NXT Results, video highlights, and analysis - 9 January 2019
The first official NXT of 2019 featured a double main event. EC3 and Adam Cole would face off in what would, possibly, be the final NXT match for EC3. The same goes for Nikki Cross, who faced off against Bianca Belair one more time.
Tonight also featured the debut of an NXT UK team, Fabian Aichner and Marcel Barthell, as well as a few announcements regarding NXT TakeOver: Phoenix.
Johnny Gargano opened NXT by talking about his run in 2018. Gargano said that success is measured by two things: wins and championships. "It doesn't matter how hard you try," said Gargano. "It doesn't matter how good of a person you are. It matters if you win or if you have a championship."
Gargano promised that in 2019, he'll become a champion in NXT. Gargano mentioned NXT Champion Tommaso Ciampa and attempted to dissuade the crowd from DIY chants. He said that their moment in the steel cage match meant absolutely nothing, and called Ciampa a piece of trash.
Gargano then set his sights on the NXT North American Championship and Ricochet. At this time, Ricochet interrupted. The champion said all Gargano had to do was ask, setting up their title bout at NXT TakeOver: Phoenix.
Ricochet teased Gargano over the beat down he gave to Aleister Black in the parking lot back in the summer. He said that there's One and Only one man that will leave with the title in Phoenix, and it's him.
Ciampa then came out to taunt Ricochet, but Gargano sent him away. Aleister Black's music hit, and he popped up on the screen, saying that Ciampa will Fade to Black. The lights went out, and Black assaulted Ciampa. Amidst all the confusion, Gargano caught Ricochet with a superkick, sending a message to the champion.