“NXT Takeover: Brooklyn” Picks & Predictions

“NXT Takeover: Brooklyn” will air this Saturday night, Aug. 22, live from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

With a sold-out crowd and a stacked card, this special event not only has the potential to be the strongest show of the year for NXT, but perhaps the entire company.

Here’s a look at the six matches which are currently set to air on the WWE Network, with picks and predictions from WrestlingRumors.net Editor-in-Chief Christopher Walder.

Apollo Crews vs. Tye Dillinger

Tyle Dillinger’s “Perfect 10″ gimmick is outstanding and deserves to be recognized as such, but there isn’t a chance in you know what of Apollo Crews losing in his debut with all of the hype surrounding him.

“I think he’s awesome,” Triple H said about Crews Wednesday morning in a conference call. “If I didn’t think he was awesome I wouldn’t have him working for me.”

“He’s impressive. He does amazing stuff and he’s had incredible success around the world. I’ve had my eye on him for a long time and now we’re able to work together.”

Prediction: Apollo Crews wins via pinfall 

NXT Tag Team Championship: Blake & Murphy (c) vs. The Vaudevillians

My “markiness” for the Vaudevillians knows no bounds. I think the entrance and gimmick as a whole is fantastic, with a uniqueness that makes them captivating television.

Blake & Murphy are slowly building momentum with the belts, even with an entrance that will give you an epileptic seizure if you stare at it too long. Alexa Bliss has been a blessing in disguise for the duo, adding more personality and substance to a tandem that needed that extra spark.

There are plenty more face teams to work with for the champions than there are heel teams for the challengers. Barring a move to “Monday Night Raw” in the coming weeks, Enzo Amore and Big Cass will surely be thrust back into title contention, as well as the ever-popular Hype Bros.

Aiden English and Simon Gotch have teased bringing in a neutralizer for Bliss, so that may ultimately change the outcome. A run with the Tag Team Championship isn’t out of the question, despite Blake & Murphy undoubtedly needing the straps more than they do.

Prediction:  Blake & Murphy retain NXT Tag Team Championship

Samoa Joe vs. Baron Corbin

This is either going to be an utter disaster, or a physical hard-hitting battle between two brutes that surprises a lot of people in how exciting it is.

Baron Corbin is still green as grass, but does have a great deal of potential long-term for a company that will always have a reputation for loving larger guys. The pairing with Samoa Joe makes sense, as the two can just engage in a bout with plenty of striking and less technical wrestling – proving Joe’s strength as a competitor, while also hiding some weaknesses in Corbin’s game.

The safe pick is obviously Joe here, who has yet to be pinned or submitted on NXT programming (from my recollection). WWE probably won’t go the route of keeping him undefeated for his first year like TNA did back in the day, though. By hook or crook, Corbin will be the one standing tall on Saturday. Brooklyn won’t be happy, but they’ll get over it fast.

Prediction: Baron Corbin with the upset win

Jushin “Thunder” Liger vs. Tyler Breeze

Those who have seen the legendary Jushin “Thunder” Liger recently in the Ring of Honor promotion know that the 50-year-old Japanese sensation is no more than an enhancement talent at this stage of his career, putting over the future of the business while still having exceptional matches.

This is Liger’s chance to finally compete for World Wrestling Entertainment, which is a victory in and of itself. There’s no upside to him winning, nor does it matter in the grand scheme of things if he does. Think of it as another Sting situation from WrestleMania 31.

This will be Tyler Breeze’s biggest victory of his career, defeating an 11-time IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion. Even so, Liger is probably going to get the reaction of the night, with some Brooklynites perhaps showing their respect with streamers.

Prediction: Tyler Breeze wins via pinfall

NXT Women’s Championship: Sasha Banks (c) vs. Bayley

It’s written in the stars for Bayley to become the fourth Women’s Champion in NXT’s history, joining Paige, Charlotte, and her opponent Saturday – “The Boss” Sasha Banks.

Bayley has gone through Emma, Charlotte, and Becky Lynch to get to this title match on the grand stage, which is a logical progression towards legitimizing her to fans who may not be behind her goofy gimmick.

Banks is a key member of the Divas Revolution on weekly television, not once carrying the Women’s Championship to the squared circle as if it were her prized possession. This match ends her run on NXT for good, giving the rub to Bayley as she walks off into the sunset.

A Bayley vs. Emma/Dana Brooke title feud is coming, folks. Eva Marie could even be thrown in the mix, as well.

Prediction:  Bayley becomes the NEW NXT Women’s Champion

NXT Championship Ladder Match: Finn Balor (c) vs. Kevin Owens

The future of Kevin Owens lies on WWE’s main roster, as he’s also scheduled to go one-on-one with Cesaro at “SummerSlam” the following night.

Never before in the history of the brand has there been a two-time NXT Champion, which has a lot to do with new stars needing to be put in that spot to build reputations and garner followings. Owens is already insanely over as a heel, and doesn’t need another title reign to justify his popularity.

Despite being a Ladder match, this main event shouldn’t last longer than 15-17 minutes, if only to preserve Owens’ body for the big pay-per-view Sunday.

Finn Balor retains, perhaps with a little bit of assistance from a returning Hideo Itami.

Prediction:  Finn Balor retains NXT Championship