WWE NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn IV Match Card Predictions Version 1.0

Shayna Baszler (c) vs. Candice LeRae

Before last night’s episode of NXT, I thought that Kairi Sane challenging Shayna Baszler for the NXT Women’s Championship made the most sense. While I still think that Sane vs. Baszler is a possibility, I now believe that Candice LeRae will challenge the former mixed martial artist in Brooklyn. LeRae’s decree that she was chasing the NXT Women’s Title following her win over Lacey Evans caused me to change my mind.

Whether Sane or LeRae challenges Baszler, it really doesn’t matter that much. Both women are great natural babyfaces. They know how to work from underneath and they possess a likable charm that endears them to the audience in a way that doesn’t seem corny. Not to mention that they are two of the best workers in the company.

Both women are perfect foils for the domineering Baszler, who has emerged as one of the best heel champions in the history of the NXT brand. Like her pal Ronda Rousey, Baszler is amazing for someone with a small handful of wrestling experience. The writers have also done a great job maintaining her dominant mystique without making her seem unbeatable.

(For a recent example of her work, go back and watch her title match against Toni Storm from earlier this week. You’ll see how important it is to play to a talent’s strengths with good character work and smart booking. Plus, you get to see Toni Storm, who’s awesome at pro wrestling.)

No matter who gets the title shot at TakeOver: Brooklyn, I won’t complain. But I think they will give the spot to LeRae.