WWE NXT Power Rankings: The queen has returned

Charlotte Flair faces Bayley for the SmackDown Women's Championship at WWE Hell in a Cell 2019. Photo: WWE.com
Charlotte Flair faces Bayley for the SmackDown Women's Championship at WWE Hell in a Cell 2019. Photo: WWE.com /
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It’s been a month since the last edition of the power rankings. The black and yellow brand took over Portland, there are new tag champs, and a queen is gunning for the NXT Women’s Champion. How does that affect the rankings? Let’s find out who made the jump.

The monthly NXT power rankings have some noticeable changes in the month of February. Specifically in the women’s division due to injuries and old faces. Takeover Tampa is beginning to take shape with new feuds emerging and the NXT brand looks to be leaking into Wrestlemania on Sunday with the NXT Women’s title.

NXT men’s division

10. Cameron Grimes/Killian Dane

Both Grimes and Killian Dane picked up big victories this past Wednesday. With Dominick Dijakovic injured these two seem in line for a shot at the North American title. Damien Priest is lurking as well.

9. Lio Rush

The man of the hour picked up a huge victory over his long-time rival Angel Garza to become the number one contender. He came up short against Jordan Devlin in the title match, but every Rush match is an instant classic.

8. Johnny Gargano

Why Johnny why? This has been the sentiment of the NXT universe. Just weeks after a successful DIY reunion, Gargano cost Ciampa the NXT World title. The beating Finn Balor gave him at Takeover completely changed him.

7. Velveteen Dream

The Velveteen Dream made a flashy return to Full Sail and targeted the Undisputed Era, specifically Roderick Strong. In a war of words, Dream has taken shots at Strong’s family and real-life wife, Marina Shafir. These two will battle in a cage match next week, but all signs point to a finale at Takeover Tampa.

6. Jordan Devlin

The Irish Ace has been on a roll. The champ is on a self-proclaimed Cruiserweight tour and has picked up wins over Tyler Breeze and Lio Rush. It’ll be interesting to see who the next challenger is, Angel Garza was never pinned for the title.

5. Tomasso Ciampa

Ciampa seemed close to gaining his life back at Takeover Portland. A shocking turn from Johnny Gargano prevented that. Austin Theory became collateral damage of Ciampa’s rage consecutive weeks. Now all that is left is Gargano vs Ciampa part three at Takeover Tampa.

4. WALTER

The NXT UK champion was last seen conquering the Undisputed Era at Worlds Collide. He just sent a warning shot to Finn Balor this past Wednesday. A dream matchup could be on the way.

3. Keith Lee

The moment maker has been on top of the world since gaining the North American title. Lee made quick work of Kona Reeves a week ago and is now accepting all challengers.

2. Finn Balor

Finn defeated Johnny Gargano with style at NXT Takeover Portland. Before he could answer what his next move would be, he was attacked by Imperium. Balor has a point about building brands at every stop. NXT UK could be his next.

1. Adam Cole

Adam Cole escaped Takeover Portland with the title. He is now the only Undisputed Era member donning gold. With Ciampa occupied, his faction has turned their attention to the BROserweights and Velveteen Dream. There’s no telling who Cole’s next challenger could be for Takeover Tampa.

NXT women’s division

10. Raquel Gonzalez

Gonzalez made her first appearance at Takeover Portland, aligning with Dakota Kai. Kai’s new muscle has been a force in recent weeks.

9. Candice LeRae

LeRae took a loss to Dakota Kai and barely evaded a post-match attack. LeRae will certainly be in Tegan Nox’s corner next week.

8. Mia Yim

Mia Yim is another superstar with a Dakota Kai problem, costing her a match this week. Yim is another to keep an eye on during next week’s match.

7. Chelsea Green

After losing in her Full Sail Debut, the Stone brand re-launch was a success. Green defeated Carter the following week. It will be interesting to see how Green moves forward.

6. Xia Li

Li didn’t back down from Mia Yim and showcased her explosive style throughout their match. She picked up her win via distraction, but it’s still a marquee victory under her belt.

5. Tegan Nox

Nox fell to Dakota Kai at Takeover Portland due to interference. She’ll get another shot at revenge in a steel cage next week.

4. Dakota Kai

The heel turn for Dakota Kai is finally starting to gain legs. Having muscle in Raquel Gonzalez will only aid her moving forward.

3. Bianca Belair

Belair rode her steam from the Royal Rumble into Takeover Portland. Despite losing, she would call out Charlotte and showcase her skills again. Another loss has put Belair in a unique limbo. It’s clear the fans are behind her, she very well could be this year’s Kofi Kingston as an addition to the Wrestlemania match.

2. Charlotte Flair

Charlotte made her Wrestlemania plans clear at Takeover Portland. Answering Rhea Ripley’s challenge and the two will face off at Wrestlemania. The queen also just picked up a huge win over Bianca Belair. Similar to Finn Balor, Charlotte could be on the fast track to claim what was once hers.

1. Rhea Ripley

Ripley retained her title at Takeover Portland despite having to look over her shoulder. Ripley confronted Charlotte on Raw consecutive weeks seeking Charlotte to choose her as a mania opponent. Ripley got what she wanted and her title reign could be numbered.

NXT Tag Team division

5. Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch

Lorcan and Burch have been doing stints on 205 live as of late. The duo returned to Full Sail to challenge the new tag-team match. The hard-hitting affair was a reminder of how impactful they’re to this division.

4. Forgotten Sons

The Forgotten Sons took offense to the Grizzled Young Veterans calling out the entire tag-team division. Steve Cutler and Wesley Blake seemed poised for victory but GYV was able to escape with a win.

3. Grizzled Young Veterans

Ever since coming up short in the Dusty Classic the Grizzled Young Veterans have racked up wins. They have every right to challenge for the tag titles at Takeover Tampa.

2. Undisputed Era

Kyle O’Reilly and Bobby Fish didn’t leave Portland with Gold, falling to the BROserweights. The duo remains a staple of the tag division and will always remain in the title picture in some way.

1. BROserweights

The odd couple of Matt Riddle and Pete Dunne are your new NXT Tag-Team champions. They rode their Dusty Classic win into Portland and topped one of the best tag-teams NXT has ever seen. They would follow that up by defeating Lorcan and Burch. This pairing seems destined for a split but in the meantime, their promos have been amazing.

Next. Trish Stratus vs Sasha Banks needs to happen at Wrestlemania. dark