The match
COO and current WWE World Heavyweight Champion HHH faces off against Roman Reigns in a No DQ match for the belt. It’s an interesting one to unpick: with no Money In The Bank briefcase available for a cash-in, a rowdy crowd rooting that’s set to be vocal in their dislike for Reigns, and yet a clean HHH victory likely to go down like a granite parachute, we smell some kind of shenanigans.
Predicted result
Roman Reigns defeats HHH in 8:47 by pinfall following a spear to become the new WWE World Heavyweight Champion.
Highlight of the match
The disbelief on HHH’s face after Reigns kicks out of the pedigree at 6:35 is a picture. Masterful WWE camerawork on display.
The GR+ verdict
A good, meaty match with spears, Superman punches and pedigrees, but despite the strong wrestling on show we reckon it won’t be a fan pleaser unless WWE manages to crowbar in a heel turn for Reigns. How, though? We can see The Rock getting involved, but in what capacity? PredictAMania’s strait-laced finished is unlikely, but in any other circumstances this is a solid fight.
3.5/5
BONUS NXT TAKEOVER: DALLAS MATCH 1
The match
At NXT TakeOver: Dallas, reigning NXT Women’s Champion Bayley squares off against Japanese sensation Asuka in what should be a very special head-to-head. Neither competitor is in WWE 2K16, so it’s Community Creations to the rescue once again: Bayley was made by SuperMex80, and Asuka was created by bftwla.
Predicted result
Bayley defeats Asuka by pinfall in 6:20 using the Bayley-to-belly suplex.
Highlight of the match
A top-of-the-turnbuckle counter into a textbook diving dropkick from Asuka at 4:00.
GR+ verdict
Both wrestlers are hot crowd favourites, but Bayley’s been champ since August and we could see her dropping the title to pave the way for a Raw call-up on the night after WrestleMania. However accurate the result may or may not be, WWE 2K16 predicts a good, close contest. Expect the real thing to be a rather explosive affair.
3.5/5
BONUS NXT TAKEOVER: DALLAS MATCH 2
The match
High-flying NXT Champion Finn Balor takes on wrecking ball submission specialist Samoa Joe in this NXT title match.
Predicted result
Finn Balor defeats Samoa Joe by pinfall at 7:21 following a Michinoku driver.
Highlight of the match
Finn’s skull-shattering underhook dropping DDT to Samoa Joe on the apron at 4:20.
GR+ verdict
Forgetting for a moment that the Michinoku driver is the absolute perfect setup for the Coup de Grâce that never comes to end the match, this is an excellent, aggressive fight with plenty of ringside brawling and a great muscle buster kick-out. Balor’s absent finisher aside, we’d be happy with this coming true.
4/5
Finn Balor's reaction
William Regal's reaction
