6 Predictions For NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn III
5. Aleister Black's Streak Continues
Hideo Itami is finally starting to feel like his old self again. He was miscast as a babyface, and while his past life as KENTA made him a popular figure inside Full Sail, his character was bland and lifeless. Turning on Kassius Ohno has allowed him to summon the mean streak that brought him to the dance in the first place, and he's far stronger for it.
He'll face Aleister Black in what promises to be the stiffest match of the weekend. One exhibition match with Neville aside (in January, when he was still known as Tommy End), Black remains undefeated on WWE television, with his most recent triumphs coming over Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly. His Black Mass Kick has been knocking opponents silly since his TakeOver: Orlando debut, and while Black has become NXT's most feared striker, Itami might be the only one who can rival him in this department.
As much as Itami has improved, it'd be a mistake for WWE to end Black's undefeated streak here. His push has been almost Asuka-esque in its effectiveness in getting him over, and while the 36-year-old Itami's NXT main event days are likely behind him, Black's are still to come.