WWE NXT Results: Biggest Winners, Losers and Moments from July 22

The July 22 episode of NXT was built around the return of Finn Balor to Full Sail University as the new NXT champion, and rightfully so.

The Demon was greeted with a hero's welcome as he stepped inside the NXT Arena, the championship in-hand. He cut a fine promo to kick off the show, then was the last man standing later in the night when his contract signing with Kevin Owens descended into the same chaotic brawl that all of those segments eventually do.

Wednesday night was the first taste of what fans can come to expect of the Irishman as the face of the brand, and he did not disappoint them. The self-admittedly shy Superstar appeared far more confident on the mic than one may have expected, and the fans were completely into him.

It was a banner night for Balor and one that suggests he will be immensely successful in his new role as the top star in NXT.

But it was not only the international star who had a strong night of television Wednesday.

Bayley returned and scored a huge victory, and Samoa Joe rebounded after two consecutive lackluster performances.

Then there was Emma, whose frustration must be growing following another head-scratching booking decision that found her populating the loser's side of this week's broadcast.

Credit: WWE.com

Winner: Bayley

The most popular Diva in NXT returned to the squared circle Wednesday night following a broken hand that kept her sidelined for weeks. Determined to toss her name into contention for the women's championship, she squared off with rival Emma in singles competition.

It was a tough test for Bayley, who had to overcome interference from Dana Brooke and Emma's targeted attack on her hand, but she was able to deliver the Bayley-to-Belly for the win.

By issuing a challenge to Charlotte for a future match, all so she can prove that she is deserving of a shot at Sasha Banks' championship, Bayley showed a fearlessness and determination she has been missing.

It is clear that the hug-loving Diva is on the road to a championship bout in Brooklyn at Takeover, at least according to the booking of Wednesday's show and the way she was put over by the commentators.

And it is about time. She is the most deserving of the championship now that Banks, Charlotte and Becky Lynch have been promoted to the main roster. It will be a wild and emotional night when Bayley finally holds that title overhead, her lifelong journey paid off in grand fashion.

Wednesday night was the perfect start to her run.

Loser: Emma

One can only imagine how frustrated the Aussie Diva must be.

After returning to NXT, she was turned heel and given an interesting character. Then she was paired with newcomer Dana Brooke, and the two became the equivalent to NXT's Mean Girls. That development should have led to Emma gaining momentum, winning matches and potentially earning a shot at the women's championship.

Instead, she has lost more than she has won, including her match to Bayley Wednesday night.

It is a shame to see someone so talented wasted as much as Emma has been over the last year.

Her main roster call-up was a disaster because of WWE Creative's inability to realize what made the character special and give her something to do that best fit her.

Now, her heel run is in danger of becoming underwhelming, despite what was a strong promo before her match with Bayley.

Credit: WWE.com

Winner: Samoa Joe

The Samoan Submission Machine was in desperate need of a performance that restored faith in him after two straight matches that were, at best, underwhelming.

He rebounded nicely this week, with a showing that was both fast, energetic and crisp. He looked like a Joe whose motivation was renewed as he tossed Mike Rallis around with little effort.

It was a suitable showcase for Joe, whose next test will come in the form of Rhyno in two weeks.

Of course, it does not erase the fact that his issues with Kevin Owens have gone unresolved. But for what it was, the match worked well and gave Joe a little momentum going forward, which he needed more than anyone is likely to admit.