Tossing Salt Presents:
WWE NXT Takeover 36
Thoughts & Predictions
August 22, 2021
DougMaynard.com

First, we had the return of CM Punk to the world of professional wrestling on Friday night. Last night we had SummerSlam which saw the returns of both Becky Lynch & Brock Lesnar. And now tonight, we have NXT Takeover 36. This is a good time to be a wrestling fan. I wonder who will make a surprise return tonight? Let’s keep the streak going.

And speaking of NXT Takeover, it’s the end of the Triple H/Third Brand era and the start of a “back to basics” type of situation as WWE begins the search for younger, bigger talent. How will that affect the show tonight? I guess we’ll have to wait and see what goes down in the PC center in Orlando. Let’s make some predictions.

NXT Champion Karrion Kross versus Samoa Joe

The general train of thought seems to be that Joe will win and Kross is moving to the main roster and yes, it does seem that way, but I think that nothing is as cut and dry as it seems. Kross is a good NXT Champion and while Joe is a legend, tough as a two-dollar steak, and has a great track record in his previous stint as the NXT Champion, I don’t feel it here. I think we’ll see Kross surprise everyone and while he won’t win with a clean pin, he won’t lose either.

Winner and STILL NXT Champion: Karrion Kross

NXT UK Champion WALTER versus Ilja Dragonuv II

This is the match everyone is wanting to see and with good reason. These guys have amazing chemistry and their first (and only to date) match nearly two years ago, saw WALTER come out on top, just barely. This is going to be the match of the night and possibly the entire weekend. WALTER won the first match and I think that it’s time to even the odds and do a rubber match at Wrestlemania next year. Or hell, have it at the upcoming WWE Crown Jewel event in Saudi Arabia that was announced last night. Regardless, I’m saying new NXT UK Champion and an upset in the making. Let this feud continue.

Winner and NEW NXT UK Champion: Ilja Dragonuv

NXT Women’s Champion Raquel Gonzalez versus Dakota Kai

Kai is good, but in my opinion, Raquel is better right now. This belt stays right where it’s at.

Winner and STILL NXT Women’s Champion: Raquel Gonzalez

Kyle O’Reilly versus Adam Cole – 2 out of 3 falls.

Is Adam Cole really leaving NXT and heading over the land of AEW? From all reports, his contract ends tonight and if he is leaving, this is his swan song for WWE NXT. But in AEW, I think that especially with all the new names coming aboard, he’d be lost in the shuffle. We’ll have to wait and see on that. As for this match, it’s a standard match for Fall 1, a street fight for Fall 2, and if it goes to three, the steel cage will come into play. It’s going three falls. I have no doubt about that. And both men will split the first two falls with O’Reilly winning the regular match and Cole winning the Street Fight. As for the cold, merciless steel cage, I can only say this. Adam Cole Bay-Bee. And there you go.

Winner: Adam Cole

Million Dollar Champion LA Knight versus Cameron Grimes

I really like LA Knight as the Million Dollar Champion and I hope that it stays this way for a long time to come. This kid has it going on. Grimes is damn good as well and this match should be, in the words of Good Old J.R., a real slobber knocker. But who is willing to pay the price and do what it takes to be the man? Mr. Knight is taking it home.

Winner and STILL Million Dollar Champion: LA Knight

NXT Takeover 36 Pre-Show: Ridge Holland versus Trey Baxter

Holland and Baxter are going to start the show and set the mood for the night. It should be an epic encounter and fun match that fires up the crowd and cranks up the heat to the max, based on what I’ve seen from both of these men in recent weeks. Baxter seems to be a bit of an ass-clown so let’s keep the fans happy. Holland takes the win.

Winner: Ridge Holland

And there you go. My thanks for reading. Any comments, thoughts, or questions about tonight’s Takeover event or anything wrestling-related, feel free and drop me a line. Any predictions? Leave them in the comments. And with that, I’m out of here. A long day lies ahead. Until the next time, stay good and I’ll see you at the matches.

Ubuntu!