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NXT has been throwing surprises at fans for some time now, but this month has topped all others in this regard. October saw the return of Tommaso Ciampa to NXT after a lengthy battle with injury, while former Universal Champion Finn Balor also stepped back into the NXT ring after a successful main roster stint.
This week on NXT, the brand took a huge step forward and addressed Balor’s future by turning him heel, which will allow him to set his sights on former NXT Champion Johnny Gargano heading forward.
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In one of NXT's most shocking moments ever, Balor took the wind out of Gargano and delivered some vicious moves that led to 'The Rebel Heart' being stretchered out of the arena.
While NXT has made a bold move in turning Balor heel and against Johnny Gargano, we will take a look at five reasons why the move is best for business.
#5 Creates more hype around NXT
NXT recently had its big break, as the brand moved to a live format broadcast on the USA Network. The transition proudly displayed the brand's development to a massive new television audience, and showed why NXT is so beloved by wrestling fans all over the world.
To create more hype around WWE's third brand and also increase viewership, NXT surprised everyone by bringing former Universal Champion Finn Balor back into the fold.
Finn Balor was NXT’s longest-reigning Champion, while Johnny Gargano certainly looks like the future face of the company, so it makes sense that the two would do battle for NXT supremacy. Together, Gargano and Balor are capable of putting on performances that will certainly leave the WWE Universe in awe. Gargano vs. Balor has always felt like a dream match, and a proper feud between the two can get the fans, social media, and news outlets talking, which will only serve to increase hype around NXT and get more eyes on the Black and Gold brand.
#4 A worthy feud for Johnny Gargano
Whenever you make a list of the top wrestlers in the industry today, it's almost criminal to exclude Johnny Gargano from the top 10.
Gargano became the very first NXT Triple Crown Champion and held all three men’s Championships on different occasions. Such is the impact the Superstar has had on the company, and while fans are always hoping to see him move to the main roster, it seems like NXT won't allow their star attraction to slip away anytime soon.
With so much to his name, it seems like no one is worthy enough to battle against 'Johnny Wrestling' and defeat him convincingly.
Enter Finn Balor, who is as accomplished as Gargano himself. The two could engage in a perfect rivalry, as their in-ring accomplishments match up well. Gargano and Balor aren't immediately interested in championship belts, as they have each achieved far more than any other member of the NXT roster. Instead, they want to battle it out to see which legendary NXT competitor is superior. Therefore, it makes perfect sense for NXT to keep both men out of the championship picture and to the delight of fans everywhere, engage in a dream rivalry.
#3 Builds NXT as on par with RAW and SmackDown
A show is worth watching when it produces indulging content, great storylines, and high quality matches.
This is what sets brands like RAW and SmackDown apart. There are many legendary names that can be given credit for the success of WWE's two staple shows over the years. Names like The Rock, ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin, Eddie Guerrero, The Undertaker, and Randy Orton, are all associated with the ascension of RAW and SmackDown.
Similarly, there are a few Superstars who can be linked to the success of NXT, which is gradually becoming on par with both RAW and SmackDown. Finn Balor and Johnny Gargano are two of the men who have built the NXT brand over the course of the past 5-6 years. Allowing them to compete against one another could prove to be the tipping point that allows the majority of wrestling fans to see NXT, not as a developmental brand, but as a legitimate third brand equal to RAW and SmackDown.
#2 Increases the excitement around Finn Balor
When Finn Balor returned to NXT a couple weeks ago, he needed no re-introduction, as he had become synonymous with the brand while performing there.
During his main roster run, Balor took on almost every single heel that WWE could throw his way, and more often than not, emerged victorious. This allowed Balor to become the babyface underdog that fans came to love and appreciate, as he would defy all odds to take out some of WWE's most notorious heels.
While that gimmick was once working extremely well for the company, over time it became somewhat stale. A move to NXT was refreshing for Balor, as he would have new heels to take on - at least that's what we thought. Turning him heel in NXT has turned the brand on its head, as the possibilities for potential feuds are now endless.
A fresh gimmick with Balor playing a heel is excellent for the business, as 'The Extraordinary Man' poses a huge threat to NXT's top babyfaces. Having Balor compete against Johnny Gargano specifically will increase fan excitement in ways never before experienced in NXT. Finn Balor and Johnny Gargano have the potential to tear down the house at any given moment, and Gargano’s size and style will work well with Balor’s.
#1 Builds Balor to lead NXT again
With Finn Balor returning to NXT, every single championship on the roster will be on 'The Extraordinary Man’s' radar, after he is done with Johnny Gargano. Balor turning heel could work against him going after the NXT Championship or the North American Championship in the immediate future, as they are held by the heelish members of The Undisputed Era.
However, it seems likely that Tommaso Ciampa will take on Adam Cole for the NXT Championship sooner rather than later, and if he wins the title, he could face Finn Balor as his first challenger. Such a bout would be exceptionally entertaining to watch.
Balor has led NXT before and proved to be it’s most dominant NXT Champion in the past. We could see something similar materialize in the months to come.
Leading the Black and Gold brand once again could be what NXT is expecting from Balor. Not only does Balor give NXT one of WWE's most recognizable Superstars, but the addition also frees up Gargano, Ciampa, and even Cole to move to the main roster in the future.
Balor has already had success on the main roster and can hold the NXT brand together while other top NXT Superstars make the move to RAW or SmackDown.
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