Here is our preview and predictions for NXT TakeOver: Toronto, taking place at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada on August 10 and airing on the WWE Network.
The black and yellow brand is set to take center stage again for its latest edition of TakeOver, this time showcasing the future of WWE in Canada. Four titles will be defended on the evening along with one exhibition match. NXT TakeOvers always over-deliver and there is a ton to anticipate from the card.
Here we will preview each match and give our take on who will leave the night victorious. Let’s jump right into it:
Candice LaRae versus Io Shirai in a Grudge Match
This is the only match of the night that will not feature a title. Candice LaRae has been looking for revenge on Io Shirai dating back to June. In a stunning turn of events, Shirai turned on Candice following her loss to Shayna Baszler at TakeOver 25.
This new, darker Shirai claims she doesn’t need any friends. In the process of this transformation, she may also stake claim to the coolest entrance in NXT. There’s something to run with here.
Prediction: Io Shirai defeats Candice LaRae.
The Street Profits (c) versus The Undisputed Era for the NXT Tag Team Championships
It has been some time since Kyle O’Reilly and Bobby Fish have held tag team gold together. The Street Profits came up big at TakeOver 25, capturing their first taste of NXT gold. Yet they’ve been featured more prominently on Monday Night Raw for the past month. They’re regular mainstays on the red brand for a weekly segment. A call-up could be on the horizon.
But The Street Profits have had only one title defense, defeating Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch. Will they continue to stay true to their word? My guess is The Undisputed Era moves one step closer to their ultimate goal.
Prediction: The Undisputed Era defeat the Street Profits For the NXT Tag Titles.
Velveteen Dream (c) versus Roderick Strong versus Pete Dunne, Triple Threat Match for NXT North American Championship
Velveteen Dream versus Roderick Strong was already a dark horse for the match of the night. Adding Pete Dunne to the mix makes it a sure thing. Full Sail Arena lost their minds when the Bruiserweight staked his desire for the North American Title.
While Dunne enjoyed a historic run with the NXT UK Championship, he’s overdue for a new scene. Velveteen Dream seems destined for bigger things and a possible main-event run. That leaves Strong with the most to gain. Triple threat rules mean Dream does not have to be pinned to lose the title. Strong steals the win and pushes the Undisputed Era to 2-0 on the night.
Prediction: Roderick Strong pins Pete Dunne, wins North American Championship.
Shayna Baszler (c) versus Mia Yim for the NXT Women’s Championship
Shayna Baszler has ruled over the NXT Women’s division with few credible challengers. Adding her Four Horsewomen counterparts has only made her more dangerous. Enter Mia Yim, with nothing to lose and everything to gain. Single-handedly taking out members of the horsewomen to isolate Baszler has led Yim getting a shot at the championship.
One has to wonder when Shayna’s time in NXT will run its course. Baszler has defeated Yim twice, dating back to the Mae Young Classic. Their third meeting features Yim’s first title shot. Unfortunately, she will come up short again. Shayna two-time will extend her dominance.
Prediction: Shayna Baszler defeats Mia Yim, retains NXT Women’s Championship.
Adam Cole (c) versus Johnny Gargano in a two-out-of-three falls match for the NXT World Championship
This match is being dubbed as the final chapter. Johnny Gargano took the first round and became NXT World Champion for the first time at NXT TakeOver: New York. Adam Cole took the second round versus Gargano at NXT TakeOver 25 in another two-out-of-three falls matchup, capturing his first NXT title in the process. The series now sits at 1-1. The match will be similar to TakeOver: New York as it’s two-out-of-three falls. However, there are now stipulations with each fall.
Each competitor was allowed a stipulation of their choice. Gargano decided on a “street fight,” while Cole decided on a “traditional wrestling match.” If a third fall is necessary, general manager William Regal will decide the final stipulation.
This matchup has delivered at the past two TakeOver events. This “final battle” will be no different. Expect a third fall to take place as a symbol of this being their last encounter. Regal may choose something along the lines of a steel cage match or falls count anywhere.
Both of these Superstars are Grand Slam champions by NXT standards, but neither has had a lengthy title reign. With his Undisputed Era stablemates solidifying their dominance, Cole extends his reign and takes the rubber match.
Prediction: Adam Cole retains NXT World Championship, Undisputed Era holds all the gold.