NXT Breakout Tournament primer and predictions

Matches to Watch

Joaquin Wilde vs. Angel Garza and Isaiah “Swerve” Scott” vs. Cameron Grimes are absolutely dream matches that diehard wrestling fans should not miss in the first round of this tournament. But beyond the announced matches, I’d say Jordan Myles vs. either Garza or Wilde could be just as good. The moves in a Wilde vs. Myles match would be particularly mind-blowing.

On the left side of the bracket, Swerve vs. Dexter Lumis could be a classic. The character work in that match would be off-the-charts, and Swerve could be the perfect opponent for Lumis’s sinister character work to shine against. Isaiah Scott can take everything Lumis throws at him and push the 6’1″, 240-pound wrestler to his limit.

There are a few possible finals matchups that should intrigue fans. Scott would have a stellar match against Myles, Wilde, or Garza, but there’s something about a Garza vs. Scott match that sounds especially appealing.

If Lumis emerges from the left side of the bracket, then a Lumis vs. Wilde match could have some incredible heel/face story-telling.

Ranking by chances of winning

8. BOA

7. Cameron Grimes

6. Bronson Reed

5. Joaquin Wilde

4. Angel Garza

3. Jordan Myles

2. Dexter Lumis

1. Isaiah Scott

Yes, “Swerve” looks like the most likely candidate to win the NXT Breakout Tournament. He has the name recognition, the in-ring chops, and the elite character work to make it happen.

Look for Scott to immediately establish himself as one of the major stars in NXT with this tournament, since he’s known for taking advantage of every opportunity.

Others like Lumis, Myles, and Grimes should also have strong showings, but this is Swerve’s tournament to win. His ceiling in WWE is insane, and it will be exciting to see how he progress in the world’s largest wrestling promotion. Just imagine the eventual NXT Title match between Matt Riddle and Isaiah Scott.