6 Predictions For NXT TakeOver: Orlando

4. A Victorious Debut

Bobby Roode Shinsuke Nakamura
WWE.com

Six months after signing with WWE, the former Tommy End is on the verge of his NXT debut. Now wrestling as Aleister Black, the Dutchman has been promoted through a series of vignettes over the past few weeks, and as has become a regular occurrence in NXT, he’ll make his debut against an established heel in Andrade “Cien” Almas.

Cien has had a rough time in NXT, and while turning heel has helped his momentum, he’s still spinning his wheels. He never fails to deliver in the ring, but his lack of English appears to be holding him back, and he has never been able to break out of the midcard. Almas desperately needs a big win or two, but it won’t come on Saturday night.

It’s rare for WWE to have a debuting NXT wrestler lose, and we shouldn’t expect Black to fall in Orlando. The former kickboxer comes with immense upside, and his cold, chilling promos should help him succeed where Cien has failed.

Both have bright futures in the company, but Black’s ascent is going to be far swifter than Almas’, and if he adapts to the WWE style, it won’t be long before Aleister is in the title picture.

Channel Manager
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.