WWE NXT Results: Biggest Winners, Losers and Moments from January 20

The NXT Championship is one of the most coveted titles in the sport, and Wednesday night on the WWE Network's broadcast of wrestling's hottest brand, the three top contenders to the prize competed in singles competition, each leaving a lasting impression as they prepare for an impending Triple Threat match.

Sami Zayn downed Adam Rose, Baron Corbin withstood the energetic Rich Swann and Samoa Joe put away Johnny Gargano en route to the match that will determine which of them challenges Finn Balor for his title.

It was solid booking from NXT Creative. Spotlight the three stars, put them over strong, and their upcoming match will mean more.

For that reason, Zayn, Corbin and Joe were clearly the biggest winners from the January 20 episode of NXT, but they were hardly the only ones.

The top contender to the NXT Women's Championship also had a strong night, as did a newcomer with indy cred.

And then there was the unfortunate star whose night ended on a downer. A former top contender in her own right, she was the biggest loser from Wednesday's show.

As NXT continues to sustain momentum, ensuring that 2016 is as successful a year for the brand as the previous two, these Superstars are the biggest winners and losers from this week's broadcast.

Credit: WWE.com

Winner: Rich Swann

A newcomer with a decade of experience working in independent promotions around the globe, Rich Swann made his debut on NXT television Wednesday night, squaring off with Baron Corbin.

Being so much smaller than Corbin, Swann could have easily struggled to work the style of match he excels in. Instead, he scored some signature offense and wowed the crowd with his speed and agility. Despite competing in what was essentially a glorified squash, Swann left an impression on fans and viewers with the crispness of his offense and the way he bumped around to make The Lone Wolf of NXT look that much more impressive.

Swann may not have emerged from his debut match with his arm raised in victory, but if his brief outing Wednesday night is any indication, great things await the acclaimed competitor.

Credit: WWE.com

Loser: Alexa Bliss

One look at Alexa Bliss' work both between the ropes and on the microphone suggests she is a well-rounded performer who should be at or near the top of the women's division in NXT.

Instead, she is a former No. 1 contender who lost her one shot at the Women's Championship, then was shoved to the background in favor of Eva Marie and Nia Jax. Since then, she has been persona non grata, working live events against Bayley and Asuka but rarely appearing on television unless it was to accompany Blake and Murphy to the squared circle.

Wednesday night, she delivered a strong and convincing promo (something easier said than done) and continued to show tremendous growth as an in-ring worker. Yet, she again took the fall for her team, putting herself at the back of the line in terms of championship opportunities.

Why management is not giving her more of a chance to grow into a potential lead heel in the division is a bit of a mystery, especially considering how strong her facial expressions, tone in her promos and in-ring charisma have proved to be.

Credit: WWE.com

Winner: Carmella

When one is not a traditional ring-worker, the energy she brings to her performance is accentuated. It is of the utmost importance that she excites fans. Carmella is still a raw in-ring worker, someone without the experience of a Bayley or Emma, but her ability to amp up a crowd with her natural charisma is something that will benefit her tremendously in the near future.

Carmella was phenomenal late in her tag team match this week, exploding into the ring and hyping the crowd up as she unleashed a Bronco Buster and put Alexa Bliss away with her headscissors choke.

It remains to be seen exactly what her match with Bayley will ultimately look like, if Carmella will rise to the occasion and deliver a match similar in quality to the bouts the current women's champion has built her legacy on in NXT. One thing is for certain: The crowd will be molten-hot for it thanks to the connection they have with both of the competitors.