NXT TakeOver XXX: Adam Cole is going to be an excellent babyface in Pat McAfee feud

It’s official. Adam Cole and Pat McAfee will have a match at NXT TakeOver XXX.

The big closing angle on this week’s episode of WWE NXT overshadowed Imperium running away with the NXT Tag Team Titles after defeating the Undisputed Era. But the closing angle didn’t have to do with one of the main singles titles, no, it had to do with former NFL punter Pat McAfee.

Adam Cole and McAfee had a little back-and-forth on McAfee’s radio show last week, and after McAfee joined commentary for the Undisputed Era’s tag title match, tempers flared. And McAfee struck, punting (because of course he did) Cole, who did his trademark “twitch” sell.

Side note: Did McAfee ask Randy Orton for his permission to punt someone? Because I wouldn’t want to make an enemy out of Orton if I were him…

Anyway, Triple H went on ESPN’s “Get Up” show on Thursday morning and announced that McAfee and Cole will officially go at it at NXT TakeOver XXX.

We knew McAfee and Cole were working us on that radio spot, but most of us assumed it was something inconsequential like that one embarrassing Corey Graves and Booker T social media feud that I really should just forget about.

It is, however, leading to a match at NXT TakeOver XXX alongside illustrious title matches like Dakota Kai vs. Io Shirai and Karrion Kross vs. Keith Lee.

Some people are a fan of this angle and some people aren’t. That’s how it goes when WWE decides to do something like this where they use a minor “crossover” star and give them a chance to wrestle against one of their best talents.

But there’s on reason to be excited about this development, even if you don’t like the idea of McAfee vs. Cole.

It’s that we’re setting up Adam Cole for a big-time babyface run.

Cole was a great heel as the leader of the Undisputed Era, doing exactly what he said he would do after attacking Drew McIntyre in 2017. The Undisputed Era ruled NXT as heels, with Cole establishing himself as the greatest male champion in the brand’s history.

But now, Cole is ready for a new chapter in his career on the Black and Gold brand. Often compared to CM Punk when he was in Ring of Honor and elsewhere on the independent scene, the former Bullet Club member also has massive potential as a tweener-type babyface. I dare say he’d be much better in that role and would have more potential on the main roster.

So heading into NXT TakeOver XXX, be most excited for the two main title matches. But also be prepared for that match to serve as a big launching pad for Cole, who should be headed for the main roster after SummerSlam.