NXT TakeOver Brooklyn III: Matches, Predictions, Start Time Before WWE SummerSlam 2017

WWE SummerSlam 2017 is set for Sunday night at Barclays Center, but the safe prediction is that Saturday night will feature the best match card of the weekend. NXT’s special events always deliver, and that should remain the case when NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn III kicks off WWE’s four straight nights of wrestling in Brooklyn, New York.

Unlike SummerSlam, NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn III isn’t available on pay-per-view. Fans can only watch it with WWE Network. A monthly subscription costs $9.99, though it’s possible to see the event with a free live stream online since new subscribers get the first month for free.

It’s the first NXT special event since NXT Takeover: Chicago on May 20. Several wrestlers enter the night having never been pinned since joining the company, and a couple of those unbeaten superstars are likely to lose Saturday night.

NXT Champion Bobby Roode vs. Drew McIntyre

It’s probably time for Roode to lose the title. He’s held it since Royal Rumble weekend and successfully defended it against Shinsuke Nakamura, Hideo Itami, Roderick Strong and Kassius Ohno. Roode celebrated his 40th birthday in May, and WWE might not wait much longer to see what he can do on the main roster.

Prediction: Drew McIntyre

NXT Women’s Champion Asuka vs. Ember Moon

WWE has been building towards Moon defeating Asuka since NXT TakeOver: Orlando on the night before WrestleMania 33. The champ needed to cheat to defeat the challenger, and the NXT announcers continue to put over Moon’s Eclipse as a devastating finishing maneuver. All signs are pointing towards Asuka finally suffering her first loss, though it’s far from a guarantee. Asuka has put together an undefeated streak that’s even lasted longer than Goldberg’s WCW record, and WWE might decide to hold off on her losing until she feuds with a wrestler that’s shown more promise than what Moon’s displayed.

Prediction: Ember Moon

NXT Tag Team Champions The Authors of Pain vs. SAnitY

This might be the best chance to give The Authors of Pain their first loss. Akam and Rezar won’t look weak after falling victim to the heel tactics of SAnity, who outnumber the current champs four to two when you consider Nikki Cross and Eric Young will likely get involved in the match.

Prediction: SAnity

Johnny Gargano vs. Andrade “Cien” Almas

Gargano was one of NXT’s most popular babyfaces as part of #DIY, and WWE isn’t going to give up on him because Tommaso Ciampa is out of the picture. Look for him to defeat Almas, starting his push as one of the top singles wrestlers on the roster.

Prediction: Johnny Gargano

Aleister Black vs. Hideo Itami

There’s a lot of talent in NXT, but Black might have the highest ceiling out of anyone on the roster (not counting Adam Cole). His strikes look like they belong on New Japan Pro-Wrestling, and his entrance always captivates the live audience. Black might remain undefeated until he wins the NXT Championship, which could happen at some point within the next year.

Prediction: Aleister Black