NXT UK TakeOver: Cardiff Predictions
NXT UK TakeOver: Cardiff takes place this coming Saturday, August 31st from the Motorpoint Arena Cardiff in Cardiff, Wales.
This marks the second NXT UK TakeOver event.
Start time: 2pm EST (North America) which is 7pm in the UK
Travis Banks vs. Noam Dar
This could potentially be a great way to kick off the show.
Banks is known for his stints in Revolution, Progress and Defiant prior to NXT UK while Noam Dar enjoyed featured roles on 205 Live and even briefly on Monday Night Raw.
If you recall, Travis Banks was originally scheduled to face Jordan Devlin at NXT TakeOver UK Blackpool, but was forced out due to an injured and replaced with Finn Balor.
With Noam Dar already attracting some precious television time in the past and the fact Banks is out for redemption, I would imagine this is Travis’ moment as he possesses plenty of upside.
Prediction: Travis Banks
Last Man Standing Match: Dave Mastiff vs. Joe Coffey
During NXT TakeOver Blackpool, Mastiff defeated Eddie Dennis in a No DQ match while Joe Coffey main evented challenging Pete Dunne in a very competitive bout for the NXT UK Championship.
This match was scheduled followed their last bout that ended in a draw yet both men were content on continuing. This match up will determine a decisive winner.
Gallus is always a factor in Coffey’s corner to create uneven odds, but Mastiff presents unmatched ferocity and sheer toughness that will pose definitie challenges.
Expect this to be a brutal matches where each man utilizes various weapons.
While Joe Coffey is more primed for the main event, I’m going out on a limb to select Mastiff. Plus, he could plausibly challenge WALTER.
Prediction: Dave Mastiff
NXT UK Tag Team Championship Match: Grizzled Young Veterans (c) vs. Gallus vs. Mark Andrews and Flash Morgan Webster
The NXT tag-team scene might just be the best under the WWE umbrella at the moment. There’s really an endless amount of contenders chomping at the bit for an opportunity.
Grizzled Young Veterans (Comprising of Zack Gibson and James Drake) initially claimed the tag-team gold in an instant classic defeating Moustache Mountain at NXT TakeOver UK Blackpool.
South Wales Subculture are entering this bout as the undeniable underdogs and if they managed to capture the titles, I would imagine the would only be transitional champions.
Gallus will always remain perennial contenders, but I have a sneaking suspicion that Grizzled Young Veterans retain in a match full of exciting spots and eventually drop the titles to Imperium.
Prediction: Grizzled Young Veterans retain
NXT UK Women's Championship Match: Toni Storm (c) vs. Kay Lee Ray
Kay Lee earned this opportunity after winning the Number One Contender’s battle royal at Download Festival.
The narrative behind this match has been centered on the closeness between Toni and Kay Lee Ray over the years and the fact Kay Lee knows Toni better than anyone. This means she can exploit her weaknesses and be well-aware of her known strengths.
Toni has overcome many viable contenders over the past several months, but given Kay Lee Ray’s mind games, this could pose her toughest test to date.
That being said, I don’t see Kay Lee Ray being the one to dethorne Toni unless they are heading into a long-term feud.
Prediction: Toni Storm retains
United Kingdom Championship Match: WALTER (c) vs. Tyler Bate
Given his name value and the fact he’s stepping up after a failed attempt to capture the championship by Trent Seven, Tyler Bate was really the next logical choice to challenge WALTER.
Yes, the tale of the tape plays a major factor in this bout as WALTER stands an imposing 6’4’’ nearly 300 pounds while Tyler Bate stands 5’7’’ and weighs 175 pounds. This is your traditional David vs Goliath match up.
Tyler and Trent have outsmarted Imperium in recent weeks by attacking them to even the odds. Last week, Tyler even managed to hit the Tyler Driver 97 on a much larger WALTER. Ultra impressive and a sight to behold.
While Tyler Bate has the undeniable speed and technical advantage, WALTER remains an unshakeable brute who will eventually tear him apart. With Moustache Mountain already an established tag-team, they will be forced to go back to the drawing board after Tyler comes up shot, but it will be a very competitive bout.
Prediction: WALTER
