This is because of what he does on the microphone, in the ring and even on social media. But now, we may be in store for a new movement, one that may seem similar to what happened when Daniel Bryan captured the WWE championship. For all his ups and downs, this may be the night Johnny Gargano finally achieves what he pursued the better part of 2017, by winning the NXT championship. It would be a story that ultimately sees our hero walk away as the champion and be celebrated by those in the locker room that support Johnny ‘freakin‘ Wrestling.
Winner: And new NXT champion Johnny Gargano
