NXT TakeOver XXX Predictions: Does Io Shirai retain?

Bronson Reed vs. Damian Priest vs. KUSHIDA or Cameron Grimes or TBA vs. TBD vs. TBD in a ladder match for the vacant NXT North American Championship

The intriguing aspect here, of course, is who are the remaining competitors?

Dexter Lumis originally qualified for the match, but had to withdraw because of an ankle injury. Regal also informed viewers that Finn Balor and Johnny Gargano were both complaining about how neither were pinned or submitted, leading Regal to announce a last chance mini-tournament of sorts.

Basically, those who weren’t pinned or submitted in the earlier qualifiers (Balor, Gargano, Ridge Holland) and whoever isn’t pinned/submitted next week will face off in two singles matches, presumably determined by Regal. Those winners will face each other, with that winner advancing to the ladder match.

While it is always tempting to choose TBA for next week’s match, I actually predict KUSHIDA will win by submitting said TBA with his Sakuraba Lock (do yourself a favor and go watch some classic Kazushi Sakuraba in Pride FC). KUSHIDA seemed poised for a big push after those vignettes aired about him moving to the US and showing his cute baby, but that hasn’t really happened. It’s seemingly now or never with KUSHIDA in NXT.

With Reed and Priest qualified, and KUSHIDA qualifying next week (in this scenario), I think NXT pulls a fast one on us and has Holland win the last chance mini-tourney. The former Luke Menzies may be able to draw in more viewers from the UK due to his background as a professional rugby player; at least, that’s the thinking I can see percolating in NXT.

Even though we don’t know the identity of four of the remaining potential six participants, I think the NXT North American Championship should be more of the babyface mid-card title, and thus, think a face should win this match. Which one, though? How about one with all the talent in the world who just needs to be put in a position to shine or dissipate.

Winner: Reed climbs the ladder and secures his place as NXT North American Champion