5 top takeaways from NXT this week

NXT is back on the WWE Network after the Christmas break and this week's episode was brought from the historic sound stage in Atlanta, Georgia; the original home of WCW in the 90's. As always, a fun show and all stories are being built towards the TakeOver in Philly at the end of January

#5 Velveteen Dream

NXT TakeOver War Games was — NXT Takeover War Games was "Dream's' big break

After a tremendous showing at the TakeOver: War Games event, The Velveteen Dream had a slight injury due to the war he went through with Aleister Black and subsequently couldn't take part in the #1 contender tournament for the NXT title.

Jonny Gargano replaced him and ended up winning the whole thing, to face Cien Almas in Philly. The dream was quick to point out to Jonny that he would lose to Almas and didn't even deserve the shot as Dream let him have it and it was rightfully his. All of this shows NXT being high on Dream and it was interesting he referred to himself in the 3rd person, like The Rock. Expect to see more matches with the Dream going forward in the main event picture.

#4 Tag Team Championships

The NXT Tag championships have had some great teams in the past hold them, including The Revival, DIY, and Authors of Pain, and current champions Undisputed Era's Fish and O'Reilly are no different. The previous ReDragon in ROH and NJPW are an accomplished team who knows how to give a beating.

A successful defense of the title against Aleister Black and Roderick Strong this week set up the need for new challenges. After SaNity were attacked by the team backstage, Authors of Pain declared they were coming for their titles and Street Profits wanted a shot too, multiple teams are all in the hunt for the prize.

#3 Shayna Baszler

The previous MMA stand out Shayna Baszler was at her destructive best this week, attacking a trainee at the WWE Performance Centre and then trying to break Dakota Kai's arm in the match before choking her out after the bell. She is being positioned as a monster now that NXT has lost Nia Jax and Asuka, and this will surely lead to a spot in the first-ever Women's Royal Rumble. Expect to see a ring stare down between Shayna and previous best friend Ronda Rousey if the rumors are true and Ronda is signing with the WWE.

#2 Lars Sullivan vs Killian Dain

A collision course between these two monsters is on the horizon, with Sullivan calling out Dain post-match with Lio Rush. Sullivan expectedly destroyed Lio in this match, given the huge size difference and made his intentions clear with a post-match beat-down and avalanche 'Freak Accident'.

This will be a bruising match to see, with Dain being able to do more athletic things than most big men can. TakeOver Philly will probably have this match added to the card and both men have lots to gain from a good showing in this.

#1 Undisputed Era

The Undisputed Era continue to make waves — The Undisputed Era continues to make waves

Adam Cole (Baybay) along with Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly are flying in NXT, with the NXT Tag Titles already won and each show seemingly being built around them. This week was no different, with Cien Almas not on the show, the focus was on the Tag titles and Adam Cole's issue with Aleister Black. Black beat Cole to take part in the #1 contenders 4 way before Christmas and then was beaten due to interference from Cole in that match.

Interference again on this episode of NXT by Cole during the Tag match has led to Regal determining that that singles match at TakeOver Philly will be extreme rules match. this will likely set up the next contender to the NXT Championship after Jonny Gargano and Cien Almas have collided.