Smark Out Moment

The WWE NXT TakeOver: San Antonio pay-per-view will take place on January 28, 2017 at the Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio, Texas. Follow along here for spoilers and information on the event's card, lineup of matches and news regarding the pay-per-view.

Here are my predictions for the 2017 WWE NXT TakeOver: San Antonio PPV. Check back for NXT TakeOver: San Antonio 2017 results and review coverage here.

WWE NXT TakeOver: San Antonio 2017 Spoilers

NXT Championship Match: Shinsuke Nakamura (c) vs. Bobby Roode

I expected this to happen in 2017, but not until Orlando, so I'm stuck here. A few months back, I expected Andrade "Cien" Almas to be thrown to Nakamura as a midway feud to eat up time before Roode could win the belt before WrestleMania. Now, since this is happening in January, I'm unsure of whether or not that title change will happen. I go back and forth all the time, but at the moment, my gut is telling me Nakamura will retain in a fashion that will set up Roode getting another shot in Orlando where he'll take the title. Just as easily, though, they could have Roode win the belt here and then do the obligatory rematch in Orlando. One way or another, I'm sticking by my assumption that by WrestleMania, Roode will be the NXT champion.

PREDICTION: Nakamura retains...for now.


NXT Women's Championship Match: Asuka (c) vs. Billie Kay vs. Peyton Royce vs. Nikki Cross

I almost had this right, as several months ago, I was predicting the same lineup in a Fatal 4-Way except for one alteration: I thought Liv Morgan would be in the match instead of Nikki Cross. It's too early to push Ember Moon, who I think will end up being the one to take the belt off Asuka, and while this isn't a match to get super excited about, it should be at least halfway decent. I'm very curious how the dynamics of the match will work, though. If they can't sort that out, it could be a mess.

PREDICTION: Asuka retains.


NXT Tag Team Championship Match: #DIY (c) vs. The Authors of Pain

I wouldn't be shocked at all to see The Authors of Pain take the titles here, but it isn't a guarantee. They're undefeated, so it seems like the outcome that should happen, but Gargano and Ciampa just won these belts. That being said, they could be transitional champions. I think the biggest factor into whether or not the titles change hands is if WWE plans on changing either of the other two belts. Since I don't think Asuka will lose, but I'm 50/50 on Roode, that means I'm 50/50 on the tag titles. One of those three belts will go to new champions, if not both. If The Authors of Pain win, #DIY can just get a rematch in Orlando, but I could also see this being a case where Akam and Rezar get disqualified or something to stretch this feud out. Hm...

PREDICTION: The Authors of Pain win the belts.


Eric Young vs. Tye Dillinger

This should be Eric Young's win, but they can't keep going with Dillinger losing and then move him up to the main roster with zero momentum, so maybe he'll win this match here and that will be his swan song in NXT?

PREDICTION: When push comes to shove, I'd still have to say Eric Young wins.


Andrade "Cien" Almas vs. Roderick Strong

I'm actually somewhat surprised they decided to announce this for TakeOver instead of making it one of the holdover matches recorded during this show, but not airing until the episode to follow. I'm also surprised that this means Roderick Strong will be booked more like a babyface going forward rather than a heel, which seemed to be the intention when he was paired up with Austin Aries. I assume the injury Aries suffered changed those plans. Hey, I'm not complaining. NXT could use some more babyfaces who are over with the crowd.

PREDICTION: Roderick Strong wins.


Let's take a look at some of the potential matches that seem as though WWE will be adding...

Elias Samson vs. No Way Jose

This feud seems to be in the works, but whether or not they'll have a match at this event or they'll just tape something for the NXT following it still remains to be seen.

PREDICTION: No Way Jose wins.