NXT TakeOver WarGames 2020: Five things that must happen

Establish new contenders

Finn Balor is currently nursing a broken jaw since his match with Kyle O’Reilly at NXT TakeOver 31. With him out, the NXT Championship is in a holding pattern as there is no set schedule for when it will be defended next. However, that should not stop the creative team from building new contenders. The same could be said about the women’s NXT title as well. Io Shirai has been a dominant champion, but as of last week, she was drawn into the angle involving LeRae versus Blackheart. She should not be included as a member of that match, but those wheels are already turning.

Still, NXT WarGames is an opportunity where a new contender for both champions could stand tall. Kushida has been on a tear in recent months. Since September he is picked up wins over names like Velveteen Dream, Tommaso Ciampa, Timothy Thatcher, and others. It is time to elevate him to being the challenger that welcomes Balor back to the ring. The two men do not have to get physical, but a simple promo exchange between the two former IWGP title holders is enough to build intrigue. They have a wealth of history together and here is an opportunity for NXT to reap the benefits.

For the women, expect the next challenger to come out of the War Games match. The NXT women’s division is one of the deepest and is usually well-booked. But there is a void of top challengers for Shirai now that she is pinned Ripley clean. Expect for something to occur in the War Games that where one woman has a moment with Shirai, setting up a potential feud in the future.