WWE NXT Results: Winners, Grades, Reaction and Highlights from November 1

The November 1 episode of NXT featured the long-awaited announcement of WarGames' return to the wrestling world.

The announcement of the popular gimmick match, made by general manager William Regal, capped off an eventful episode that also saw Andrade "Cien" Almas attack Drew McIntyre and leave the NXT champion lying in a heap.

Nikki Cross battled Taynara Conti in a match born weeks earlier when the latter interfered and nearly cost Cross the opportunity to fight for the women's title.

Johnny Gargano attempted to end his losing streak but found tougher competition in Fabian Aichner.

What all went down and how may it affect the final build to the upcoming TakeOver: WarGames special in Houston?

Find out with this recap of the November 1 show.

Nikki Cross vs. Taynara Conti

Taynara Conti got her comeuppance Wednesday night when she squared off with Sanity's Nikki Cross.

Despite some quality kicks that reflected her history in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, she was beaten down and finished off with a neckbreaker, courtesy of one of the four women who will compete for the NXT Women's Championship at TakeOver: WarGames.

Result

Nikki Cross defeated Taynara Conti.

Grade

A

Analysis

This was exactly what it needed to be.

A few weeks ago, Conti seemingly cost Cross the opportunity to compete for the NXT Women's Championship. Cross got a second chance and earned her way to Houston.

This week, she got her revenge on the newcomer, punishing her and exorcising that final demon standing between her and championship glory.

A solid, easy-to-follow story.

Johnny Gargano vs. Fabian Aichner

Johnny Gargano looked to get back in the winner's circle Wednesday night, battling young star Fabian Aichner in singles competition.

It would not go Johnny Wrestling's way.

Aichner utilized his power and size to control the majority of the match but was caught off guard late by a spirited Gargano comeback attempt.

The former NXT tag team champion trapped Aichner in the Gargano Escape, but before he could secure the tapout, Aichner rolled through and scored a seemingly improbable victory.

Result

Fabian Aichner defeated Johnny Gargano.

Grade

B-

Analysis

This was not about Aichner's winning but, rather, Gargano's continued losing streak.

The desperation that will ultimately set in and unravel his once-calm and fan-friendly demeanor will be incredibly fun to watch.

There will almost certainly be a big, monumental win that reverses his fortunes, but for now, his story is one of the most interesting in the brand.

NXT Championship Contract Signing

Credit: WWE.com

NXT champion Drew McIntyre made his way into the NXT Arena for the contract signing ahead of a major title defense at TakeOver against Andrade "Cien" Almas.

The No. 1 contender attacked McIntyre from behind, though, leaving the titleholder lying in a heap as Zelina Vega barked orders to him.

Almas signed the contract and ended the segment with momentum on his side.

Grade

A

Analysis

Almas is the No. 1 contender and, in many ways, the hotter of the two Superstars involved in this story.

Still, after a year of jobbing, he still needs these segments to build momentum and credibility among the fanbase.

This was effective in that it showcased how calculating he can be, not to mention the influence Vega has on him.

It added heat to the upcoming match and elevated the significance of the rivalry.

Sanity vs. The Authors of Pain

The Authors of Pain lost their first major match at TakeOver: Brooklyn when they dropped the NXT Tag Team Championships to Sanity. Wednesday night, they had the opportunity to regain the titles.

It did not go their way.

They controlled the match, capitalizing on a distraction and working over Alexander Wolfe. Eric Young would explode into the match off a hot tag, battling Rezar and Akam.

The Authors took over, though, and delivered the Last Chapter. Before the finish could occur, The Undisputed Era hit the ring, breaking up the pinfall.

After the match, Killian Dain showed up and a brawl ensued. Roderick Strong followed.

Seemingly having accepted the invitation to join them, Strong put on The Undisputed Era armband. It was a ploy, though, as he blasted Adam Cole with a kick and cleared the ring. Rezar and Akam joined him, for some reason, and Regal appeared.

He formally announced WarGames for TakeOver to close out the show.

Result

No-contest

Grade

B

Analysis

Why the hell are Strong and The Authors of Pain suddenly besties?

That logic gap aside, the announcement of WarGames is a long-awaited one that instantly drums up excitement for the gimmick match.

The talent involved is superb and should craft an amazing performance that stands out in the annals of NXT live-event specials.

Even if one team literally has no reason for existing.