5 Key takeaways from NXT after AEW premiere; one big problem, why Balor returned

#4 Adam Cole is a marked man

Adam Cole

This week's episode of WWE NXT opened with an instant classic featuring current NXT Champion Adam Cole defending his title against Matt Riddle.

Both NXT stars shined in this lengthy opening match, with near falls aplenty and high drama leading up to the finish which saw Cole retain his title.

Following the bout, absent-from-TV main roster WWE star Finn Balor made his surprise return to NXT and it looks like he might become a permanent fixture on NXT going forward. Balor confronted Adam Cole which looks to be setting up a possible title match between the two at a later date, although nothing has been officially announced.

Later in the show, Tommaso Ciampa made his long-awaited return to WWE NXT, and also confronted Adam Cole, setting up a possible three-way situation between Cole, Balor, and Ciampa.

When Ciampa left WWE TV last year to undergo neck surgery, his return status was questionable, with his in-ring future very much in doubt given the seriousness of both his injury and surgery. It looks like Ciampa's return has silenced doubts regarding his future, and he looks to be in great shape and poised to return to the top in NXT.