On Sunday, December 5, NXT 2.0 hosts their annual WarGames PPV on the Peacock Network. Kicking off at 8 PM Eastern/5 PM Pacific, WarGames is NXT’s chance to put on one of the most brutal matches in all of professional wrestling. While WarGames came about as a natural end to a feud in years past, this year’s edition feels a bit forced. Regardless, it is a fun match style that gives plenty of talent a chance to shine.
Let’s take a look at some match previews and predictions for the big night for WWE’s minor league.
Raquel González, Io Shirai, Cora Jade, and Kay Lee Ray vs. Dakota Kai and Toxic Attraction (Mandy Rose, Gigi Dolin, and Jacy Jayne) WarGames Match
This match will be the hardest-hitting of the card. All 8 of these ladies will do what it takes to make a match great. Dakota Kai and Kay Lee Ray gave us a taste in their brutal advantage ladder match.
If this is just a taste of what’s to come Sunday, then #NXTWarGames is going to be absolute chaos. #WWENXT @Kay_Lee_Ray @DakotaKai_WWE pic.twitter.com/fwWXNhKd3k
— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) December 4, 2021
Prediction: NXT is building up Cora Jade a lot, so expect her to have a hand in the finish, win or lose. This match is the most wide-open on the card, with either result leading to good stories down the road.
Cameron Grimes vs. Duke Hudson (Hair vs. Hair)
I have liked Cameron Grimes a lot since he was in the indies. Not only is he a great in-ring performer, but on the mic, he stands far above the crowd. I like this excellent guy turn NXT has him on, though I think he fits better as a villain.
Prediction: Hudson loses his hair and, hopefully, his bizarre poker gimmick.
Imperium (Fabian Aichner and Marcel Barthel) (c) vs. Kyle O’Reilly and Von Wagner
Two great teams that have contrasting styles. Like in MMA, styles breed good matchups. Imperium is precise and hard-hitting, while O’Reilly and Wagner are a fly-by-the-seat-of-their-pants squad that makes up for their lack of similarities with a fiery passion.
Prediction: I Think O’Reilly and Wagner win here. Their oddball chemistry is just what the tag title needs, and it will be an excellent way for O’Reilly to continue to act as a mentor for the up-and-coming Wagner. Plus, it frees up Imperium for a main roster run with WALTER.
Roderick Strong (c) (with The Diamond Mine) vs. Joe Gacy (with Harland)
There are rumors this match is being done to kill the Cruiserweight title once and for all. And while WWE does have too many titles, I think there’s still a place for a third singles title on NXT. WWE is grooming Harland for a big push, and I can see him squaring off against Strong and the rest of the Diamond Mine. While solid in the ring, Gacy is so good on the mic, and his “PC gone bananas” gimmick is the perfect way to get an overt monster like Harland over with the crowd.
Prediction: Strong wins, but Harland destroys everyone.
Team Black & Gold (Tommaso Ciampa, Johnny Gargano, Pete Dunne, and LA Knight) vs. Team 2.0 (Bron Breakker, Carmelo Hayes, Grayson Waller, and Tony D’Angelo) (with Trick Williams) WarGames Match
I expect this will be the match of the night. Both of these teams are stacked with tremendous talent. My only concern is that for most of Team 2.0, this is their first BIG time gimmick match, so there might be some moments where the vets have to take the reins.
Prediction: Expect a hard-hitting spot fest that will be a match of the year contender. I think 2.0 pulls this one out. NXT is looking to pivot entirely to an “up and coming” brand, and the best way to symbolically do that would be with a clean win from the new breed of talent. The rumors are that Ciampa and Gargano are on their way out the door, which may play into this decision. Breakker and Hayes are the next two big stars of NXT, so expect them to play significant roles in the decision.
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
