WWE NXT TakeOver: Chicago II Full Match Predictions

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Shayna Baszler (c) vs. Nikki Cross- NXT Women’s Championship

Baszler has been excellent in the domineering heel champion role. She has done a great job conveying malice and arrogance in her interactions with the other female wrestlers, which she matches with her ruthlessness in the ring. Her MMA pedigree and the fact that she has only lost a couple of times only adds to her unbeatable aura.

While Baszler has been awesome over the past few months, Cross has been awesome over the year. She was arguably the only member of SAnitY that came across as a legit unhinged person and that manic commitment to her character endeared her to the NXT fanbase. Of course, having a bonkers Last Woman Standing Match with then-NXT Women’s Champion Asuka helped a bit too. But Cross has proven to be a steady performer and the fans adore her as a result.

I expect Cross to get a good deal of the offense in this one, which the writers could attribute to Cross’ unpredictability throwing the champion off her game.

Ultimately, I think Baszler will retain her title. With other pure babyfaces like Candice LeRae and Kairi Sane waiting in the wings, it makes sense to keep the belt on Baszler so either of them could take it from her. Cross could either serve as an upper midcard gatekeeper for the distaff division or move up to SmackDown Live with her stablemates–who still haven’t debuted yet.

Prediction: Shayna Baszler forces Nikki Cross to pass out to the Kirifuda Clutch