WWE 2K20 Universe Mode News: Previews of NXT TakeOver: New York 2019 & WWE Worlds Collide (Apr.W1.19.Fri)

Preview: WWE Worlds Collide

Saturday, April Week 1, 2019 – Brooklyn, NY

In the lead-up to WrestleMania 35, WWE rolls out Worlds Collide, the hybrid showcase designed to blend talent from RAW, SmackDown LIVE, NXT, NXT UK, and 205 Live into a single event. These cross-brand specials can be quietly excellent, letting undercard workers steal the spotlight while main roster talent keep their WrestleMania stories intact.

While the show isn’t as high-profile as TakeOver: New York, it does have the potential to produce some sleeper hits and give NXT UK and 205 Live a rare chance to shine on a bigger platform.

Let’s break down the matches:

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Match #1: NXT vs. NXT Alumni

Tyler Breeze (RAW) vs. Roderick Strong (NXT)

Preview:
On paper, this could be the night’s most technically sound singles match. Breeze has fully embraced his “Prince Pretty” throwback, leaning on character work, while Roderick Strong remains one of the most reliable bell-to-bell performers in the system. Their styles should mesh well, with Breeze bumping big for Strong’s backbreakers and hoping to steal a win with a quick Beauty Shot. This match is a chance for Strong to remind everyone why he was once considered an NXT MVP.

Prediction: Roderick Strong picks up a definitive victory.

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Match #2: Cruiserweights Collide

The Brian Kendrick (205 Live) vs. Tyler Bate (NXT UK)

Preview:
A fascinating stylistic clash between Kendrick’s veteran guile and Bate’s youthful athleticism. Kendrick is a master of controlling pace, which could work well against Bate’s explosive offense. This should be a crisp, tidy affair with Kendrick trying to ground Bate’s momentum and maybe steal it with a handful of tights. If Bate gets rolling, expect a fast escalation into bombs and reversals.

Prediction: Tyler Bate overcomes the veteran in a crowd-pleasing finish.

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Match #3: Women Collide

Sonya Deville (SmackDown LIVE) vs. Io Shirai (NXT)

Preview:
An underrated gem on paper. Sonya’s stiff MMA-influenced offense could contrast beautifully with Io’s high-flying and counter-heavy approach. With Io freshly arrived in NXT and Sonya establishing herself on SmackDown one year after her 2018 Women's Royal Rumble victory, this feels like a showcase for Io to prove she can hang with main roster talent. If they’re given time, this could surprise a lot of people.

Prediction: Io Shirai gets the win to build momentum ahead of TakeOver.

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Match #4: Women Collide Triple Threat

Nikki Cross (SmackDown LIVE) vs. Toni Storm (NXT UK) vs. Bianca Belair (NXT)

Preview:
Triple threats can be tricky, but this one has the right mix of personalities: Nikki’s unhinged energy, Toni’s polished big-match presence, and Bianca’s athletic power. Look for Toni to play the steady anchor while Nikki creates chaos and Bianca showcases strength spots. This could be a dark-horse highlight if they find the right rhythm.

Prediction: Toni Storm sneaks a win, possibly pinning Nikki while Bianca is neutralized.

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Match #5: Four-Woman Battle Royal

Mia Yim (NXT) vs. Toni Storm (NXT UK) vs. Io Shirai (NXT) vs. Bianca Belair (NXT)

Preview:
A curious bit of double-duty for both Toni and Io, which may play into the finish. Battle Royals are usually fast, and this could be more angle-driven than athletic showcase—maybe teasing future title programs or TakeOver feuds. Watch for Io and Bianca to be positioned as future contenders.

Prediction: Bianca Belair wins to set up a post-TakeOver push.

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Main Event: Eight-Man Battle Royal

Humberto Carrillo (205 Live) vs. Akira Tozawa (205 Live) vs. Drew Gulak (205 Live) vs. Ariya Daivari (205 Live) vs. The Brian Kendrick (205 Live) vs. Roderick Strong (NXT) vs. Matt Riddle (NXT) vs. Tyler Bate (NXT UK)

Preview:
The show-closing Battle Royal is the biggest wild card. 205 Live is heavily represented, but Strong and Riddle stand out as the likely favorites. Riddle in particular seems positioned as a next big thing in NXT, and this match could be a springboard for him to challenge for higher-profile singles matches in the spring and summer. Look for a few big elimination sequences with Riddle throwing bodies and Bate getting a big showcase run before being tossed near the end.

Prediction: Matt Riddle survives in the final two to claim bragging rights.

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Overall Thoughts

While Worlds Collide isn’t meant to be canon-shaking, it’s one of the rare opportunities to see main roster midcarders, NXT prospects, and 205 Live’s underrated workhorses mix it up. With fewer stakes than TakeOver, expect the wrestlers to be looser and more experimental—sometimes the best environment for surprise hits.

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Potential Show Stealers:

• Tyler Breeze vs. Roderick Strong

• Sonya Deville vs. Io Shirai

• The Triple Threat

Most Likely Crowd Favorite:

• Matt Riddle in the main event Battle Royal

   

  Preview: NXT TakeOver – New York 2019

  Sunday, April Week 1, 2019 – Brooklyn, NY

  Every WrestleMania season, TakeOver threatens to steal the entire weekend, and this year is no exception—even if in this Universe Mode, WWE is running it a week before the big show. This card is stacked: four title matches, one potential Match of the Year candidate in the main event, and a women’s division that’s arguably never been deeper.

  With a loaded lineup of consistent in-ring performers and red-hot feuds, this TakeOver could deliver one of the strongest shows of this era. Let’s look at the matches:

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  Match #1: Singles Match

  Roderick Strong vs. Velveteen Dream

  Preview:
  This opener feels like a perfect tone-setter: the polished workrate of Roderick Strong against the charismatic spectacle of Velveteen Dream. Strong has quietly been one of the brand’s MVPs, whether in tag or singles, while Dream is one of the most over acts in the entire company. Expect this to be a clean 12–15 minute sprint with Dream playing to the crowd and Strong throwing backbreakers at every angle.

  Prediction: Velveteen Dream wins in a high-energy match that gets the crowd buzzing.

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  Match #2: NXT Tag Team Championship

  The Undisputed ERA (Kyle O’Reilly & Bobby Fish) (c) vs. The Street Profits

  Preview:
  The Undisputed ERA enter with five successful defenses under their belts, and Kyle and Bobby have developed into one of the most cohesive units in NXT history. The Street Profits bring an explosive babyface energy and always feel one big match away from breaking through. This one could be an absolute show-stealer if given time, with Fish and O’Reilly grounding the Profits’ athleticism before Ford’s inevitable hot tag sequence.

  Prediction: The Undisputed ERA retain in a close, competitive match—continuing their record-setting run.

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  Match #3: NXT North American Championship

  Adam Cole (c) vs. Matt Riddle

  Preview:
  Arguably the best on-paper singles matchup outside the main event. Cole is in his third reign with the North American title but has yet to log a successful defense, adding real stakes to this one. Riddle feels like the next big project for NXT, and this is the perfect test to see if he’s ready to carry a mid-card title. Expect a lot of big counters and the most “epic” style match of the undercard.

  Prediction: Matt Riddle wins his first singles title, launching a new era for the division.

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  Match #4: WWE United Kingdom Championship

  Pete Dunne (c) vs. Trent Seven

  Preview:
  This feels like a love letter to British wrestling. Dunne is in his third reign and remains one of the most reliable workers in WWE. Trent Seven is a credible veteran opponent with the kind of underdog charisma that should make for an emotional match, especially if he gets a near-fall or two on Dunne. They have chemistry from years together, so expect smooth transitions and stiff forearms.

  Prediction: Pete Dunne retains in a technically strong, hard-hitting affair.

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  Match #5: NXT Women’s Championship – Fatal 4-Way

  Shayna Baszler (c) vs. Kairi Sane vs. Io Shirai vs. Bianca Belair

  Preview:
  This is the most stacked women’s title match in NXT history. Baszler, in her third reign, has been the defining champion of the brand, while Kairi, Io, and Bianca all feel ready to take her place. The dynamic here is especially compelling: Kairi and Io’s bond could break down, Bianca’s power game will be the X-factor, and Shayna will look to exploit any alliance. With four dynamic personalities and distinct styles, this has serious Match of the Night potential.

  Prediction: Shayna Baszler survives by pinning Kairi or stealing a submission to keep her reign alive a little longer.

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  Main Event: NXT Championship – Two Out of Three Falls Triple Threat

  Tommaso Ciampa (c) vs. Ricochet vs. Johnny Gargano

  Preview:
  This main event is about as big as it gets in NXT: the defending champion, the ace underdog, and one of the most spectacular athletes in the world in Ricochet. Ciampa has been champion since last July, notching three defenses, and is the centerpiece of the brand. Gargano and Ciampa’s story is well documented, but adding Ricochet makes this more unpredictable—and raises the athletic ceiling. The Two out of Three Falls stipulation will let them build a long, layered match with huge drama. Expect callbacks, near falls, and perhaps a WrestleMania-week classic.

  Prediction: Johnny Gargano finally wins the title by pinning Ciampa in the final fall.

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  Overall Thoughts

  Even by TakeOver’s high standards, this is a loaded lineup. Every title is on the line, every division feels relevant, and there are no filler matches. While WrestleMania 35 will get the headlines, TakeOver: New York has every chance to be the weekend’s best wrestling show.

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  Potential Show Stealers:

• North American Championship: Cole vs. Riddle

• Women’s Fatal 4-Way

• Main Event

Likely Biggest Pop:

• Gargano winning the NXT Title at last