The launch of the WWE Network brought with it the opportunity for fans across the country to witness the development and evolution of the company's stars of the future. NXT, it was revealed, would not only be available to subscribers each and every week, but the brand would also present quarterly live, two-hour specials serving as the culmination to their biggest and best storylines. On February 27, three days after the launch of the revolutionary network, NXT Arrival featured Adrian Neville defeating Bo Dallas in a Ladder match for the NXT Championship, Paige retaining her women's title over Emma in a stellar wrestling match and Sami Zayn and Cesaro delivering a match that, some 10 months later, still ranks as one of the year's best. It was very much a taste of things to come, as NXT developed into, arguably, the best and most consistent show produced by WWE. Over the course of the year, fans watched Zayn's up-and-down road to redemption, Neville's outstanding title reign, Tyson Kidd's rise to relevance and the debuts of Indy standouts Finn Balor, Hideo Itami and Kevin Owens. If the brand's latest special, Takeover: R Evolution is any indication, expect NXT to make an even bigger impact in 2015 as the Superstars and Divas of that brand prove that the future is now.
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
