WWE NXT TakeOver: Chicago II Full Match Predictions

Photo: WWE.com

Aleister Black (c) vs. Lars Sullivan- NXT Championship

Sullivan earned this title shot by virtue of paving through nearly every big name in the developmental fed–including Kassius Ohno, Velveteen Dream, Ricochet, and Killian Dain.

I have gushed about Sullivan in the past (in fact, I pegged him as a potential breakout star back in January) and for good reason. The NXT writers have wisely presented Sullivan as an unstoppable monster and he has held up his end with his performances on the mic and in the ring.

Of course, Black has gotten a similarly dominant push. The NXT Champion has eaten only one pin since debuting for the company in April 2017–which occurred due to outside interference. Between his strong booking, layered character work, and cool entrance, the creative team has hit all the marks with Black.

Although this is an NXT Title match, I could see this bout serving as the semi-main event to the Johnny Gargano/Tommaso Ciampa Street Fight (there is a precedent for this). If these two indeed get bumped down the card, it should take some of the pressure off of them to deliver an epic clash.

Sullivan fits the mold of an old-school, upper midcard, monster heel. Historically, bookers would have guys like him run through almost every jobber and midcarder on the roster to build up his credibility so that he can put over the top babyface when the time comes. At Takeover: Chicago, the bell will toll for Sullivan.

The story of the match will probably revolve around Black’s ability–or inability–to hit the Black Mass on Sullivan. I think Black ultimately hits his devastating finisher on the challenger and retains his title, but the creative team will make Sullivan look strong in defeat.

Prediction: Aleister Black pins Lars Sullivan