Adam Cole's NXT Championship Defences Ranked From Worst To Best

6. Finn Bálor (NXT TV, 18th December 2019)

The lesser of two title matches on a spectacular edition of NXT television, Finn Bálor’s surprising first loss since returning to the black-and-gold brand was magnificently obscured by Johnny Gargano’s shocking return from injury.

Cole’s old nemesis bought him a window for the win (and not for the first time in the run) at the end of a contest undone somewhat by the heel-heel alignment.

Bálor wears a glow around him every time he wrestles in NXT. For better and worse, the main roster has enhanced his aura on the reduced stage, but this clash highlighted that Adam Cole already had it. The former Universal Champion somehow didn't look as if he ever had the measure of the Champion, and not in the way that serviced a story supporting the Undisputed Era's claims - at his Challenger's expense - of being the greatest to ever hold the title.

This was workmanly work worked well, but the Sports Entertainment at the end held the key to the spark, rather than the wrestling itself.