9 Things That Must Happen At NXT TakeOver: Philadelphia
6. Black Bests Cole
Many people are saying that the Extreme Rules stipulation gives Aleister Black an out in his match with Adam Cole. The man from the Netherlands can pick up his first singles defeat without having to give too much up, as Cole can rely on outside interference and shenanigans to come out on top. Adam Cole is all about shortcuts, and that could take him to victory on Saturday night.
This is a fairly convincing argument, but I’d counter by saying there is more for Black to gain in victory than in defeat. Cole is as teflon as it gets. He will be a top star no matter how many matches he loses. There is something intangible about the Panama City Playboy that just screams ‘star’, and the word ‘punchable’ fits well before it.
Aleister Black overcame the mind games of The Velveteen Dream, showcasing another side of himself before taking Patrick Clark’s head off with a Black Mass. Now the Dutchman is faced with the arrogance and distractive tactics of the only three-time ROH World Champion in history. It is the next step on his journey to the light.
Black has to be in line for a major role at the WrestleMania TakeOver, maybe even an NXT Championship shot. Now is not the right time for him to pick up a loss.