NXT TakeOver XXX Predictions: Does Io Shirai retain?

NXT TakeOver XXX is a few short weeks away. Let’s make some predictions on matches to fill the card and who might emerge victorious.

Yeah…that really happened last night on NXT.

Pat McAfee, after a saga that involved Adam Cole (BAYBAY!) appearing on his show in an obvious worked angle, was on last night’s show and furthered their…”feud” by one, using misogynistic language to antagonize Cole, and two, punting Cole while Cole was being restrained and in a prone position. A brave move by McAfee if I do say so myself.

I’m being sarcastic.

Of course, in true “bro” fashion, he took no responsibility and blamed Cole for everything, even though again, he was the one to punt a restrained and prone foe (caution: some NSFW language in the tweet).

To further the angle, Triple H appeared this morning on ESPN’s Get Up! to promote NXT TakeOver XXX, but also challenge McAfee to a match against Cole at the event. McAfee’s initial response was, “A lot just happened.” He then accepted the challenge while “on honeymoon” in pure McAfee fashion, namely the frat bro who thinks they’re so cool yet is shocked and offended when people call them out and/or face repercussions for their actions.

McAfee accepting the challenge gives us three scheduled matches for NXT TakeOver XXX with Io Shirai defending her NXT Women’s Championship against Dakota Kai; the NXT North American Championship ladder match that currently includes Bronson Reed and Damian Priest; and the aforementioned Cole vs. McAfee match.

(Let’s not even discuss how they found time and space for a former punter turned talking head, but not for the tremendous depth of talent on the roster.)

However, there have been some potential NXT TakeOver XXX matches brewing, not to mention needing to fill out of the rest of the ladder match.

Will there be a Cruiserweight Championship match? What about another women’s match? Of course, though not official, what’s to make of the proverbial main event between Keith Lee and Karrion (Carry-IN, not Carry-ON) Kross?

It’s also important to remember that generally, TakeOver cards have five matches. However, this being the 30th iteration and taking place SummerSlam weekend, I wouldn’t be surprised to see upwards of eight matches (I’m predicting seven), with two being added to the main card and one to the pre-show.

I’m also not predicting match order, so please don’t take this as me giving match placements!

With that, let’s proceed to some predictions!