5 biggest questions from NXT TakeOver: Stand & Deliver Night One- major superstar missing; former champion ready to move to the main roster

#4 Why was Dexter Lumis held back at NXT TakeOver: Stand & Deliver?

.@DexterLumis with the Ol' Switcheroo.Classic. #WWENXT(via @WWENXT) pic.twitter.com/aNwz2rXu2l

— WWE on FOX (@WWEonFOX) February 11, 2021

NXT TakeOver: Stand & Deliver hosted a Gauntlet Match on the first night to determine the #1 contender to the NXT North American Championship. Johnny Gargano was not too happy about defending his title at the event, but William Regal was not going to let the heel off the hook.

Dexter Lumis was among the six competitors who took part in the Gauntlet Match. Considering his recent rivalry with Gargano, Lumis would've been the best choice to win the contest.

But instead of giving him a chance to proceed to the NXT North American Championship match, WWE awarded Bronson Reed the victory. Reed has been outstanding in NXT and deserves all the chances he gets.

But why was Lumis held back from the North American Championship, especially considering his rivalry with The Way? The Tortured Artist was perfectly positioned to dethrone Gargano at TakeOver and win his first title.

Sleep tight, don't let @DexterLumis bite! 👁 #NXTTakeOver #GauntletEliminator @LAKnightWWE pic.twitter.com/GPEkyjbPFr

— WWE (@WWE) April 8, 2021

Lumis has suffered a few setbacks in his NXT career. He suffered an injury at a time when he was the favorite to win the North American title after it was vacated by Keith Lee. This could have been the perfect time to award him a title reign before giving him a major push.