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The prophecy has finally become a reality. Last night at NXT Takeover XXV, Adam Cole defeated Johnny Gargano to capture the NXT Championship in what was a great follow-up to their epic 2 out of 3 falls match at NXT Takeover: New York. The Webster Bank Arena in Bridgeport, Connecticut came unglued as The Undisputed Era member pinned Johnny Gargano to win the title and become NXT's second Triple Crown Champion.
Ever since he made his debut at NXT Takeover: Brooklyn 3, Cole was destined for greatness in the black and gold brand. Over the past one and a half years, he has been the backbone of the brand, and along with the Undisputed Era, has become one of the top acts in all of wrestling.
But, now that he has become the NXT Champion, Cole would have to be at his best if he plans on having a lengthy and meaningful run with the top prize in the black and yellow brand. As he takes NXT into a new era, here are five potential challengers for Cole's NXT Championship:
#5 Matt Riddle
Last night at NXT Takeover: XXV, Matt Riddle finally got over Roderick Strong as he defeated The Undisputed Era member in the night's opening match. The Original Bro has had his share of problems with The Undisputed Era. Over the past few weeks, Riddle became a problem for The Era, interfering in their matches. Strong took out Riddle on the May 15th episode of NXT, but Riddle had the last laugh following his win last night.
Following his win over Strong, it goes without saying that Riddle will looking to vie for the NXT Championship next. Riddle has had an absolutely impeccable record in NXT so far with his only loss coming at NXT Takeover: New York against The Velveteen Dream. Riddle holds wins over the likes of Kassius Ohno, Punishment Martinez, and Luke Menzies, and he has been one of the most unique characters on the black and yellow brand.
Cole and Riddle are two of the most beloved superstars in NXT right now and it will be a treat to watch this duo clash for the brand's top prize: the NXT Championship. If their previous matches are anything to go by, this will be a five-star classic for sure.
#4 Keith Lee
The Limitless One has had quite a lukewarm run in NXT. After debuting on the yellow brand at NXT Takeover: Chicago II last year, Lee has been used sparingly on NXT TV and hasn't been involved in a major angle or storyline so far. This is quite a shame considering how big a star Lee was during his time in the independent circuit. Lee also suffered an undisclosed injury during his time which kept him out of action for over a month.
But, now that he is completely healed and back in action, we expect Lee to be a major player in the black and yellow brand in the coming months. Lee is one of the most gifted athletes in the current NXT roster with a unique combination of cat-like agility and brute strength, something which is a rare commodity in the current scene. In addition to that, Lee also possesses that 'it ' factor which makes fans gravitate towards him.
After being sidelined due to injury, Lee would be looking to make a huge statement on his Takeover debut, and who better to do it against than the current NXT Champion, Adam Cole? Just the sight the fans chanting both their names prior to them locking horns will be quite something.
#3 Kushida
After months and months of anticipation, Kushida was finally revealed as NXT's latest signee at a press conference prior to NXT Takeover: New York during WrestleMania weekend. The former IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion has had a dream match in the yellow brand thus far, making short work of superstars like Kona Revees and Kaahius Ohno.
He is currently involved in a feud against Drew Gulak whom he defeated on NXT TV last week. Following his feud with Gulak, The Time Splitter is excepted to move onto bigger and better things, and a shot at NXT Championship might just be on the horizon for the Japanese Sensation.
Kushida is one of the most renowned Japanese performers in the world right now with over a decade's experience inside the squared circle. He will go down in history as one of the greatest Junior Heavyweights in New Japan history. Kushida has also had success outside Japan, working in promotions like ROH, WhatCulture Pro Wrestling and CMLL, where he has held numerous championships.
Cole vs Kushida will be an interesting clash of styles. Cole's cerebral, methodical style will be the perfect foil for the Time Splitter's high-flying, submission heavy offense. This one promises to be an absolute slugfest from start to finish.
#2 Roderick Strong
The Messiah of the Backbreaker had a strong showing at NXT Takeover: XXV. Although he didn't win his match against Matt Riddle, he was able to take the Original Bro to the limit and put on a beating on the former UFC competitor, the likes of which we had never seen before.
Despite his spirited performance last night, the past few months haven't been great for Strong. He has had his issues with the leader of The Undisputed Era, Adam Cole, who has taken Strong to task on numerous occasions. Although things have calmed down between the duo with Cole saying that The Undisputed Era is stronger than ever, we can't help but see a bit of jealousy creeping in judging by Strong's facial expression while Cole was delivering his victory speech.
Now, like most fans, we would like The Undisputed Era to stay afloat for as long as possible but let's be honest - all good things come to an end, whether we like it or not. If the TUE does break up, we would like to see Cole and Strong lock horns for the NXT Championship.
Given their history between the duo and story that could be told, this one has the potential to be one of the greatest feuds in NXT history.
#1 Tommaso Ciampa
The Blackheart was in attendance at Takeover XXV, where he was a part of the pre-show panel. Ciampa didn't mince words when he said that he plans on getting Goldie back on his shoulders and he will be closely watching the main event between Gargano and Cole. Following Cole's win in the main event, Ciampa sent out the following tweet, making his intentions clear.
Ciampa was forced to relinquish the NXT Championship prior to Takeover: New York due to a neck injury which many believed would keep him out of action for at least six months. But during the pre-show, the former NXT Champion revealed that he was cleared for non-contact training and it is only a matter of time before he steps back inside the squared circle.
Ciampa had the run of his career during his time as the NXT Champion, putting on classic matches against the likes of Aleister Black, Velveteen Dream, and Johnny Gargano. He had been NXT's MVP for the better part of 2018 before succumbing to the aforementioned injury.
A former Champion who never lost his championship versus a champion who calls himself undisputed is a story that writes itself. Cole and Ciampa are two of the best in the business right now and the match between the duo is something which will be an absolute can't-miss affair.
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