WWE NXT Results: Winners, Grades, Reaction and Highlights from January 20

Determined to establish themselves in anticipation for a No. 1 contender's match, Sami Zayn, Baron Corbin and Samoan Joe took to the squared circle in singles matches on Wednesday's episode of NXT.

Each man scored a vital victory, looking impressive while doing so.

With so much at stake, so much to gain, they bowled over the competition and now set their sights on their much-anticipated meeting.

Apollo Crews battled Tye Dillinger in singles competition, but it was his desire to battle Finn Balor in a rematch of their near-classic from a few months back, regardless of whether or not it is for the NXT Championship, that defined his night.

And then there was Carmella, who proved herself a worthy top contender to Bayley's NXT Women's Championship by teaming with her friend to defeat Alexa Bliss and Emma, forcing a tapout from the former.

How did each match on the January 20 episode grade out, and which Superstars and Divas made the strongest impact?

Take a look for yourself.

Sami Zayn vs. Adam Rose

Credit: WWE.com

For the first time since the TakeOver: London tapings, Sami Zayn performed on NXT television, squaring off with main roster star (and NXT alumnus) Adam Rose.

Rose wore down Zayn, working over the former heavyweight champion, even delivering a diving headbutt that nearly scored him the massive upset.

Zayn caught the former party animal out of nowhere with the Koji Clutch, though, and picked up the predictable victory.

Result

Sami Zayn defeated Adam Rose.

Grade

C

Analysis

Perhaps it is a greater indictment on the treatment of talent on Raw and SmackDown but the outcome of this was never in doubt, regardless of the fact Rose was a main roster star, while Zayn was still working for the perceived "developmental" territory of NXT.

Zayn is a star-in-waiting, a performer with incredible fan support, and is on a collision course with Finn Balor for the NXT Championship he previously held for a two-month period.

This was a fine enhancement match that allowed Rose to steal some shine and Zayn to score a quality win.

Apollo Crews vs. Tye Dillinger

In a rematch from TakeOver: Brooklyn, Apollo Crews squared off with "The Perfect 10" Tye Dillinger, who was looking to avenge his loss from that night.

The veteran star did not make it easy for his dynamic young opponent, showing great tenacity while trying to knee his way out of a standing vertical suplex. The talented technician even broke out a suicide dive to the arena floor, proving his determination to pick up the win.

In the end, though, it was Crews' powerbomb that secured him the victory.

After the match, Crews expressed his desire to face Balor in a match—non-title or not.

Result

Apollo Crews defeated Tye Dillinger.

Grade

C

Analysis

This was a surprisingly competitive match that featured a strong performance from Dillinger, who looked as good as he has at any point in NXT.

The one weakness of Crews' performances to date is while he may be an extraordinary athlete, he is not necessarily the most naturally charismatic. He lacks that connection with the audience that makes it care about him as a character. Being the honorable competitor who wants to prove himself, whether or not the title is on the line, is a nice touch but hardly enough to bridge that gap.

Rich Swann vs. Baron Corbin

Credit: WWE.com

Indy standout Rich Swann made his NXT debut Wednesday night, squaring off with the Lone Wolf—Baron Corbin.

Swann was elusive, using his speed advantage to frustrate Corbin at times, but the bigger and stronger (and more established) star wore his opponent down.

After missing from the top rope, Swann charged into Corbin's new finisher, Deep Six, and ate the pinfall.

Result

Baron Corbin defeated Rich Swann.

Grade

C- 

Analysis

Swann is going to be a big star for NXT in the future, but this was all about Corbin and putting him over on his journey to the NXT Championship.

The Lone Wolf has been impressive as of late, looking crisper and more motivated than before. A new finisher to complement his established End of Days helps complete the package and make him a legitimate contender to dethrone Balor when that time comes.

Carmella and Bayley vs. Alexa Bliss and Emma

New No. 1 contender to the NXT Women's Championship, Carmella teamed with best friend and current titleholder Bayley to battle Emma and Alexa Bliss Wednesday.

Dana Brooke accompanied the heels to the ring, although still unable to compete herself.

Bayley battled through tremendous pain in the ribs and isolation from her tag partner. Nearly every hot-tag attempt was cut off, either by her ring-aware opponents or the aforementioned Brooke providing a well-timed distraction.

Carmella finally received the hot tag, unleashed on Bliss and made the former top contender tap out to her trademark submission. 

Result

Carmella and Bayley defeated Alexa Bliss and Emma.

Grade

B-

Analysis

Carmella was the star of the show here and rightfully so. The Princess of Staten Island is far from an established in-ring worker, so letting her get the shine and compile a few strong wins is key to her acceptance as a legitimate threat to Bayley's title.

Bliss taking the fall was the right move here in that it maintains her credibility for what should eventually be a run at the title.

Carmella looked good in her limited ring time, but it should be interesting to see what she is capable of when she is tasked with facing her real-life best friend in an elongated match.

Johnny Gargano vs. Samoa Joe

Johnny Gargano returned to the NXT Arena Wednesday night but was unfortunate enough to run into a determined Samoa Joe, obsessed with sending a message to Baron Corbin and Sami Zayn ahead of a huge Triple Threat No. 1 Contender match.

Gargano was limited to very brief moments of offense. He was otherwise controlled, beaten down and overwhelmed by his more experienced and dangerous opponent.

The Koquina Clutch finished Gargano and provided Joe with the momentum necessary heading into his huge opportunity. 

Result

Samoa Joe defeated Johnny Gargano. 

Grade

C-

Analysis

Just as the matches featuring Sami Zayn and Baron Corbin were, this was a showcase for Joe and little more.

The Samoan Submission Machine was dominant, laying waste to an immensely talented Indy darling in Gargano. Even more impressive has been how much more effective Joe is as the killer heel, determined to win titles at the expense of anyone unfortunate enough to oppose him.