Finding it hard to produce a proper introduction to this, so I'll keep it simple. NXT is the absolute baws. The shining light of WWE programming at the moment and this 2 hour special should be no different. There's been some fantastic build up to this event since Triple H announced it last month, and there have been some quality matches set for the night. So let's get into them!
In fact, before that, I'd be as well getting this out the way first. Tonight we will see the NXT debut of KENTA. As of yet, we only know that Ric Flair will be introducing him, but there has been no word of him competing tonight. The use of legends to promote the signing/debut of him would suggest they see KENTA as someone to hold in high regard in the company, and we may not see him make his in-ring debut for another wee while. However, if there was to be an impromptu match - Devitt. Dae it. And we can all be happy...
Mojo Rawley vs Bull Dempsey
Likely to open the show and it's obvious why. I can't really see this lasting any longer than about 5 minutes and Dempsey picking up the win in comfortable fashion. Mojo Rawley, for all his athleticism, is shite, and the prospects of him beating a guy who is being pushed as a pure classic hard hitter such as Bull aren't really great. Not really much more to say about that.
Enzo Amore vs Sylvester Lefort (Hair vs Hair Match)
In terms of pure entertainment, this will be the match to watch tonight. Enzo Amore and Colin Cassidy are one of the most entertaining teams in wrestling today from a pure fun factor point of view. They're being opposed by the typical miserable, dour faced team in the Legionnaires, and the rivalry they've had so far has been great. From Enzo returning to back up Cas against them when it looked like a 2 on 1 situation, to the Legionnaires getting a hold of Enzo and shaving his beard off, to the video Enzo and Cas made about the hair removal cream last week. This stipulation is perfect for the two guys here, and I'm confident my main man Enzo will pick up the win. And if you don't agree with that, you're S! A! W! F! T! SAAAAAAAAAAWWWWWWWFT. Sorry.
Charlotte (c) vs Bayley (NXT Women's Championship)
If this pans out the way I reckon it will, it should be the feel good match of the night. No doubt Charlotte has been a great champion, and she's carried the title excellently, but I think the time is right for her to drop it now. Bayley has been a fans favorite for as long as I can remember watching NXT, but most of the time I've never really saw her as a potential Women's Champion. However, over the past few weeks, she's really came out of her shell on NXT and now she looks like a legit threat to Charlotte's reign, leaving the champ flat on her back this past week. I think it must be Bayley here.
The Ascension (c) vs Kalisto & Sin Cara (NXT Tag Team Championships)
The Ascension have been the gatekeepers to the NXT Tag Team belts for a long time now. Almost too long. In a night that I personally think will involve all three titles changing hands, I believe that Kalisto and Sin Cara will claim the titles tonight. They've been on an absolute roll since being put together, and seem to be the biggest challengers to The Ascension's championships. Konnor and Viktor will attempt to out power them throughout, but the luchadores are quick, especially Kalisto, and that quickness should see them take the big guys by surprise. Kalisto and Sin Cara for the win!
Adrian Neville (c) vs Sami Zayn vs Tyler Breeze vs Tyson Kidd (Fatal 4-Way Match for the NXT Championship)
Obvious shout for match of the night? I think so. This will be an absolute epic involving four of the best guys in NXT. I've always been a fan of the fatal 4-way concept, and when matches like this are booked, it shows why. Adrian Neville is amazing. He's been without a doubt in my mind the best NXT Champion there has been (sorry Seth) and is one of the best high flyers WWE has to offer, but I think he's destined for the big time now. I can see him dropping the title here and moving to the main roster within a couple of weeks, after he invokes his rematch clause against the new champ. But who will be the new champ? Well, your guess is as good as mine, but if I had to be pressured, I'd say Tyler Breeze. The obvious favorite for the match would be Sami Zayn, and any other day, I'd say he can't lose this match. I just feel that the personal sporting rivalry between him and Neville may result in them taking their eyes off the prize, and allowing Breeze to pick up the win. Tyson will very likely be the guy to get pinned or submitted, just because.
It's a two hour show, so I have my doubts that 5 matches and a debut appearance will fill it. Maybe some impromptu matches or maybe ANOTHER debut (hint hint Devitt) will happen. It should be an absolute belter of a show though regardless, there's no doubt in my mind that it will fail to disappoint. Here's to NXT!
Enjoy!