NXT TakeOver: New York Match Predictions

The Velveteen Dream (c) vs. Matt Riddle- NXT North American Championship Match

This match received the least amount of build of the five that this show is offering — it seemed like the writers were building to a Velveteen Dream/Adam Cole match before Ciampa’s injury — but the little interaction that Velveteen Dream and Matt Riddle had on the weekly shows served as enough of an enticement for this North American Title bout.

In terms of match quality, this match also has the most question marks, as Riddle’s MMA style doesn’t seem to match up well with Dream’s more traditional pro wrestling skillsets, but Dream has shown in the past that he can hang with unassuming grapplers like Tommaso Ciampa, highflyers like Ricochet, and strike-based wrestlers like Aleister Black, so bank on he and Riddle turning in an underrated gem on this packed show.

The result of this one will depend on what NXT and/or main roster has planned for Dream. He seems like a top candidate for a promotion to either RAW or SmackDown. If that happens, then a Riddle title victory is very plausible. Even if Dream doesn’t move up to the main roster, he seems destined to move back into the NXT Championship picture this year, which means he wouldn’t have much use for the North American Title.

Prediction: Matt Riddle pins The Velveteen Dream, wins the NXT North American Championship