NXT TakeOver: Portland 2020 Preview: Start Time, How To Watch, Match Card, Predictions

Keith Lee (c) vs. Dominik Dijakovic – North American Championship

The match I am probably looking forward to most at TakeOver: Portland sees Keith Lee defend his North American Championship against long-time rival Dominik Dijakovic.

The pair have had great matches on NXT TV, so it will be great to see what the two big men can do on the TakeOver stage with the title on the line and presumably more time.

Prediction: Keith Lee

While some have speculated that Keith Lee will drop the title here and move up to the main roster, I don’t see it happening right now. Keith Lee will be on the main roster one day, but I don’t think WWE will pull the trigger right now.

I see Lee picking up the win here in his first televised defence of the title. They match should be very good, and I’m really looking forward to it.

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Tegan Nox vs. Dakota Kai – Street Fight

After shockingly turning heel on her best friend at NXT TakeOver: WarGames III in November 2019, Dakota Kai is set to face Tegan Nox tonight in what should be a brutal Street Fight.

The pair went one-on-one a few weeks ago on NXT TV, with Tegan Nox picking up the win following a short bout. This will be their rematch.

Prediction: Dakota Kai

While the actual heel turn was fantastic, the work that Dakota has been doing as a villain on NXT TV has been slightly underwhelming. She needs to pick up the big win here tonight.

The fact that Tegan Nox won their first match a few weeks ago makes me more confident that Kai is winning tonight. She definitely it, and there is the potential to extend this feud for a few more months onto TakeOver: Tampa Bay where Nox can get her win.

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Rhea Ripley (c) vs. Bianca Belair – NXT Women’s Championship

In her first TakeOver defence of the NXT Women’s Championship, Rhea Ripley will defend the belt she won in December 2019 against Bianca Belair tonight.

The match has the added twist that Charlotte Flair is expected to challenge the winner to a match at WrestleMania, so don’t be surprised if we see ‘The Queen” make her presence felt tonight.

Prediction: Rhea Ripley

While some have suggested that Charlotte Flair might cost Rhea the title here setting up a three-way at WrestleMania, I don’t see that happening.

WWE and NXT officials are clearly very high on Rhea Ripley, and there is more money in a singles feud between Ripley and Flair than there is in a three-way if you include Bianca Belair.

I see Ripley coming away with the win here after a hard-fought match, with Charlotte officially challenging her to a Mania match after her win.

Next page: Match Card & Predictions cont.

• TakeOver: Portland
• adam cole
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