6 HUGE NXT TakeOver: New York Predictions You Need To Know

4. KUSHIDA In The Front Row

Adam Cole NXT TakeOver New York
WCPW

While seeing a new signing appear in a TakeOver crowd is too small to make or break an event, it's always a fun little touch that helps make the show feel complete. It's an expected tradition, and while the shrinking pro-wrestling labour market makes it hard for WWE to pull off genuine shocks like the returning Drew McIntyre in 2017, fans will still pop their t*ts off upon seeing a new Performance Center recruit live for the first time.

KUSHIDA makes sense this time around. NXT's "smarter" audience should be familiar with him for his work in New Japan Pro Wrestling, where he was the promotion's Junior Heavyweight ace for several years before running out of steam in the division, and, with no weight class promotion in sight, departing this January. A sublime babyface, technician, and striker, he'll fit the developmental brand well.

NXT's main event scene is in desperate need of a reshuffle, and KUSHIDA could play a role depending on how Friday night's results go down. He'll become one of NXT's best wrestlers from the moment he debuts. Title contention will be a longer grind, though.

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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.