Smark Out Moment

The WWE NXT TakeOver: Chicago pay-per-view will take place on May 20, 2017 at the Allstate Arena in Chicago, Illinois. 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: Chicago PPV. Check back for NXT TakeOver: Chicago results and review coverage here.

WWE NXT TakeOver: Chicago 2017 Spoilers and Predictions

NXT Championship Match: Bobby Roode (c) vs. Hideo Itami

I have absolutely no faith that Hideo Itami will win the championship, as there are others who stand a better chance (Roderick Strong, Drew McIntyre and Kassius Ohno in particular) but it's good to see him back. Here's hoping he and Roode have a good match, even though I'm not looking forward to it as much as I would rather see some other options.

PREDICTION: Bobby Roode retains.


NXT Women's Championship Triple Threat Match: Asuka (c) vs. Ruby Riot vs. Nikki Cross

Ember Moon's injury has prevented her from being able to compete in this match, changing it from a Fatal 4-Way to a Triple Threat and considerably less interesting. There was a good chance Ember Moon would have won the title from Asuka, but now it's a guarantee at this point that Asuka is retaining. I still think Ember Moon wasn't going to win it, and this was specifically done as a means to have Asuka win the match by pinning either Ruby Riot or Nikki Cross just to drag out the eventual Moon win for NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn III. As such, I'm expecting Moon to be healed up by August to be able to wrestle Asuka in a singles match there to win the belt.

PREDICTION: Asuka retains.


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

I like both of these teams and the tag team matches have been phenomenal in NXT for a while, so I have no reason not to think I'll enjoy the hell out of this. Tommaso Ciampa and Johnny Gargano finally stand a chance at defeating Akam and Rezar with this stipulation, as they can win the belts without having to pin or make them submit. I don't think that is what's going down, but stranger things have happened. I have to assume Heavy Machinery is being built up to be the next in line for a title shot against The Authors of Pain, though, so I'm sticking with them while #DIY might move up to the main roster soon.

PREDICTION: The Authors of Pain retain.


United Kingdom Championship Match: Tyler Bate (c) vs. Pete Dunne

It's a good idea to showcase the United Kingdom division a little more so people get more accustomed to it before they launch the television show (whenever that is). Bate and Dunne have had some great matches already, so doing it again should be fun, even if it's admittedly repetitious.

PREDICTION: Tyler Bate will retain, as it wouldn't make much sense for the UK show to start off with having already switched champions. Then again, it wouldn't be the craziest thing in the world for Pete Dunne to win it.


Roderick Strong vs. Eric Young

This is kind of a moot point, as it feels like this feud is far from over. You can also expect to see some interference and maybe a run-in save from people helping out Roderick Strong, which is basically the same sort of stuff that we've seen for a few months now back when it revolved around Tye Dillinger.

PREDICTION: Eric Young wins.