Finn Balor vs. Apollo Crews' Best Booking Options on WWE NXT

When Finn Balor goes head-to-head with Apollo Crews for the championship on next week's episode of NXT, how WWE officials book the outcome of the match will have long-term implications on the brand.

Balor is immensely popular as the company’s champion, and Crews is earning more credibility in the eyes of the WWE Universe with every passing week. Keeping both men strong will be imperative to this battle.

Here are the best booking options for Balor vs. Crews on next week’s episode of NXT.

Finn Balor Wins Clean

The most likely option for next week’s championship match is Balor winning clean over Crews after an incredible one-on-one battle.

Both Balor and Crews are great in the ring. While handing Crews a loss this early in his career isn’t ideal, having it come against the brand’s champion in what could be a Match of the Year contender is smart booking.

Crews would get the rub of working in the main event, but the loss would send him to the back of the line of championship contenders. As the ultimate underdog, a slow rise back to the top before ultimately capturing the title is perfect long-term booking for his character.

For Balor, he needs to continue defending the title in marquee matches to build his credibility as a champion. Beating Crews in a memorable bout will add another notch in his belt as the company moves forward with The Demon as the face of the brand.

Crews Wins via DQ

Another distinct possibility is Crews winning by disqualification when someone hits the ring to attack Balor. While all signs pointed to Samoa Joe turning on the champion during the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic, a top heel such as Baron Corbin is waiting in the wings.

Samoa Joe may have beaten Tyler Breeze on this week’s show, but that battle could extend through the next TakeOver. With Joe occupied and NXT officials possibly looking to protect Balor and Crews from a clean finish, Corbin hitting the ring and beating them both down would be an acceptable outcome.

While it would mean Balor vs. Corbin is the long-term storyline, allowing Crews to become the ultimate underdog as he works his way back into the title scene without taking a loss would be interesting.

NXT loves Corbin, so don’t be surprised if he ruins the main event next week.

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