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The final NXT episode of the year, which was also the go-home to next week's special episode NXT: New Year's Evil, was a breezy watch, as most of its programming has been over the past couple of months. The build-up to all the big matches for the next week's special reached its crescendo, with not a single bout feeling underwhelming.
Finn Balor and Kyle O'Reilly had a terrific exchange, while Rhea Ripley VS Raquel Gonzalez was built through an amazing video package.
A major surprise has also shaken the cruiserweight division, while a beloved tag team tournament is all set to return in two weeks from now. On the other hand, a champion successfully retained his title in the main event of the show.
So let's dive in and check out the developments that have already gotten the WWE universe talking. Do share your thoughts and opinions in the comments section.
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#5 Kyle O'Reilly and Finn Balor go face to face for the last time before their NXT Championship rematch next week.
Finn Balor was the first to make his way to the ring, carrying the match of the year trophy he was handed by William Regal for his clash with Kyle O'Reilly at NXT TakeOver 31. Well, actually, it was O'Reilly's trophy - Balor told Regal he didn't want his. The reigning NXT Champion was quick to denounce the award, saying it doesn't matter to him.
Soon, The Undisputed Era member made his way to the ring, saying the trophy matters to him as it is an indication that he belongs in the position he has been put in.
The two had shared a fantastic back and forth with Balor showcasing his cocky side to perfection, while Reilly was tremendous with his face comebacks. Considering these two were just awarded the best match of the year honor, their bout next week is bound to be incredible. Though it would be hard to top that clash, they would surely leave no stone unturned to have an even better match.
While not many are expecting a title change, NXT might go ahead considering Karrion Kross seems to be next in the line for a title. A heel VS heel battle may not bode well with the creative team, and they may pull off a shocker by crowning Kyle O Reilly as the new champion.
#4 Pete Dunne comes up victorious over Roderick Strong on NXT
Pete Dunne set up this match in the previous episode of NXT when he attacked Roderick Strong at ringside during Strong's stablemate Adam Cole's main event match against Velveteen Dream. It's a result of the fairly long-standing feud between The Undisputed Era and Kings of NXT.
This match had banger written all over it, and it certainly delivered what it promised. While many would have loved to see this during next week's special show, NXT: New Year's Evil, the two put up a terrific contest nonetheless.
They wrestled quite a stiff encounter, with some brutal-looking exchanges which evidently took a toll on the Superstars. Pete Dunne ultimately came up victorious after executing End of Days on Strong. It was a much-needed win for him post his NXT Championship No.1 contender match loss to Kyle O Reilly a couple of weeks ago.
Post-match, Dunne had a minor interaction with the reigning NXT Champion Finn Balor backstage, during which he possibly laid his claim over a title match, given Balor retains his title.
#3 Johnny Gargano convincingly defeats Leon Ruff to finish their rivalry for good on NXT
Firstly, the fact that Leon Ruff wasn't awarded the NXT Breakout Star of the Year trophy was surprising. With all due respect to Austin Theory, he wasn't a part of NXT programming for most parts of the year, while Leon Ruff stepped up to the occasion after winning the NXT North American Title in a comedic manner.
Moving on, this was the kind of win Johhny Gargano needed. Yes, he's funny, and his antics are some of the most entertaining parts of NXT's programming, but we cannot forget how great a wrestler he is.
It was a dominant victory by Gargano even though Ruff arguably put up the best performance of his NXT career. Though the current NXT North American Champion might be back in the comedic zone next week, he was phenomenal here and deserves to have a long reign with the title.
It would be intriguing to see who steps up as the next challenger to Gargano. The likes of Kushida and Timothy Thatcher promises some mouth-watering prospects.
#2 Lucha House Party make their way to NXT, accumulate a major win
While the reigning NXT Cruiserweight Champion Santos Escobar was delivering a promo in the ring, his Legado de Fantasma stablemates besides him, they were interrupted by none other than Lucha House Party from RAW. Yes, they aren't a big name, but this was genuinely surprising.
Soon enough, a ref made his way to the ring, and a match was booked between the two tandems. Raul Mendoza and Joaquin Wilde, taking on Gran Metalik and Lince Dorado.
The ensuing match was short yet fun. The two teams wrestled at a relentless pace with hardly any room for a breather. As expected (or not?), Lucha House Party came up on top, with Gran Metalik securing the pinfall for his team - making it his second major win this week.
The luchador is now the next challenger for Escobar's title, as announced at the end of tonight's episode. He'll be taking on Escobar for the belt next week at New Year's Evil.
With Jake Atlas and Isaiah Scott also in the contention, the cruiserweight division has become one to watch out for.
#1 Grizzled Young Veterans notch up a major win over Breezango on NXT
During the match, The Dusty Rhodes Classic Tag Team tournament was announced, which will start in two weekson NXT. As for this match, it really couldn't go wrong. These are four specialists of the tag division, and they put up a hugely entertaining bout for the fans. The ending of the match saw the former NXT UK Tag Team Champions hitting a Ticket to Mayhem on Tyler Breeze to secure the win.
The duo of Gibson and Drake coming on top was an expected one considering it was their first major match since their return. Defeating former NXT Tag Team Champions would surely boost their prospects and give them momentum heading into the tag tournament. Breezango, on the other hand, can quickly recuperate from this loss by having a strong showing in the upcoming tag team event.
EverRise made their way to the entrance ramp after the Grizzled Young Vet's victory, possibly setting-up the first match of the just announced tournament on NXT.
