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1) NXT's KUSHIDA
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Santos Escobar isn't the only competitor to own a singles victory over the new NXT North American Champion though. The man who beat Santos for the Cruiserweight Championship is also the first to beat Carmelo Hayes on the brand. Upon winning the Cruiserweight gold, KUSHIDA wanted to elevate the title and decided to put out an open challenge.
The first opponent to answer this open challenge was none other than Carmelo Hayes in his first contest in NXT. The two men had a highly competitive bout where Hayes impressed the CWC crowd and showed his awesome potential. He was on the brink of victory when KUSHIDA applied the Hoverboard Lock and was able to get the win.
KUSHIDA has been busy dealing with the Diamond Mine over the past few weeks. The stable used the numbers game to help Roderick Strong finally defeat KUSHIDA to become the new NXT Cruiserweight Champion. His focus still seems on regaining the title that he cherishes the most, but KUSHIDA has also vied for the North American Title in the past.
At NXT TakeOver: Vengeance Day, KUSHIDA faced then-North American Champion Johnny Gargano in a fantastic contest that was the best of the evening. Since coming so close to that win, he hasn't had another opportunity at the prestigious title, but Carmelo Hayes being the new champion may change that.
KUSHIDA could use his previous victory over the new NXT North American Champion to challenge for the title that has eluded him in the past. KUSHIDA also has plenty of experience against opponents similar in style to Carmelo Hayes from his previous run in NJPW, including Ricochet and Kenny Omega. He needs to use that history to find a way to beat Hayes once again.
This is the type of matchup that wouldn't look out of place at all on the NXT TakeOver stage and could be a potential showstealer. This also fits the bill in giving Carmelo Hayes a strong babyface to further his heel act with Trick Williams. KUSHIDA has an arsenal that would rally the crowd behind him and allow Melo to further grow comfortable in his new role.
Regardless of where it takes place, KUSHIDA is the type of opponent that knows how to make their opponent look that much better to the NXT Universe. The experience that he has and their impressive previous encounter only brings optimism. That's why KUSHIDA may just be the best challenger for the new NXT North American Champion Carmelo Hayes.
