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The NXT episode after Survivor Series was a great one as we saw storyline developments, along with some brilliant wrestling action. There isn't any NXT Takeover this month, but NXT's top storylines will continue to develop as we near the new year.
Last week, we saw Tommaso Ciampa vs Finn Balor for the very first time and Balor came out victorious, thanks to an assist from Adam Cole. It didn't end well for Cole though as the NXT Champion was hit by Balor's devastating Pele Kick. It will be interesting to see how The Undisputed Era leader reacts to that this week.
Furthermore, Killian Dain vs Damian Priest is set for this week, after they both lost to Pete Dunne at NXT Takeover: War Games. Also, after being brutalized by Dakota Kai at the same event, we may see the return of Tegan Nox this week.
Moreover, NXT Women's Champion Shayna Baszler will be looking to answer Rhea Ripley's challenge from last week. Bobby Fish, one half of the NXT Tag Team Champions, was injured last week and isn't expected to appear on this week's show.
With all that in mind, let's take a look at the four biggest things we could see on NXT this week.
#4 Velveteen Dream returns to settle an old score with Roderick Strong
Velveteen Dream has been out of action for a month now, but this could be the week he makes a surprise return to NXT. Dream is one of the biggest stars in NXT and is dearly missed by the Black and Gold brand, as he brings that unique special something that no one else does.
The former NXT North American Champion never received his rematch for the title after he was brutally attacked by The Undisputed Era backstage. If Velveteen Dream returns this week, we could see him set his sights on North American Champion Roddy Strong.
#3 Dakota Kai interrupts Shayna Baszler and Rhea Ripley
Last week, we saw Rhea Ripley challenge Shayna Baszler for the NXT Women's Championship, but Baszler wasn't having any of it and simply walked away. This week, we could see Baszler come out to answer the challenge only to be interrupted by Dakota Kai.
Kai has been on a destruction spree since turning heel and could also be eyeing the NXT Women's Championship. We could see Kai attack Rhea Ripley this week in an attempt to even the score for what 'The Nightmare' did to Kai last week. This could then lead to a Number 1 Contender's match for the NXT Women's Championship.
This way, this intriguing storyline can be prolonged and Kai will finally get her chance in the spotlight.
#2 Killian Dain defeats Damian Priest clean
This week, we are all set to see 'The Beast from Belfast' Killian Dain take on 'The Archer of Infamy' Damian Priest in singles action. This bout has the potential to steal the show and both Superstars will be looking to gain back their credentials after losing to Pete Dunne at NXT Takeover: War Games.
We could see Killian Dain come out victorious, as he needs the win more than Priest. 'The Archer of Infamy' is coming off a great showing at Survivor Series, so it it would make sense for Dain to win, as he hasn't won much lately.
#1 Finn Balor lays out a challenge to Adam Cole for the NXT Championship
The most gripping thing about NXT right now is Finn Balor. The WWE Universe was wondering which side he was actually on and last week he answered that question. After Adam Cole helped the former NXT Champion get a win over Tommaso Ciampa, Balor hit a Pele Kick on Cole, signaling his intentions of being a sole rider.
This week, we could see Balor laying out a challenge for the NXT Championship. If this happens, Tommaso Ciampa would likely interrupt 'The Prince of NXT ' and tell him that he didn't beat 'The Blackheart' clean.
The way things are shaping up, this looks like a three-way battle for the NXT Championship. Also, until Johnny Gargano returns to action, Balor will have his eyes peeled on the NXT Championship. Therefore, there is a realistic possibility of a Triple Threat match for NXT's biggest prize, and that will likely happen sooner rather than later.
