WWE NXT Results: Winners, Grades, Reaction and Highlights from April 12

It is a new era in NXT, something that was announced loudly and clearly to the viewers of Wednesday's WWE Network presentation.

During the episode, the brand waved goodbye to two-time NXT champion Shinsuke Nakamura but said hello to Drew McIntyre, making his first appearance since re-signing with World Wrestling Entertainment on April 1.

What would the former intercontinental champion have in store for the brand's faithful fans as he squared off with popular underdog Oney Lorcan?

Speaking of Superstars looking to make an impression, Aleister Black was in singles competition following an impressive victory over Andrade Almas. How was he able to build upon the momentum he garnered at TakeOver: Orlando?

Find out the answer to those questions and more with this exclusive look back at Wednesday's broadcast.

Aleister Black vs. Corey Hollis

Credit: WWE.com

The gothic enigma Aleister Black made his awe-inspiring entrance Wednesday night, captivating the NXT faithful. His opponent, Corey Hollis, found out the hard way just how explosive Black can be when antagonized.

Hollis charged at Black and found himself on the receiving end of a Black Mass kick.

Three seconds later, Black had scored the second victory of his NXT run.

Result

Aleister Black defeated Corey Hollis.

Grade

C+

Analysis

It is difficult to judge a match that lasts seconds, but this was an effective way to get over the unpredictability of Black and the out-of-nowhere nature of his Black Mass finisher.

An interesting and intriguing character whose background and motivations have not been explored, he has the potential to bring the star aura and big-match feel to his bouts that previous NXT stars Finn Balor and Shinsuke Nakamura boast.

If he makes the most of that potential, NXT could have on its hands a performer who seamlessly meshes persona and in-ring ability to create a total package.

DIY vs. Dylan Miley and Michael Blais

The massive Dylan Miley overwhelmed both of his former tag team champion opponents, tossing Tommaso Ciampa and Johnny Gargano around and running them over with brute force. He lifted Gargano overhead in a delayed vertical suplex, holding him up for nearly 30 seconds.

Michael Blais entered the match with the momentum in the heels' favor, only to give it up.

Ciampa and Gargano finished the smaller unknown competitor off with their combination finisher, leaving a frustrated and disgusted Miley watching from the apron.

After the match, the big man obliterated his tag team partner, leaving Blais in a heap.

Result

DIY defeated Dylan Miley and Michael Blais.

Grade

B

Analysis

This was an extraordinary introduction to Dylan Miley.

The big man was made to look Ciampa and Gargano's superior, tossing them around as if they were afterthoughts despite being world-renowned competitors. He was dominant and probably could have won the match himself were it not for his overzealous partner.

The beatdown of Blais after the match announced to the audience that the mountain of a man will be a major force in NXT going forward.

Ruby Riot vs. Kimberly Frankele

Credit: WWE.com

In the midst of a rivalry with Sanity's Nikki Cross, Ruby Riot squared off with Kimberly Frankele, a woman she has history with dating back to their days in the independents.

After an early flurry from Frankele, Riot scored a headscissors takedown. Cross made her presence at ringside felt, providing a distraction that allowed Frankele to take over control of the bout.

Riot fought out of it and delivered a wind-up Pele Kick for the pinfall victory.

Result

Ruby Riot defeated Kimberly Frankele.

Grade

C

Analysis

This did not have as much energy as one would have hoped for. Maybe that is the result of a crowd burned out after the appearance of DIY or the complete lack of character development behind the relatively new Riot. Whatever the case may be, it was somewhat disappointing given the indy cred of the competitors involved.

Cross' appearance at ringside was a nice way to remind viewers of the ongoing issues between her and Riot, but the promising rivalry will flounder without explanation, motivation and character evolution.

Drew McIntyre vs. Oney Lorcan

Chants of "welcome back" greeted Drew McIntyre as the Ayr, Scotland, native clashed with Oney Lorcan.

McIntyre challenged Lorcan to bring the fight, to which the hard-hitting competitor was more than happy to oblige. Lorcan delivered a big European uppercut and followed up with a somersault senton. McIntyre caught him in midair during a second attempt and planted him at ringside.

"Drew McIntyre fights you like he despises you," announcer Percy Watson said as McIntyre punished his opponent with a series of knife-edge chops.

Tied in the Tree of Woe, McIntyre sat up, grabbed Lorcan and tossed him from the top rope. Lorcan responded moments later with a series of slaps that stunned the former intercontinental champion.

A running boot from McIntyre ended Lorcan's night and earned the Scotsman his first victory in his new home.

Result

Drew McIntyre defeated Oney Lorcan.

Grade

B+

Analysis

If NXT was trying to tell the world that this Drew McIntyre is not the same pretty boy "chosen one" he was during his first run with WWE, it succeeded.

The well-traveled competitor delivered a stiff, hard-hitting match with Lorcan and scored an impressive win. After the bout, he cut a post-match promo that saw him reiterate that he could have signed anywhere but opted to join NXT.

His continued hyping of the brand makes it feel that much more important and will only endear him to the NXT faithful in the future.

Shinsuke Nakamura's NXT Goodbye

Former NXT champion Shinsuke Nakamura made his final appearance for the brand he carried on his back for the past year Wednesday night.

He applauded the fans, called the brand his "home" and vowed to always be NXT.

He posed for the fans as the roster spilled on to the stage. Every one of the Superstars applauded him as he took one last bow for the fans, who continued to sing along with his theme song.

Nakamura joined his fellow Superstars, including Finn Balor, to close out the episode.

Grade

A+

Analysis

This was a classy speech from Nakamura that wrapped up his significant run in NXT nicely.

A man whose impact on the brand had as much to do with his relationship to the audience as it did his in-ring contributions, this was the perfect way for him to go out. He thanked the fans, gave them one more taste of that unrivaled charisma and took to the stage to join the locker room he led for the past year.

This was class personified and a hell of a way to wrap up the Era of Strong Style in NXT.