Countdown to NXT Takeover: Vengeance Day

I have a funny feeling that Io Shirai’s reign is coming to an end and either Storm or Martinez would be tremendous champions as they both have impressive track records. Since Storm’s integration into NXT USA had to be delayed for some time, I think she will be rewarded here and quite frankly she embodies the kind of excitement that NXT needs right now. Winner: Toni Storm.

While Io Shirai has been NXT Women’s Champion for some time now it doesn’t seem likely her title reign will end here.  Look for Shirai to take advantage of miscues by Storm and Martine to retain.

This one could rival Dunne-Balor for match of the night. This is interesting,because Shirai has seemed to have been put on the back burner for other storylines lately, despite being champion. That changes here when she successfully retains. Winner: Io Shirai

Ember Moon has given NXT a shot in arm and Shotzi is growing and growing so quickly. They make a great team and I am sure HHH has other plans for Dakota Kai and Raquel González. I just don’t get why the winner doesn’t become the first ever NXT Women’s Tag Team Champions? They have a big enough roster. They have the talent. Winners: Ember Moon and Shotzi Blackheart.

When Ember Moon returned to NXT it seemed like she would be placed back into the NXT Women’s Championship hunt, but placing in a tag team with Shotzi Blackhear has yielded some interesting chemistry.  However, my spider sense is saying that it may actually be their opponents Dakota Kai and Raquel González who have their hands raised at the end of this one.

Since it’s already established that the titles can be defended in NXT, I think that would be a neat way to add meaning to this tournament – by having the winners challenge Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler. So my pick is based on which two women I think could step up against the main roster and not feel out of place. Winners: Ember Moon and Shotzi Blackheart

The Grizzled Young Veterans are the faves heading into the match with the upstarts MSK nipping at their heels. The Veterans prove why they are one of the very best teams in the world today. Winners: The Grizzled Young Veterans

Despite Grizzled Young Veterans coming into this match with a lot of hype look for MSK to score the pinfall.

It’s surprising to see MSK get so far into the tournament, as smart money would have been on homegrown teams being showcased. But, in for a penny, in for a pound I guess. So I’m picking them for the upset win. Winners: MSK

The British Invasion continues with Dunne getting it done here. Why hasn’t NXT used this as an angle? Get all the UK folks together in a stable against those already in NXT? Missed opportunity for sure. Winner: Pete Dunne.

Will Pete Dunn capture the NXT Championship here?  My 8 ball is a little murky which may mean a disqualification and this program continues into the following NXT PPV.

I’ve never been a big fan of Balor’s, but since he’s come back to NXT, he’s been slowly winning me over. I think this match is going to be stellar, and is the one I’m looking forward to the most. With Mania approaching, this may be a good time to bring Pat McAfee back into the mix – and I think he comes in and helps his faction-member Dunne get the win here. Winner: Pete Dunne

Poor Kushida. He needs to go back to NJPW where he belongs. He will be thrown a bone here and defeat Gargano but the real story is where do both men go from here? Winner: Kushida.

This could very possibly be the match of the night.  Look for Gargano to retain barely but this won’t be the last time he squares off against Kushida.