5 Exciting swerves that can happen on WWE NXT tonight

We are all set for this week's NXT, which is set to feature quite a few compelling encounters. Tonight, we will see Dakota Kai and Raquel Gonzalez lock horns with Tegan Nox and Shotzi Blackheart. We will also finally see WWE Superstar Finn Balor locking horns with Velveteen Dream in a Single's match.

At the same time, El Hijo del Fantasma will make his NXT debut against Gentleman Jack Gallagher. This week will also mark the beginning of the competition to crown the interim Cruiserweight Champion, with Kushida and Tony Nese kicking off the action from Group A.

But we know that with NXT, there's always a lot more than what meets the eye. So, in this article, we will take a look at a few surprises that could transpire on the Black and gold brand. Let's begin.

#5 Karrion Kross finds a friend in Johnny Gargano

Last week, we saw the much-awaited debut of Karrion Kross, who showed up on the Black and Gold brand only to attack Tommaso Ciampa. It was definitely a bold move and came as a bit of a surprise as before that, it seemed like he is eyeing Johnny Gargano, who recently turned heel.

The fact that Kross was seated in the car and observed Gargano and his wife Candice LeRae exit after teaming up against Ciampa and betraying him added more to the speculations.

But in a shocking turn of events, Kross revealed that he had other plans. He attacked Ciampa, and the two Superstars are likely to feud for a bit. However, it is interesting to note that Ciampa doesn’t have any familiar friends left with him on the roster.

In fact, he lost an important match against Gargano, and their encounter was dubbed as the last of their saga.

Hence, it is quite possible that Ciampa’s new enemy will find a friend in Gargano who already shares a lot of history with their common rival.

Moreover, an initial alliance between two Superstars of such caliber will set the foundation to develop a compelling feud between Gargano and Kross when the right time comes.

#4 Matt Riddle fires back at the Tag Team division

Matt Riddle was randomly put together with Pete Dunne to compete in the Tag Team division, but they worked well beyond anyone’s expectations. Their chemistry is absolutely incredible both inside and outside the squared circle. Unfortunately, they haven’t been able to perform together in the recent weeks as Dunne cannot fly down to Florida unless the lockdown is lifted.

In Dunne's absence, Riddle has found an ally in Timothy Thatcher, who recently made his debut on the Black and Gold brand. In recent weeks, we have seen Thatcher being billed as a monstrous Superstar who is only focused on the in-ring action.

Although his new tag team partner, at least for the time being, is not very keen on taking part in the usual BroserWeights tantrums, Riddle has never shied away from hyping up his ally.

They seem to work well together, and there’s a high chance that Thatcher will stick with Riddle and Dunne even after the latter returns. It would be helpful for everyone involved and Riddle can use this chance to warn the rest of the NXT Tag Teams that he is still ruling the division.

Moreover, he needs to seek his revenge from Indus Sher as they had attacked him when he was all by himself.

#3 Tommaso Ciampa resumes feud with Adam Cole

Tommaso Ciampa is widely regarded as one of the top Superstars in NXT today, and he deserves every bit of that credit. He recently ended his feud with Johnny Gargano following his loss in a brutal match between the two Superstars. He was hit with a low blow from behind as Candice LeRae helped Gargano in claiming an important victory over his long-term rival.

Although WWE promoted this match as the last bout in the saga, the ending alone ensures that both these Superstars will meet again in the future. But now, Ciampa has a few important things to focus on.

First, he has found a new enemy in Karrion Kross who attacked him last week. Secondly, he is keen on getting his hands on the NXT Championship, which is now wrapped around the waist of Adam Cole.

While Ciampa and Cole have been feuding for the title ever since the former Champion returned to NXT, their rivalry has often hit bumpers where new storylines took precedence. But we all know that Ciampa loves the gold more than anything else, and he will soon direct his attention towards Cole.

#2 Rhea Ripley eyes the Money in the Bank contract

Rhea Ripley was the breakout WWE Superstar of the year 2019, which saw her lead her team to victory in the first-ever Women's WarGames match. Following that, she also led the NXT Women's team to victory at Survivor Series as they stood tall in front of the RAW and SmackDown teams.

Ripley then went on to end the year on a high note after she defeated Shayna Baszler to become the new NXT Champion.

While her brutality played a huge role in granting a good run for her, the Australian Superstar lost her title to Charlotte Flair at WrestleMania 36. The Queen had won the Royal Rumble earlier this year and decided to go after the NXT gold, which allowed her to win the title and return to the Black and Gold brand after six years.

It was expected that Ripley would challenge Charlotte soon enough, but now, it looks like she will have to wait for a chance. Hence, WWE can book a desperate former Champion to eye the Money in the Bank contract, which she can use to cash-in for any Women's Championship in WWE.

This will also help Ripley regain her momentum and once again establish herself as a serious threat. And who knows, maybe WWE will decide to create another historic moment by having an NXT Superstar win the MITB match for the first time.

#1 The Undisputed Era interferes during Finn Balor vs. Velveteen Dream

This will surely account for a memorable feud

WWE NXT Superstar Finn Balor has a new challenger, and it's none other than Velveteen Dream. The latter is widely accepted as one of the most charismatic Superstars in the entire WWE roster. While he is brilliant inside the ring, he has an equally engaging social media presence that always ends up adding some real-life relevance to all his feuds.

In the last couple of weeks, WWE have taken their opportunity and planted a feud involving Dream and Balor. This week, they are set to lock horns in a Single's Match. Given the caliber of both Superstars, it is fair to assume that the creatives expect an absolutely phenomenal display of action from this match.

But for that to happen, they also need a compelling build-up - something that will take more time.

Therefore, WWE will not look to pull the plug on this feud so soon. But at the same time, they can't afford to make either of them look weak by having them lose in their first match. Therefore, they might turn their attention towards The Undisputed Era, who have a score to settle with both Balor and Dream.

This will help extend the ongoing feud while also keeping the NXT Champion Adam Cole and his friends involved in an interesting fashion.