Who will step up? This question was posed to many on the January 15 edition of WWE NXT, and only a few could answer by raising their stock.

A battle royal was booked for the night between the best women in NXT. Io Shirai, Bianca Belair, Candice LeRae, Tegan Nox and more were ready to take this opportunity to be crowned the No. 1 contender to the NXT Women's Championship.

In the second night of the Dusty Rhodes Classic, Kushida brought his longtime friend Alex Shelley to NXT in order to fight The Grizzled Veterans Zack Gibson and James Drake. Pete Dunne teamed together with Matt Riddle for the first time to challenge Mark Andrews and Flash Morgan Webster.

With Worlds Collide approaching, Lio Rush looked to earn another shot at Angel Garza and the WWE Cruiserweight Championship, but he had to go through Tyler Breeze and Isaiah "Swerve" Scott, who both needed this opportunity badly.

No one was going to let these opportunities be wasted as they are so rare in NXT.

Keith Lee Promises to Start 2020 Off by Stopping Undisputed Era

Keith Lee told Undisputed Era that the group reached the peak, and he was coming to take their momentum away by defeating Roderick Strong for the NXT North American Championship at Worlds Collide. Undisputed Era attacked The Limitless One until Tommaso Ciampa sent the group running.

Lee was hurt, limping afterward, and it was later revealed that he was ready to compete. A brawl broke out backstage, and Lee sent Strong running, promising to fulfill the prophecy.

Grade

B-

Analysis

On a night filled with potential great matches, it was odd for NXT to start with a promo. However, there is no doubt that Lee can spark a crowd. He is on top of the world right now and feels ready to take the next step.

The segment as a whole did not do much for the feud. It would have been better if the NXT North American champion address The Limitless One directly, but the purpose was clear. This was about making Lee just vulnerable enough that come doubt he can win.

Dusty Classic: Mark Andrews & Flash Morgan Webster vs. Pete Dunne & Matt Riddle

This was non-stop action from the opening bell as Mark Andrews and Flash Morgan Webster tried to push the pace. While Pete Dunne and Matt Riddle managed to wear down the former NXT UK tag team champions, they still seemed to lose control late.

A few close calls turned the match around, and Dunne and Riddle managed to isolate Andrews. The Bruiserweight connected on a forearm to counter a shooting star press then Dunne hit the Bitter End into Riddle's knee for the win.

Result

Dunne and Riddle def. Andrews and Webster by pinfall to advance in the Dusty Rhodes Classic.

Grade

A

Analysis

This was an incredible match. NXT has been known to raise the bar for TV matches, but it is rare any wrestling show hits this level. It was all out and showed the potential of Dunne and Riddle as a team long term.

However, it was even better as a reveal to fans unfamiliar with Andrews and Webster. The former NXT UK tag team champions have always been among the best team in NXT, but their influence has been forgotten in NXT UK. Even if they lost, Andrews and Webster showed they should be featured again.

DIY Reform to Stop Another Undisputed Era Sneak Attack

Tommaso Ciampa called out Undisputed Era for trying to hurt Keith Lee, promising he'd hurt Adam Cole and get his Goldie back. With the help of Johnny Gargano, he fought off an attack from UE, and the two stood tall.

Grade

B-

Analysis

This was a rushed way to reform DIY even if the two had technically worked together in previous weeks. Johnny Wrestling should still be preoccupied with Finn Balor.

Perhaps it was worse that this did not feel like it had to be a second segment. It was a crowd-pleasing moment without much substance, similar to the first Undisputed Era attack. NXT wasted time this week that could have certainly been used more efficiently.

Dusty Classic: The Time Splitters vs. The Grizzled Young Veterans

Kushida and Alex Shelley looked together, but the reformed team was not ready to step up to one of the best in the business. Zack Gibson and James Drake wore down the babyfaces and won by hitting the Ticket to Mayhem for the victory.

After the loss, The Time Splitters offered to shake the hands of the winners. The Grizzled Young Veterans laughed at the offer and walked out, telling them they were the past and looking at the future.

Result

Gibson and Drake def. Kushida and Shelley by pinfall to advance in the Dusty Rhodes Classic.

Grade

B

Analysis

While this match was fun, it hardly reached the level that the hype would have dictated. Shelley seemed a little slow to reach his full speed though he was great at the end of the match.

The result was shocking since NXT UK has been so disrespected in comparison to NXT. The Grizzled Young Veterans are among the premiere NXT tag teams, but this was set up as a showcase of The Time Splitters reuniting.

It could be interesting to watch what comes next. Kushida is still on the wrong side of momentum even with Shelley now working with him.

Lio Rush vs. Tyler Breeze vs. Isaiah "Swerve" Scott

Angel Garza watched on commentary as Lio Rush, Tyler Breeze and Isaiah "Swerve" Scott fought for one of three spots in a Fatal 4-Way against the NXT cruiserweight champion at Worlds Collide.

The Man of the Hour had control in this chaotic match for long stretches, but he could not put anyone away. Rush hit the Come-Up on Prince Pretty, but Scott wiped him out and hit the JML Driver on Breeze for the victory.

Result

Scott def. Rush and Breeze by pinfall to earn a spot in the Fatal 4-Way title match at Worlds Collide.

Grade

B+

Analysis

This was a fun match and showcase of the highest regarded stars in the cruiserweight division right now. Prince Pretty is already fitting in well as a member of the division and showing what he can still do in the ring.

As Rush is one of the division's brightest stars, it was an interesting decision to go with Swerve over him. Scott has potentially the highest ceiling of anyone in the division. He just needs the right opportunity. It starts with wins like this.

No. 1 Contender NXT Women's Battle Royal

Kacy Catanzaro made her NXT return in this match alongside the officially signed Mercedes Martinez. The last entrant in the match was Shayna Baszler in a surprise unannounced appearance.

As talent went down one after the next, the biggest surprise was an early elimination of Candice LeRae by Bianca Belair. Mercedes Martinez eliminated Mia Yim and almost did the same to Baszler before getting pulled out of the ring.

In an impressive return, Tegan Nox fought Baszler, The EST and Io Shirai. Dakota Kai got involved to attack and eliminate Nox. Shotzi Blackheart returned in a surprise moment to take out The Queen of Spades before getting eliminated by Belair.

The Genius of the Sky and The EST refused to lose in a brutal final stretch. The KOD to the floor sealed the victory for Belair.

Result

Belair won the No. 1 contender battle royal to earn an NXT Women's Championship match at NXT TakeOver: Portland.

Grade

A-

Analysis

The combination of fresh and familiar talent made this an exciting contest where Martinez and Blackheart got interesting moments before the action boiled down to the key stars. The final two showdown revealed why the NXT Universe needs Shirai vs. Belair down the line.

NXT is overloaded with talent in this women's division. The signing of Martinez should be huge while other stars will continue to rise up the ranks. If the women were not already the best part of NXT, they will continue to make more of an impact in this coming year.

The EST had to win here. It saves Ripley vs. Shirai for a bigger date down the line while giving fans a huge match that could still steal the show at TakeOver.