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NXT TakeOver: WarGames was a significant event for the NXT brand. It was the final TakeOver of the year. Sunday night also offered one of the year's best shows with two wild WarGames matches.
The women's division kicked off the night with an epic match that had some of the biggest spots of the show. Raquel Gonzalez surprised the NXT Universe by pinning the NXT Women’s Champion Io Shirai to win the match for Team Candice LeRae.
The show also featured the continuation of two heated singles feuds. Dexter Lumis overcame Cameron Grimes in a Strap Match. Tommaso Ciampa defeated Timothy Thatcher after a very intense match.
Elsewhere, Leon Ruff’s reign as the NXT North American Champion came to an end while Johnny Gargano began his third reign with the title. Ghostface revealed himself to be Austin Theory, and he helped Gargano walk away victorious. Finally, The Undisputed ERA reigned supreme. They defeated The Kings of NXT in a chaotic WarGames match that lasted almost an hour.
This show will surely shape the short-term future of NXT. Here's a look at the five most pressing questions coming out of this year’s NXT TakeOver: WarGames.
#5 What’s next for Leon Ruff following his NXT North American Championship loss at TakeOver: WarGames?
Leon Ruff surprised everyone, including himself, by defeating Johnny Gargano a month ago to win the NXT North American Championship. He defeated Gargano once again in a rematch to retain his title. This title defense led to a Triple Threat Match involving Ruff, Gargano, and Damian Priest for the NXT North American Championship at NXT TakeOver: WarGames.
While Ruff seemed like a clear underdog, he still tried his best to retain his title. He fought valiantly against two of NXT's top stars. But Gargano ultimately pinned him to end the match and become a three-time North American Champion.
Now that it seems like Ruff’s dream run is over, his future is unclear. He arrived in WWE as an enhancement talent, but he's become a fairly prominent player in NXT.
Winning the title was arguably the most significant achievement of his wrestling career so far. It seems unlikely that NXT will keep him in the championship picture, though. His run heading into NXT TakeOver: WarGames could be a one-shot. But he could still find success on the black-and-gold brand. He could even chase the NXT Tag Team Championship. Anything's possible for the former champion.
Will Ruff become an enhancement talent once again following his loss? Or will NXT find a good way to use him?
#4 What's next for Dexter Lumis following his victory NXT following TakeOver: WarGames?
The rivalry between Dexter Lumis and Cameron Grimes has been going on for a few months. Fans have already watched the two men trade victories in several different match types. The rivals finally competed in a Strap Match at NXT TakeOver: WarGames. This bout likely brought their feud to an end.
Both men delivered great performances on Sunday. While Grimes seemed to be the better man in the fight, Lumis rose to the occasion. He delivered an above-average performance en route to victory.
For months, Lumis has been using his look and strength to dominate the NXT roster. However, he needed this standout performance on a big stage to prove his worth. Now that he seems to be done with Grimes, what will be next for "The Tortured Artist"?
As for Grimes, he's looking for a new direction, too. Grimes was once a contender for the NXT North American Championship before he suffered an injury. He could get back into contention for the title now held by Johnny Gargano. Or he might choose to aim for the NXT Championship. Either way, the loss on Sunday shouldn't derail his standing in NXT.
Since we’ve watched Grimes and Lumis compete for over two months, it’s likely that their rivalry has come to an end. By picking up an impressive win, Lumis could end up progressing to the top of the championship scene.
#3 Where will Karrion Kross fit in after he teased his return at NXT TakeOver: WarGames?
On Sunday night, NXT TakeOver: WarGames took over the WWE Network. While many top superstars left their mark after their matches in the ring, the NXT Champion made an impression through a prerecorded promo.
While Finn Balor warned the entire NXT locker room that he was returning, he wasn’t the only superstar to tease a return. A vignette for former NXT Champion Karrion Kross also aired during the show. So it seems like he's ready to come back to the black-and-gold brand.
Kross had defeated Keith Lee for the NXT Championship earlier this year. But he had to relinquish the title due to an injury. Now that "The Prince" is also set to get back in action, he might have a dominant challenger on his hands. It will be fascinating to see whether NXT will put Kross at the top of the ladder once again.
Will Kross get back in contention for the top title immediately upon his return? Or will he return to the mid-card and work his way up again? Fans will have to wait and see what the future holds for Kross.
#2 Will Raquel Gonzalez move into the championship picture following NXT TakeOver: WarGames?
The opening match of NXT TakeOver: WarGames saw Team Candice LeRae take on Team Shotzi Blackheart. There were some legitimate stars in this match, including Dakota Kai, Ember Moon, Toni Storm, and NXT Women’s Champion Io Shirai.
It looked like Moon or Storm would steal the match and pick up the victory for their respective team. But WWE decided to give a newer face a chance to push ahead for an NXT Women’s Championship.
Raquel González shocked NXT fans by pinning Shirai in the middle of the ring after she delivered her thunderous finisher. This win certainly helps Gonzalez send a message to the rest of the women’s division.
Shirai is arguably the most notable superstar Gonzalez has pinned up to this point. Naturally, fans want to know whether she is now automatically in contention for Shirai’s title.
González left a mark with her performance on Sunday. The final moments of the WarGames match helped her rise above the rest of her fellow competitors in an unforgettable bout.
Will González break her ties with Kai and emerge as the next contender for the NXT Women’s Championship? Or could they chase the gold together?
#1 Will The Kings of NXT be able to recover from their loss following NXT TakeOver: WarGames?
Pat McAfee brought together Pete Dunne, Oney Lorcan, and Danny Burch to form a faction so he could take down The Undisputed ERA. Before NXT TakeOver: WarGames, fans had already watched McAfee compete in a match against Adam Cole in his in-ring debut. Though McAfee lost that match, he proved that he’s got what it takes to be a sports entertainer.
At NXT TakeOver: WarGames, McAfee’s faction met Cole’s team inside a steel cage in a WarGames match. As expected, the action was unbelievable. Both stables delivered one of the greatest matches of the year for NXT.
While many fans expected The Kings of NXT to win, The Undisputed Era defended their throne as NXT's true rulers. Kyle O’Reilly was able to pin Lorcan to score the victory for his team. With the loss, McAfee's group is reeling, as they needed a win to cement their standing in NXT.
Now, it's fair to question whether The Kings of NXT can recover from their first major defeat and continue as a top faction. Some fans worry that this group will wilt away in the months to come.
It seems like The Undisputed ERA is not splitting soon. But what’s next for The Kings of NXT? Can they rebound after this disappointing defeat? Or will it accelerate their ultimate downfall?
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