Finn Balor vs. Adrian Neville Will Steal the Show at WWE NXT Takeover: Rival

WWE’s NXT program is making waves once more, thanks to its talented roster.

The developmental league featured a No. 1 contender's tournament for the NXT title. The winner of that match will go on to face the future champion.

Both matches have yet to be determined, as Sami Zayn will defend the title against Kevin Owens. The contender will be revealed on the same night on NXT Takeover: Rival, taking place this Wednesday, February 11.

The tournament featured the top eight up-and-comers for the title, including Tyler Breeze and Hideo Itami. Only two men would emerge as the top dogs for this match, namely Adrian Neville and Finn Balor.

Balor’s road began by defeating former Intercontinental champion Curtis Axel. He advanced to the finals by besting his partner Itami in a hard-fought victory.

Neville advanced through trials of his own, first beating the veteran Tyson Kidd and then advancing to the finals, getting the pinfall over Baron Corbin.

Neville and Balor shook hands shortly after Balor’s victory over Itami. These two men are on a collision course, which comes to a head with a lot on the line. Zayn and Owens may have the personal rivalry going, but Balor and Neville have their own chips on their shoulders.

Adrian Neville vs. Finn Balor will steal the show from the championship match. In fact, it has the potential to develop into quite the feud.

The stage was set since their debuts. Neville started out in a tag team with Corey Graves. When Graves was forced to retire due to suffering concussions, Neville began his singles career, which culminated in becoming the NXT champion at the first NXT Takeover special.

Neville is a high-flyer, using acrobatic maneuvers that can wipe out his opponents. Neville’s Red Arrow, the corkscrew splash, has put away many NXT Superstars over time. If he hits that on Balor, it’s game over.

Don’t sell Balor short. The veteran used mind games at the last Takeover special with his entrance, procuring a psychological advantage in his tag team win with Itami over The Ascension.

Balor’s also seasoned like Neville and can fly if needed. However, he uses more technique with moves that pulverize his enemies. He also goes to the top using the double foot stomp to finish his opponent. If Balor hits that, then don’t expect Neville to kick out.

As the old saying goes; styles make fights. If need be, Neville and Balor can wrestle a clinic, and knowing them they will.

Neville is battle-tested, proving himself in front of the NXT faithful. The former champion main evented all Takeover specials and nearly fought the entire roster. He has become the norm for NXT.

Balor, the new young gun of the show, has also fought in tough wars throughout his short tenure in NXT.

Who will win in this battle between these two NXT Superstars? Frankly, that’s not my call to make. The only thing we know for certain is that this match will be remembered for years to come.

Finn Balor vs. Adrian Neville will steal the show at NXT Takeover: Rival. Expect this bout to become a modern classic in the NXT Universe.