SunSport examines WWE’s upcoming NXT TakeOver show: The End as Champion Samoa Joe takes on Irish challenger Finn Balor in Florida
Japanese superstar Shinsuke Nakamura is also on the action-packed udercard as he faces newly signed Austin Aries
NXT Champion Samoa Joe and Finn Balor will headline NXT TakeOver: The End this Wednesday in a steel cage match – but the whole NXT roster promises be on incredible form as they try to top TakeOver: Dallas from WrestleMania weekend.
NXT TakeOver – which has fast become one of WWE’s most popular and anticipated supercard series – once again has a line-up of intriguing matches.
And with NXT arriving for a UK tour next week, British fans are sure to be watching with interest.
To get you up to speed, here’s a rundown of the scheduled match-ups from Full Sail University in Florida.
NXT Championship Steel Cage Match - Samoa Joe (Champion) v Finn Balor
Background: Balor successfully defended the title against Joe at TakeOver: London and Dallas, but then dropped it during an untelevised show on April 21.
The rivals have since been involved in a number of wild brawls, prompting general manager William Regal to announce NXT’s first ever steel cage match – locking them up for the safety of the fans.
SunSport Says: Joe and Balor will have to deliver something brutal to upstage their realistic brawl from TakeOver: Dallas.
The steel cage is the perfect stipulation to ramp up the intensity – and it’ll also mean a definitive end to their feud, which has run its course.
Joe should get the win here, cementing him as top dog in NXT.
Meanwhile Balor is ready to jump to the main roster to either join or oppose former team-mates The Club.
NXT Women’s Championship Match - Asuka (Champion) v Nia Jax
Background: Asuka first major challenge as champ is a big win one – the powerful six-footer, Nia Jax.
She’s already proved her dominance by decimating 'The Empress of Tomorrow' at their contract signing last week.
Could Asuka’s time as women’s champion already be over?
SunSport Says: Though physically impressive, Nia Jax is yet to win over fans with her in-ring work – and former champ Bayley would have made a more exciting opponent.
But Jax will be looking to prove herself as a contender, while Asuka’s striking style could make for a hard-hitting women’s bout.
NXT Tag Team Championship Match - American Alpha (Champions) v The Revival
Background: American Alpha, Jason Jordan and Chad Gable, defeated The Revival, Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder, for the the titles in a cracking opener at TakeOver: Dallas.
In their bid to regain their championship, The Revival have been on the warpath ever since, dismantling every team they’ve faced.
SunSport Says: In terms of pure wrestling action, these are two of the best tag team combos to compete in WWE rings for a long time so expect a dazzling and technical display.
Our money’s on The Revival gaining the titles to lead for a third match at the next TakeOver in August.
Shinsuke Nakamura v Austin Aries
Background: Two of NXT’s biggest ever talent signings, both men made their debuts in separate matches at TakeOver: Dallas.
Now they’ve both set their sights set on the NXT championship – but they’ll have to go through each other first.
SunSport Says: Aries’ debut against Baron Corbin was disappointing, but he remains a firm favourite with fans who know what he’s done outside of WWE.
Meanwhile, Nakamura will be looking to follow up TakeOver: Dallas with another match of the night.
A victory here will mean challenging for the NXT title, so it will be an important win for either man.
Andrade 'Cien' Almas v Tye Dillinger
Background: 'The Perfect 10' Dillinger has been lobbying general manager William Regal for a match at TakeOver card.
Regal obliged by booking him in a match against NXT’s newest superstar, the Lucha Libre star Almas, who was introduced on TV in a mysterious 'unmasking' video.
SunSport Says: The charismatic Dillinger has been crying out for a bigger role in NXT.
But he’s sure to lose against Almas, who’s already wowed fans by competing under a different name on NXT’s live event circuit.