NXT TakeOver: Vengeance Day was phenomenal. It proved why NXT was the most exciting show for so many years and has created buzz for the foreseeable future.
Johnny Gargano has begun an exciting reign, Raquel Gonzalez is looking like the future, and an Undisputed ERA break up… you’re teasing us, Hunter!
Here is who every current NXT champion should defend against next.
5. NXT Cruiserweight Championship – Kushida
Many were disappointed to see Kushida lose his match against Johnny Gargano at TakeOver, but I disagree. Gargano has been given a needed successful defence, and Kushida looked strong in defeat. However, it is important to continue pushing the former IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion while he’s hot.
Karrion Kross is currently feuding with the champion, Santos Escobar, despite him being about 60 pounds too heavy for the 205 bracket.
The match this Wednesday will be fun, but clearly makes little sense for the Cruiserweight division. How they will protect both men in defeat, I’m unsure, but I wouldn’t go any further with it beyond this week.
Kushida, who as previously mentioned is a former Junior Heavyweight Champion, should be next up.
There are not many other superstars deserving of a shot, so the better version of Marty McFly, would create a fun feud, and an entertaining match.
In addition to this, Kushida has been in NXT for nearly two years and has done little of note. A championship win is needed to ensure his WWE run is memorable.
4. NXT North American Championship – Dexter Lumis
I’m not going to say I am the biggest fan of Lumis. After storylines against the Undisputed ERA and Cameron Grimes became overly weird, I find his character too odd to love.
Nevertheless, NXT is clearly building him as the next challenger to Johnny Gargano.
With Gargano’s past North American Championship reigns being lacklustre, Lumis could be useful in cementing this run as a successful one. With a huge win over Kushida at TakeOver, another successful defence against Lumis will finally allow for a lengthy title reign.
More to this, there are not many other superstars on the brand that deserve a shot. I thought of Bronson Reed and Killian Dain as possible contenders, but for the current story, Lumis is next.
3. NXT Tag Team Championship – MSK
What a deservedly perfect start for a remarkable tag team. Despite the fears of this previously three-man team becoming two, Lee and Carter are seriously the future.
Both are spectacular performers with great wrestling ability plus charisma, and the four matches they’ve had were all outstanding.
Following the monumental Dusty Classic win, MSK has gained an opportunity against Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch. With the tag title being shifted from the BroserWeights, to Imperium, to Breezango, and finally, where they are now, MSK gaining the straps and having a hell of a run should be the route.
They’ve been pushed so strongly so far, so why not continue the momentum and support the team has.
Additionally, this match is dreamy. The two best tag teams on the roster going at it for the titles, it would be wonderful.
2. NXT Women’s Championship – Raquel Gonzalez
Since Raquel’s debut one year ago, it’s clear that they’re wanting her at the forefront of NXT. With such a unique six-foot build, there is no woman quite like her within the company.
After winning WarGames, the female Dusty Rhodes Classic alongside Dakota Kai, and a huge Last Woman Standing win over Rhea Ripley, it’s inevitable that Io Shirai is in the near future.
Shirai’s reign has sadly been relatively lacklustre. With sporadic appearances and only five title defences since winning in June, I would love a longer reign. Nevertheless, Gonzalez has got so much momentum, and it’s better to strike now.
She’s gained huge wins, as well as improving every week within the ring with an ever-growing move set. A huge win against Shriai would cement her as the future of the women’s division.
1. NXT Championship – Kyle O’Reilly, Roderick Strong, Bobby Fish & Adam Cole
It was rumoured earlier this month that Finn Balor would be defending his NXT Championship at WrestleMania. The likely opponent was Karrion Kross, but following Vengeance Day, surely this five-way is the way to go?
Cole’s turn against a possible Balor and Undisputed Era alliance has created mouth-watering future matches. With it being unclear who is siding with who, why not stick them all in there on the Grandest Stage of them All.
While a possible tag match could be in the works with Cole and Strong taking on Kyle and Balor/Fish, I don’t think there could be a bigger match to showcase the black and gold brand.
It could be a great introduction to the main roster for Cole or the ERA as a whole. The fans not watching NXT weekly will be able to see why these four men have been at the top of this show for years.
Hopefully Fish should be back from injury any time now, but if not, a four-way would do just fine.
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