NXT TakeOver made its big return to the WrestleMania week festivities on Wednesday night with NXT TakeOver: Stand & Deliver. The first night of the two-night event was full of action and memorable moments, including two major title changes, while another championship fight stole the show. Night 1 was definitely one for the memory banks, but with Wednesday night now in the rearview mirror, it’s time for Night 2 to get our full attention.
On Thursday night, three championships will be hosted with the NXT title contest, while Finn Balor puts his title at stake against former champion – and the man who never lost his belt – Karrion Kross. Not to mention, a match of resentment for centuries will take place as former undisputed era brothers Adam Cole and Kyle O’Reilly will perform in a match without sanctions.
The NXT TakeOver: Stand & Deliver Night 2 action from the Capitol Wrestling Center in Orlando, Florida, begins Thursday at 8:00 PM ET with the kick-off show that all starts at 7:00 pm Night 2 will stream live exclusively on Peacock.
Let’s see how our experts think the action will play out.
NXT TakeOver Stand & Deliver Night 2 predictions
NXT Cruiserweight Championship: Santos Escobar (c) vs. Jordan Devlin (c) (Ladder Match)
Escobar could be a major player, meaning he ends his run with the cross-country title and gives the ball in full to Devlin. As much as Escobar could benefit from losing the belt and moving the card up, Devlin could benefit from getting the full effect of the run planned before the pandemic last year. Choose: Jordan Devlin wins – Brookhouse (also Silverstein)
NXT Women’s Tag Team Championship: Shotzi Blackheart & Ember Moon (c) vs. The Way
As wonderful as The Way – the whole faction and the tag team – may be, these titles were just launched a few weeks ago and changed once the night they made their debut. Blackheart & Moon are growing as a team and The Way will not be injured. However, it should be a fantastic match. Choice: Shotzi Blackheart & Ember Moon retain the titles – Silverstein (also Brookhouse)
NXT North American Championship: Johnny Gargano (c) vs. Bronson Reed
Reed put on a hell of a show Wednesday night to win the glove contest, and he deserves this opportunity on the big stage more than deservingly. That said, however, Gargano is such an NXT staple that it’s hard to imagine him wanting to take a title from him without the proper form of the game where it happens. Select: Johnny Gargano retains title – Brookhouse (also Silverstein)
Adam Cole Vs. Kyle O’Reilly (unsanctioned match)
Cole has basically accomplished everything possible in NXT, while O’Reilly – since getting a single push – has done nothing but lose. It’s hard to imagine Cole defeating O’Reilly as the clear discussion ahead O’Reilly is challenging for the North American Championship (or finally another NXT title event) and Cole is finally moving forward in his WWE career. There are numerous reasons why Cole may not be calling, but it seems like it’s in the cards, and falling for O’Reilly here would be the perfect send-off for him. Choice: Kyle O’Reilly wins – Silverstein (also Brookhouse)
NXT Championship: Finn Balor (c) vs. Karrion Kross
Balor has been amazing since he filled the void when Kross was injured and his NXT title reign was incredibly cut short. But Balor had his run-up, and similar to Devlin, he deserved the opportunity that was all his when accident intervened. The only reason not to put the belt here on Kross is if you are ready to move it to the main grid. That’s not likely at the moment, so he’ll end two nights of amazing NXT action with the title. Select: Karrion Kross wins the title – Brookhouse (also Silverstein)