NXT TakeOver XXX Predictions: Does Io Shirai retain?

Santos Escobar (c) vs. Isaiah “Swerve” Scott for the NXT Cruiserweight Championship

I had no problems with El Hijo del Fantasma, the masked wrestler, but did feel that maybe his face act was a little bland. Well, what a revelation he’s been since unmasking, rechristening himself Santos Escobar, and forming Legado del Fantasma with Joaquin Wilde and Raul Mendoza (more on them later).

The added edge to his character and in-ring work has meshed well with his fluid lucha libre style, giving his strikes and moves just that little bit extra that aesthetically makes them appear more brutal even in their skillfulness.

His promos? Superb. He seamlessly blends English and Spanish and oozes charisma with every word. The ferocity in his eyes (see the video above), particularly when he focuses in on a camera, burns with passion and desire.

He’s elevated Wilde, Mendoza, himself, and most importantly, the NXT Cruiserweight Championship. It will always be the tertiary title, but now it seems more on par with the NXT North American Championship than a distant third, which it had been before the recent tournament that crowned the then-Fantasma.

Scott, who holds a victory over Escobar (Escobar’s only defeat thus far in NXT), named Escobar in a promo last week, which prompted Esobar’s response in the video above. Scott is one of the smoothest and talented wrestlers around, yet seemingly hits a wall anytime he gains momentum in NXT.

(I have a personal affinity to Scott as he was born in Tacoma, WA, the place I spent most of my youth.)

I could see this match happening on a Wednesday night, but feel it’s more likely to take place at NXT TakeOver XXX due to the elevation of the Championship by Escobar and the simmering feud between the two. Will Escobar avenge his only blemish in NXT, or will Scott finally capture his first championship in NXT?

Prediction: Escobar retains by pinfall after interference from Wilde and Mendoza