Last-minute predictions for NXT Battleground: Crossover dream match, a chance at history & more
NXT Battleground will be a historic WWE event for several reasons. The three main reasons, however, involve the female roster of NXT.
TNA Knockouts World Champion Jordynne Grace will challenge Roxanne Perez for the NXT Women's Title in WWE's version of a Forbidden Door match. Six other female performers will vie to become the inaugural Women's North American Champion.
Shayna Baszler and Lola Vice will settle their score in an NXT Underground match at the UFC Apex Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Ethan Page makes his debut at NXT Battleground by challenging Trick Williams for the NXT Championship in his first match. Who will make history? Let's find out with some last-minute predictions for NXT Battleground.
#6. Nathan Frazer and Axiom defend against The O.C.
Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson have been eyeing a tag team title match for a few months. They could have battled for the titles at Stand & Deliver over WrestleMania weekend, but their opportunity was saved for NXT Battleground.
Frazer and Axiom have worked well with opponents of all sizes but mostly face bigger opponents. That's the case with Gallows and Anderson. The O.C. could win gold to help solidify their heel turn on SmackDown with AJ Styles.
However, since Axiom and Frazer are full-time stars in NXT, they'll keep battling challengers after NXT Battleground.
Prediction - Nathan Frazer and Axiom beat The O.C.
#5. Who will become the first NXT Women's North American Champion?
This match is tough to predict, but it shouldn't be. The two stars who should win at NXT Battleground are Michin and Fallon Henley. The former is a veteran who could establish the title like Chris Jericho did as the first AEW Champion.
She's also done her fair share of putting everyone on the main roster. Henley became the top face once Roxanne Perez turned heel, but then Henley turned heel. She's the only performer in the match who has won gold.
Fans love Jaida Parker and Sol Ruca, but both are inexperienced and need more work. A complete star should be the first Women's North American Champion, but that doesn't mean bookers won't consider everyone. To offset a heel women's champion, a face will probably win at NXT Battleground.
Prediction: Sol Ruca is the inaugural NXT Women's North American Champ.
#4. Oba Femi defends the North American Title in a Triple Threat match
It feels like Joe Coffey is in the match to eat the pin. He's undoubtedly a threat to win, but Oba Femi will not lose soon. A Triple-Threat match would protect him since he doesn't have to be pinned to lose.
Wes Lee winning the title would be a nice story of redemption, and he may write that story at the next NXT Premium Live Event. Coffey will likely have Gallus around to interfere, forcing Lee and Femi to team up.
When all is said and done, Lee and Femi will have a one-on-one match for the title before SummerSlam.
Prediction: Oba Femi retains.
#3. A score to be settled in an NXT Underground Match
Lola Vice may have bitten off more than she could chew. There's nothing wrong with being vicious and enjoying dancing at the same time. The problem is when you disrespect the wrong person. In this situation, the wrong person is Shayna Baszler.
The Queen of Spades is one of the most feared women in wrestling and is an NXT legend. She was one of the brand's most dominant women's champions and could match Vice strike for strike.
Vice is a star for the future and has legitimate credentials. The problem is that Baszler does as well and has competed at higher levels than Vice. Lola will hold her own but shouldn't beat another main roster star, especially not Baszler.
Prediction: Shayna Baszler teaches Lola Vice some humility by submission.
#2. Jordynne Grace challenges Roxanne Perez for the NXT Women's Title
Triple H has made another move to sell that WWE is genuinely in a New Era. What was once unheard of has happened a few times, as Jordynne Grace has appeared twice in WWE as Knockouts Champion.
The need for another veteran was apparent with the WWE Draft reshaping the NXT women's division with many untested performers. It's why Natalya and Shayna Baszler have been working on two brands.
On paper, Grace should run through Perez at NXT Battleground due to her overwhelming power and athleticism. Things 'on paper' don't always translate, and having a non-WWE star win a WWE title isn't likely. The only way it would happen is if Grace wins it only to drop it at Slammiversary or Against All Odds.
Prediction: Roxanne Perez survives The Juggernaut.
#1. Ethan Page challenges Trick Williams at NXT Battleground
Due to the importance of the title, it was a bit shocking that a match for Trick Williams wasn't finalized until the go-home episode of NXT.
Ethan Page arrived two weeks ago by blindsiding the champ. He confessed to other attacks before claiming to still be a free agent. After agreeing to his demands, Ava booked the match for NXT Battleground.
Trick is still early in his title run and probably won't lose the title. Page also shouldn't lose since this is his first NXT match.
Oro Mensah blindsided All Ego as NXT went off the air. Noam Dar is also still looming. The match may not have a clean finish and could set up something bigger.
Prediction: Ethan Page will defeat Trick Williams via disqualification after Noam Dar and Oro Mensah attack the former AEW star.