5 HUGE NXT TakeOver: XXV Predictions You Need To Know

Can Adam Cole and Johnny Gargano match their New York classic?

Johnny Gargano Adam Cole TakeOver XXV
WWE.com

Only a fool would bet against an NXT TakeOver special delivering these days. Having established itself as the biggest "sure thing" in wrestling through 24 exemplary shows in close to five years, the black-and-gold super-show guarantees excellence, even when the card isn't the most eye-catching.

Fortunately, this Saturday's card is eye-catching. This special 25th TakeOver lineup is stacked from top to bottom, though April's fantastic New York show will be hard to match.

The main event will see Johnny Gargano and Adam Cole contest the NXT Championship for the second time in three months. 'Johnny Champion' bested the Undisputed Era man in NYC, defeating the 'Panama City Playboy' in a 2-out-of-3 falls main event that was as bombastic as it was dramatic. It'd take a Herculean effort to hit those same heights, though a strong build helps their chances, as do their respective big match track records.

Elsewhere, Io Shirai challenges for Shayna Baszler's Women's Title, Tyler Breeze returns to face North American Champion Velveteen Dream, Matt Riddle and Roderick Strong collide in a likely opener, and the vacant Tag Team Titles will be fought for in a ladder match.

Let's break the card down...

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Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.