6 Predictions For NXT TakeOver: San Antonio

6. Andrade Almas Defeats Roderick Strong

The first match on this weekend’s TakeOver card comes with real show-stealing potential. Neither Roderick Strong nor Andrade “Cien” Almas have shown their best work in NXT thus far, but this feels like the perfect opportunity for both to breakout. Almas was regarded as one of the most exciting wrestlers in Mexico prior to joining WWE, while Strong is an independent wrestling legend with a legacy of great matches in ROH, PWG, etc.

Almas vs. Strong hasn’t had much build, but they’re going to set San Antonio alight if they’re given enough time. It’ll be a while before we see either come close to main roster contention, but a victory here should send the winner surging towards the NXT Championship, and the loser won’t be too far behind him either.

This is a tough match to predict at the moment. Both men qualified for the number one contendership four-way a few weeks ago, but that’s about the extent of their success. Strong, in fairness, is just getting started in NXT, and while Almas looks rejuvenated as a heel, he has been active for close to a year without making any real traction… and that’s exactly why he needs to win on Saturday.

It’s time for WWE to start doing something with Cien, and it starts with a blow-away match in San Antonio. Strong is only just through the door and has plenty of time to establish himself, but Almas has been treading water for far too long, and should be able to use his sneaky ways to steal a win.