WWE NXT power rankings: The Ripley era has begun

The black and yellow brand ended the year with a bang. A new era has begun in the women’s division, while the men’s division remains undisputed. Let’s see who’s making moves in this week’s rankings.

NXT Men’s division

10. Johnny Gargano

Johnny wrestling made a shocking return to Full Sail during the closing moments of the world title match. His presence froze Finn Balor and cost him a victory. Gargano isn’t finished seeking revenge and the matchup between these two is Takeover worthy.

https://twitter.com/PeteDunneYxB/status/1207512166003355648

9. Pete Dunne

Dunne was involved in this week’s Worlds Collide preview, taking on Travis Banks. Dunne let Banks know who the original king of NXT UK was.

8. Damien Priest

The archer of infamy returned to action after being out with broken ribs. His matchup with Killian Dane showed exactly why he is a star of tomorrow. Priest picked up the win and is heading into the new year with a ton of momentum.

7. Cameron Grimes

Cameron Grimes makes his first appearance in the rankings after handing Kushida his second loss in NXT. Grimes exacted his revenge and retrieved his hat.

T-6. Lio Rush/Roderick Strong

Lio Rush remains in the rankings for being a top performer these past months with a strong title reign. Strong, on the other hand, hasn’t defended the North American title much. News broke that he will be issuing an open challenge next week on the Christmas special episode.

5. Angel Garza

Angel Garza remains in the top five after making history a week ago. Big things are in store for the Cruiserweight champ in the new year.

4. Tommaso Ciampa

Ciampa wasn’t featured on this week’s programming after falling in the No. 1 contender’s match. One has to think his quest to retain goldie will resume in January.

3. Keith Lee

Keith Lee is being dubbed the “moment maker” and WWE would be wise to continue pushing the superstar. Lee wasn’t in action this week but he’ll team with Lio Rush on the Christmas special episode.

2. Finn Balor

Balor’s recent past came back to haunt him. Without the distraction, Finn was seconds away from becoming a two-time NXT world champion. Balor remains No. 2 after picking up his first defeat since returning to NXT.

1. Adam Cole

It’s been a great few months for Adam Cole, and his title reign is still intact heading into 2020. For now, the men’s division runs through the Undisputed Era.