Finn Balor vs. Samoa Joe: What's Next for Both Stars After NXT TakeOver: London?

Wednesday, the men and women of NXT delivered yet another excellent TakeOver event in front of a raucous crowd in London. After everything, the reigning NXT champion is still Finn Balor.

When Balor first joined the ranks of NXT, it seemed likely that such an established star wouldn't spend too long in developmental before graduating to the main roster. Fourteen months later, this successful defence seems to suggest that he'll be staying put until at least WrestleMania.

That means he's certain to be in one of the headline bouts for the recently announced TakeOver event set to hit Dallas ahead of WrestleMania. Having seen off Samoa Joe, it's unclear who's next in line for the title.

Picking up a big win earlier in the night, Baron Corbin looks like a probable contender. WWE clearly sees the Lone Wolf as a major prospect for the future. A showcase match in Dallas would no doubt help season the promising newcomer.

However, he's not the only possibility. A program with Sami Zayn would perhaps be the biggest NXT Championship feud in the history of the belt, and certainly an appropriate main event for TakeOver: Dallas.

Zayn is arguably the most popular wrestler to pass through NXT, and fans are eager to see him back after a lengthy absence as a result of a shoulder injury. With another fan favourite to face, this could be the perfect opportunity for Balor to start showing more of his dark side.

Credit: WWE.com

It's even more difficult to predict where Joe is headed. Given his veteran status and the mean streak he's found recently, it seems likely that he'll enter a feud with a younger wrestler.

Hideo Itami would certainly produce great matches with the Samoan Submission Machine, but there's currently no timeline for his return. Alternatively, he could face a recent signee who's yet to debut on television, such as Rich Swann or Hugo Knox.

However, given Joe's success in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic, he might be better placed in the tag team division. There's a great deal of talent vying for the championships at present, but Joe offers something unique.

Despite some fans being desperate to see it, there doesn't seem to be much impetus for WWE to place Joe on its main roster. That being said, an appearance at the Royal Rumble next month in Florida would likely be well-received.

What do you see being the immediate aftermath of tonight's TakeOver event? What matches will be headlining NXT over the next several weeks? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.