NXT Heatwave (2022) predictions
The following are my predictions for NXT Heatwave (2022)
The special television event airs August 16, 2022 at 8 ET on USA Network!
Roxanne Perez v Cora Jade
Thoughts - I honestly didn't think WWE would pull the trigger on Cora Jade's heel turn so soon, even though I figured it would happen eventually. Since, she's done a pretty good job of playing the part. Roxanne is a fan favorite and has the audience with her on this journey, so it makes sense for Cora to be the heel in this feud. I don't think either lady is going to the main roster after this event, I do believe they'll feud a bit longer.
Cora will be the one to head to the main roster first between the two. I say around Survivor Series time. As for a winner... Cora gets the W here to keep the feud going and Roxanne will get the payoff in the end, which sends Cora packing to the big time.
Prediction: Cora Jade
Carmelo Hayes (c) (w/ Trick Williams) v Giovanni Vinci - NXT North American Championship
Thoughts - I've been enjoying the run so far of Giovanni Vinci. He's over with the audience and I like his character. He has an awesome future ahead of him. Carmelo is the same - bright future, he's got the look, charisma, mic skills and a great overall character. He's definitely going to the main roster very soon. Maybe even within the next few weeks.
The feud between these two has been entertaining, with some solid promo work from Carmelo. As far as a winner goes... I wanna say they'll put the title on Vinci sooner than later, Carmelo has been champ for a minute and with him heading to the main roster soon, I think he drops it here.
Prediction: Giovanni Vinci
Mandy Rose (c) v Zoey Stark - NXT Women's Championship
Thoughts - Mandy has been killing it since returning to NXT a while back. She started Toxic Attraction and that group has been pushed heavily as the faces of the NXT Women's division. It's hard to judge title changes, with this being just a TV special - but they may very well treat it like a regular premium live event. I think Mandy and Toxic Attraction are getting called up soon. I can see Mandy dropping the title here and then getting a rematch and losing again. That would bring her up to the main roster afterwards.
At the same time... I don't think Mandy is losing to Zoey Stark, unless Stark is getting a major push within the NXT landscape. I haven't heard any rumblings about it, so I don't think Mandy's dropping it quite yet. It would be a decent surprise if she does though.
Prediction: Mandy Rose (c)
Santos Escobar v Tony D'Angelo - Street Fight
(if Escobar wins, Legado del Fantasma is free from the D'Angelo Family, if D'Angelo wins, Escobar will be banned from NXT 2.0)
Thoughts - Judging by the fact that D'Angelo is being pushed heavily and that if Escobar loses, he leaves NXT - I think it's safe to say D'Angelo is winning this match. Escobar has been in the rumblings lately with being promoted to the main roster sooner than later. This is definitely how it happens. Fantasma will continue to feud with the D'Angelo family, but Escobar gets called up.
Prediction: Tony D'Angelo
Bron Breakker (c) v JD McDonagh - NXT Championship
Thoughts - This feud has been fairly entertaining and I like the new direction of McDonagh from his Jordan Devlin persona (which is also his real name). He seems to have a lot more character here and a better arc since returning to NXT television. He's looked at as another Finn Balor type of performer/persona and it seems they're wanting to push him significantly since returning.
The thing is... does Bron drop the title on a television event like this? That's the real question here. I don't know if I see him dropping yet, so they'll probably book some shenanigans. Hopefully it's shenanigans that make enough sense. Its very interesting...
I'm gonna play the safe card and say Bron retains. But the next match Bron defends, he'll probably lose and get called up.
Prediction: Bron Breakker (c)
