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

2. Shayna Baszler (c) Vs. Io Shirai Vs. Kairi Sane Vs. Bianca Belair (NXT Women's Title)

Adam Cole NXT TakeOver New York
WWE.com

There's a lot of pressure on NXT's leading ladies this weekend.

While NXT fans generally expect TakeOver to outclass them main roster product in situations like this, the roles will be reversed in New York. Ronda Rousey, Charlotte Flair, and Becky Lynch will literally make history with WrestleMania's first women's main event. In addition, most fans expect them to kill it. Their combined ring smarts and talent all but guarantees one of the best WWE matches of the entire year. NXT's women, therefore, have a Herculean task if they're to match Sunday night as an athletic contest.

This specific troupe gives them the best chance of doing so. Baszler, the division's alpha bully, will attempt to ground hyper-athletes Shirai and Sane, for whom Belair should provide a powerful base. Finding the right layout is critical, but three of these women are among the best in the world and the other is a white-hot, can't-miss prospect. They have our trust.

Belair's must win this belt before departing for the main roster, though she has plenty of time to do so. For now, the right choice is Shirai, freeing Baszler and Sane up for the main roster, and herself for a long-term programme with 'The EST Of NXT.'

Winner: Io Shirai

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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.