6 Predictions For NXT TakeOver: Orlando

1. Bobby Roode Sends Nakamura Packing

Bobby Roode Shinsuke Nakamura
WWE.com

Having debuted at last year’s TakeOver: Dallas, Saturday night will mark Shinsuke Nakamura’s one-year anniversary as an NXT superstar, a period during which the King of Strong Style has become a two-time NXT Champion. Bobby Roode took his belt at TakeOver: San Antonio, but after recovering from a kayfabe knee injury, the former NJPW star has a shot at regaining the gold in Orlando.

Will he pull it off, and become the brand’s first three-time champion? It’s extremely unlikely. Nakamura has been earmarked for an immediate main roster call-up, and winning the NXT Championship would only hold him back. It’s time for him to leave developmental behind for good, introduce himself to mainstream audiences on RAW or SmackDown, and leave NXT in Roode's capable hands.

There’s a chance Nakamura could show up at Mania itself, but next week looks likelier. Roode will be more than happy to be the one to send him off, and after two straight wins over the brand’s franchise player, he’s going to be insufferably braggadocios.

He, not Nakamura, is NXT’s undisputed top dog at the moment. A victory shall cement that, and leave WWE with the task of replacing NXT’s most popular wrestler.

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.