NXT TakeOver: New York Full Match Card Prediction

Credit: WWE.com

NXT North American Championship Match: Johnny Gargano (c) vs. Matt Riddle

Johnny Wrestling proved once again in Phoenix that he is truly Johnny TakeOver, but he’s also in many ways completed his metamorphosis into a very different man. Since pursuing former teammate turned bitter rival Tommaso Ciampa, Gargano has channeled his inner Dark Phoenix and brought a killer instinct that’s made him as successful as his resume of five-star matches suggests. In New York, we may be looking at an altogether different challenger for the NXT North American Champion.

It’s worth mentioning that this match hinges on the belief that Johnny Gargano can hold on to the NXT North American Championship going into NXT TakeOver: New York. He’ll have a tough challenge in doing that, as he defends his title against Velveteen Dream in just a few short weeks. As great as Velveteen Dream is, and he truly is great, there’s no denying the momentum of Johnny Wrestling.

After capturing the title in Phoenix, he’s even earned the new nickname of Johnny Champion. With Tommaso Ciampa potentially lurking and willing to come to his aid, combined with Gargano’s aggression as of late, he’ll likely remain the champion. As for his challenger, that man should be “The Original Bro” Matt Riddle.

While still fairly new to NXT, Riddle has already charted some big victories. A pair of successful TakeOver bouts with Kassius Ohno top the list, and a win over Drew Gulak this week on NXT only helps his case. Riddle is as ready as anyone, and could have a truly special match with Gargano in New York. I’m not sure if he leaves with the title, but Riddle is the right pick as challenger.