The 5 defining moments of NXT in 2021

4) Raquel Gonzalez defeats Io Shirai to win the NXT Women's Championship at TakeOver: Stand & Deliver

Raquel Gonzalez re-debuted in NXT at TakeOver: Portland, aligning with Dakota Kai. She truly emerged at TakeOver: War Games 2020 after pinning NXT Women's Champion Io Shirai. This huge victory and another against Rhea Ripley led to Gonzalez finally getting an opportunity at the top prize of the women's division.

At TakeOver: Stand and Deliver Night 1, Io Shirai faced Raquel Gonzalez for the NXT Women's Championship. This was a sublime David vs. Goliath battle that told an incredible story. Shirai hit all her big moves, but the larger and more powerful Raquel overcame everything the champion had to throw at her. Gonzalez hit the Chingona Bomb to defeat Io Shirai and win the title.

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3) Adam Cole superkicks Kyle O'Reilly and end the Undisputed Era

Adam Cole was a top star in NXT ever since his arrival at TakeOver: Brooklyn III. With Kyle O'Reilly, Bobby Fish and Roderick Strong by his side, the Undisputed Era became the most dominant force on the black and gold brand. Coming into 2021, the group turned babyface and looked to start anew.

Everything changed at TakeOver: Vengeance Day after Finn Balor defeated Pete Dunne to retain the NXT Championship. Danny Burch and Oney Lorcan attacked Balor until Undisputed Era made the save. Balor stood with the group after, but then Adam Cole hit the champion with a superkick. O'Reilly was upset and confronted Cole, resulting in Cole landing another superkick on Kyle and ending the widely popular faction.