6 Predictions For NXT TakeOver: San Antonio
1. Shinsuke Nakamura's Reign Continues
It hasn’t taken Bobby Roode long to rise to the top in NXT. The former TNA Champion has been nothing short of, ahem, GLORIOUS since arriving at Full Sail University, and earned his spot in this weekend’s main event by beating Tye Dillinger, Andrade Almas, and Roderick Strong a few weeks ago. He’s an experienced campaigner and a tremendous heel, and after decades operating on the fringes, Roode is well positioned to become a major WWE star.
Shinsuke Nakamura, meanwhile, is 53 days into his second reign as NXT Champion. The King of Strong Style took the championship back from Samoa Joe in Osaka, Japan last month, but Roode poses an entirely different type of challenge.
While Joe is brutal and relentless, Roode is sly and cunning. He’s far more prone to cheating than Joe, but perhaps lacking in his killer instinct, and his slow, methodical style should make for an interesting contrast with Nakamura’s strike-heavy assault. TakeOver main events are expected to at least come within touching distance of Match of the Year calibre, and Roode vs. Nakamura should do just that.
There’s been talk that the loser of this match might find their way into the Royal Rumble, but the NXT Championship will be their sole focus on Saturday night. Roode is motivated, and has looked untouchable since joining NXT, but he is yet to face a wrestler of Nakamura’s calibre. Look for the King of Strong Style to retain his strap and return to winning ways on TakeOver, but for Roode to push him incredibly close.