It’s finally that time once again where we get the annual “WARGAMES” announcement by Mr William Regal
It really is a shame that we didn’t get our regular WWE 2 night extravaganza involving WarGames and Survivor Series during November but hey, what the hell, Survivor Series was solid and this gives me even more reason to take in more junk food on a Sunday night and a ton more coffee on a Monday morning when I head to work at 7 am, it’s always so worth it when it comes to Professional Wrestling wouldn’t you agree?!
The WarGames build has been one of my favourites ever. Undisputed Era clashing with Pat Mcafee and his new buddies. Starting with former United Kingdom champion Pete Dunne who is also flanked by the current NXT tag team champions Oney Lorcan & Danny Burch who can all hit harder than they take that’s for certain. The Woman’s WarGames build has also had me hooked, probably because I am such a mark for Shotzi Blackheart who could be primed here for a standout moment. Candice LeRae has also shown why she is such a valuable member to the NXT Women’s roster as she can clearly mix it up with anybody and produce a Takeover style show-stealing match. We have also had a solid undercard build and with that, we must thank Cameron Grimes for taking his story with Dexter Lumis and running with it, yes, literally running as we have seen.
Lets dive in to Sunday nights NXT’s WarGames…
NXT North American Championship: Leon Ruff (C) vs Johnny Gargano vs Damien Priest
Well, it isn’t every week that a relatively new-comer steals the spotlight and wins a title that does not even fit! I mean who saw that coming?! Hands up and be honest! I certainly did not but this Kid, Leon Ruff, is a star. Johnny Gargano vs Damien Priest has been one of the standouts from the latter part of 2020 and I’ve enjoyed each of their matches to date, this one adds a little extra spice in the form of Ruff who could easily steal another win here and I do think that will happen. The Ultimate Underdog story is one of the easiest to book but to pull it off is another thing. For this story to continue for Leon then he has to take the ‘W’ by catching Gargano off guard again. I am going to suggest that Bronson Reed interferes in some capacity late on to take out Damien Priest and Gargano (Reed can see a route to the gold by challenging Ruff in the near future). That way all 3 men are protected and Ruff can retain the gold on his first Takeover appearance.
Strap Match: Dexter Lumis vs Cameron Grimes
How enjoyable has this been? Now I am going to not be biased here because of my love for the Dexter Lumis character but he is sensational at what he does. His imposing figure, movements and stare make this character what it is and in my eyes, it’s a huge success so far. Cameron Grimes on the other hand is a special worker. Fully invested in this story and a man that I can see walking out of this with a victory. I’m really not sure what style of wrestling we will see here from both parties but I am heavily invested in the outcome. I genuinely want to see Cameron shoot to the moon. Earlier I mentioned that Bronson Reed could be waiting in line for a shot at the North American strap but for me, Cameron Grimes could be the one to elevate it (yes, to the moon) during the spring. Grimes will catch Lumis with ‘Cave In’ to steal the match after attempting to stay out of the clutches throughout. Defeat won’t hurt Lumis as he can potentially re-enter the feud with Velveteen Dream at a much later date.
Tommaso Ciampa vs Timothy Thatcher
A mouth-watering clash is on hand for this one. Thatcher would like to school Ciampa in what could collectively become a mat wrestling classic Ciampa is currently languishing in the upper mid-card but this is ultimately his personal preference. Both of these guys have a show-stealer hidden inside them, and this could be the dark horse on this night but its a tough one to call! Let’s have Kushida watching on as he could eventually face the winner in a number one contenders match for the NXT title (more on that later). Ciampa vs Kushida has me licking my lips already so let’s see Ciampa overcome Thatch – as – Thatchcan this weekend in an absolute war.
Finn Balor?
Picture this. Finn Balor addresses the NXT Universe declaring that he is now ready to compete and will defend the title against anybody who is ready to step up… Lights dim, the visual of Scarlett Bordeaux appears on the stage leading to an attack by the returning Karrion Kross. Kross and Scarlett stand tall to end the segment declaring that Balor’s time is up. Tick Tock
WarGames: Team Shotzi vs Team Candice
Last year we saw the incredible turn from Dakota Kai on her best friend Tegan Nox is one of the best War-games Segments in history, I don’t expect a repeat of that this year, however, I do expect the best woman’s war-games to date and that is not taking anything away from previous, I just feel that the talent involved here will conjure something truly special. Io Shirai will start for a team facing Dakota Kai, Gonzalez will follow and then Ripley. Ultimately it will be Shotzi Blackheart who picks up the win of Candice LeRae thus ending this feud inside the steel structure. Look out for standout performances from Toni Storm who could be in line for a showdown with IO Shirai in the very near future for the NXT Woman’s title. I would also expect to see Shotzi in the Royal Rumble for the second year running and possibly entering the main roster very soon. Her Fanbase and merch sales apparently speak for themselves.
WarGames: Team McAfee vs Team Undisputed Era
This year marks the 4th year that Undisputed Era will compete inside the WarGames structure, their last win was way back in 2017 but as a threesome. Pat McAfee lost to Adam Cole back in August and could be in line for redemption here but I can see only one team winning here and it has to be Undisputed Era. Lorcan, Burch & Dunne inside with Fish, O’Reilly & Strong are 6 of the hardest strikers in the business and there will be no room for letup here. I’m not sure as a fan when I will be able to catch my breath in this one to be perfectly honest and that excites me! I feel that Cole needs to shut the mouth of Pat McAfee once and for all and with that will come a huge win for the Undisputed Era which will lead to a series of classic tag matches once again between Lorcan & Burch along with a singles feud involving Dunne & Cole. Look for Dunne to breakout in 2021 in the NXT division as he chases gold. This is going to be one hell of a night inside the CWC.