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

3. Velveteen Dream (c) Vs. Matt Riddle (NXT North American Title)

Adam Cole NXT TakeOver New York
WWE.com

This is tough.

Neither Matt Riddle nor Velveteen Dream is a finished WWE product. Dream is closer, and his unteachable presence and charisma could make him a bigger star on the main roster than he is in NXT, but he's still only 23 years old and could benefit from a longer developmental stint to smoothen his rough in-ring edges. Riddle, meanwhile, is an athletic prodigy, though his scripted promo work isn't high-level yet. This makes it borderline impossible to predict the bout based on call-up projections.

This scrap came together following Dream's North American Title victory over Johnny Gargano, after which he dismissed 'The Original Bro' with a finger snap. NXT's 21 March episode saw Riddle almost pin his new rival on a five-way to determine Gargano's TakeOver opponent. He couldn't pull it off, but he and the former Patrick Clark remain on frosty terms, and while far from the most personal feud in NXT history, there's enough sauce on this match to take it to the next level.

A defeat would mean Velveteen's reign ending after just 43 days. Disappointing, but it's too early to give Riddle his first true pinfall loss.

Winner: Matt Riddle

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. 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.