10 Reasons why 2018 was the best year in NXT history

6. There was a new title introduced

A up-close

look at NXT's North American Championship

For upwards of two years, NXT fans rallied on social media about the need for a secondary singles championship. With a fiercely competitive main title scene and a plethora of unbelievable talent being brought in from all corners of the globe, it was only right for NXT to establish an equivalent to the Intercontinental Championship or United States Championship. This meant a prize for deserving workhorse wrestlers sandwiched between the undercard and main event scenes who deserved to achieve an accolade even if they weren't yet on a level where they could become the single face of the brand. Finally, in the weeks before Takeover: New Orleans during 'Mania weekend, general manager William Regal made the announcement that a new title was coming, and the rest was history - 5 star ladder match and all.

The North American Championship strap itself is a rather impressive-looking, old-school style belt that has an aura of prestige, and the matches it's been featured in have been more than worthy of representing such a classy title. Adam Cole vs. Ricochet at Takeover: Brooklyn IV and Ricochet and Pete Dunne's Champion vs. Champion match on NXT TV were among 2018's best bouts. Overall, it's clear that from its origin, this championship represents more than just a mid-card division, it represents NXT's expansion and growth as an athletic entertainment league with a dynamic and supremely talented roster.