NXT Minus 6: Takeover Vengeance Day, Before

WWE NXT Takeover: Vengeance Day hits this weekend, and it’s time for Bradley Jay to rank the matches by excitement level!

You know the drill. I rank the matches in order of my excitement level to see them. After the show I’ll rerank them to see who disappointed and who was better than expected.

6. Every now and then, WWE tries to force elements of the big roster into NXT. Luckily, they haven’t touched Takeover. Less is more, and I love the 5 match format. Give the best wrestlers enough time to tell the best stories. Like Momma says, “good things happen when you let wrestlers wrestle.” I’m fully expecting many good things Sunday night. This card is loaded. 

5. Io Shirai versus Toni Storm versus Mercedes Martinez, Women’s Championship

I’d be more excited about a singles match with Shirai and Martinez. This should have a singular, clear focus: Martinez’ 20 year journey to the top of the mountain. Storm waters things down. See what I did there? 

4. MSK versus GYV, Dusty Classic Finals

It feels like MSK is pre-ordained to win this, and that’s a shame. I hope I’m wrong. Grizzled Young Veterans are top tier. A team can only be as good as them, but not better. I do like the clash of styles. So far MSK (such a craptacular name) has shown flashes of greatness. I am excited to see what they can do given more time to do it. 

3. Johnny Gargano versus KUSHIDA, North American Championship

I was lukewarm on this match…until Gargano’s promo Thursday night. He’s not just Johnny Gargano. Not just Johnny Wrestling. He is Johnny…Freaking…Takeover! No more paranoid goofball. All business. Gargano needs to remind us that when the lights are bright & he’s on the big stage, nobody is better. Please Dear Wrestling Gods do not let this fall prey to an overbooked ending.  

2. Raquel Gonzalez & Dakota Kai versus Ember Moon & Shotzi Blackheart

What can I say? I’m a sucker for making history. The History-O-Meter hit 7 this week, all in reference to this match. All jokes aside, this features three of my current, favorite female wrestlers. Replace Shotzi with Sasha and I might pass out. I expect this to jerk the curtain and steal the show. And I expect Gonzalez & Kai to be the next women’s tag team champions. I’m a Dakota Guy.   

1. Finn Balor versus Pete Dunne, NXT Championship

How can you be a wrestling fan and not be jacked to the max for this match? Two of the best in the world in their prime. Both men have been on fire since November 2020. I sincerely don’t remember the last time Dunne had less than a 4-star match. Balor already has a MOTY candidate for 2021. After Sunday night, I fully expect #2.