8 Predictions For NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn II
7. Austin Aries Will Taste Defeat
Austin Aries made a slow start to life in WWE. Though The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived is a tremendous wrestler, he’s grossly ill-suited to playing the babyface role that was asked of him early-on. The Baron Corbin feud did little for his momentum, and as enjoyable his match with Shinsuke Nakamura was, something was still missing.
That all changed when he turned on No Way Jose a few weeks ago. Whether in TNA or the indies, Aries has always been far more comfortable when working as a heel. His microphone and ring work come alive, and Aries finally starts to live-up to his nickname whenever he’s allowed to be the bad guy. NXT fans are yet to see the best of him, but history suggests that it’s right around the corner, and his clash with No Way Jose has surprising potential.
Few expected much from Jose when he debuted. Written-off as another goofy dancing gimmick, he looked a few steps behind his peers in the ring, but he’s been winning fans over on a steady basis ever since. Full Sail University loves his act, and while he’s still unrefined between the ropes, Jose exudes charisma, and his no problems getting the fans on his side.
The match could feasibly go either way, but there’s more money in having Aries lose at this point. A win would mean so much for Jose’s young WWE career, and it would drive the obnoxious Aries even further round the bend… who doesn’t want to see that?