WWE NXT Results: Winners, Grades, Reaction and Highlights from April 18

The aftermath of NXT TakeOver: New Orleans was felt Wednesday night as the red-hot developmental brand of WWE provided a show that spotlighted the Superstars who will play key roles in its future and wrapped up two high-profile rivalries.

The war between behemoths Lars Sullivan and Killian Dain came to a head in a No Disqualification match, while Candice LeRae and Zelina Vega brought their issues to a suitable conclusion in the night's main event.

Ricochet was in action, War Raiders competed for the first time, and Johnny Gargano addressed the fans to round out the show.

Relive every match and angle that took place with this recap of the April 18 event.

Johnny Gargano Returns to NXT

Credit: WWE.com

Following his victory over Tommaso Ciampa at TakeOver: New Orleans, Johnny Gargano made his NXT return, accompanied by wife Candice LeRae.

Gargano admitted the last few months have been tough and his match with Ciampa on April 7 was the toughest and most grueling of his career, but he is back and ready to conquer NXT.

He turned to his wife, thanked her for being with him through the tough times and hugged her.

Candice took the microphone and revealed she would battle Zelina Vega on Wednesday in the culmination of their side rivalry.

Grade

A

Analysis

All too often in professional wrestling, a good guy's triumph is diminished by a run-in or a beatdown that is used to jump-start his next rivalry or build heat for a villain.

Perhaps that is why this was so refreshing.

Gargano and LeRae, two babyfaces who have endured hell in recent months, kicked off the show and were all smiles while doing so. They addressed the fans, had their moment and went backstage. It was exactly what the audience wanted for them and on this night, they got it.

The main roster should try it sometime with one of their organically over babyfaces.

Ricochet vs. Fabian Aichner

Ricochet made his NXT on WWE Network in-ring debut Wednesday night, battling the rarely used Fabian Aichner in singles competition.

Aichner was surprisingly strong in the match, showcasing his own speed and agility as he matched up well with the much more touted Superstar.

He landed a bevy of European uppercuts and added in a Shooting Star Press for a quality near-fall.

However, Ricochet hung around just long enough to punch Aichner off the top rope during a superplex attempt and deliver his 630 splash for the win.

Result

Ricochet defeated Aichner

Grade

B+

Analysis

Aichner is one of those Superstars who always manages to make the most of the television opportunities he gets. He may not be on the receiving end of a push—and there is no guarantee he ever makes it in WWE—but he has repeatedly impressed when given the chance.

The story of this match was Ricochet, who is as close to a surefire star as there is.

Charismatic with athleticism and high-flying abilities that would make others blush, he is a franchise star if he can stay healthy and avoid the booking pitfalls that sometimes await NXT stars.

This was a great introduction to singles competition in NXT for the dynamic performer.

War Raiders in Action

Credit: WWE.com

A week after Hanson and Raymond Rowe debuted on NXT television, the devastating duo made their in-ring television debuts, battling two unknowns simply named Chris and JC.

The big men showed off their agility and athleticism before ending the jobbers' nights in predictable fashion, finishing them off with The Fallout.

Result

War Raiders defeated Chris and JC

Grade

A

Analysis

"Somebody stop the damn match!" a member of the WWE Universe screamed. While he was likely being a smartass, it added to the match considerably.

Hanson and Rowe looked like world-beaters as they tore through the competition, clearly superior to the competition. They pummeled the competition and established themselves as the biggest badasses on the NXT tag roster.

What that means for everyone else opposing them remains to be seen.

No Disqualification Match: Killian Dain vs. Lars Sullivan

The rivalry between Lars Sullivan and Sanity's Killian Dain came to a head Wednesday as they battled in a No Disqualification match.

A stiff, physical bout in which weapons were introduced and Dain appeared to suffer a broken nose kept the NXT faithful invested.

Sullivan shook off a late spot in which he was put through a table by the monstrous Dain. Using his considerable strength, he grabbed a chair and used it to cut Dain's momentum off.

From there, Sullivan finished the bout impressively, delivering his Freak Accident to Dain, onto a pile of chairs for the win.

Winner

Lars Sullivan defeated Killian Dain

Grade

B+

Analysis

This was a strong match wrestled by two big men who do not get enough credit for providing the steak that adequately offsets the sizzle elsewhere in NXT.

The match was brutal and hard-hitting. It lived up to the physicality the two have demonstrated while battling in the past and concluded with the right guy going over.

Dain is on his way to SmackDown Live, while Sullivan very seriously could be NXT champion by year's end if officials really wanted it that way.

Candice LeRae vs. Zelina Vega

The rivalry between Candice LeRae and Zelina Vega came to a head Wednesday in the main event as they battled in singles competition, with Johnny Gargano and Andrade Almas making their presences felt at ringside.

Vega grounded LeRae and worked her over, setting up a Hammerlock DDT attempt.

LeRae countered, mounted a comeback and scored the submission victory with the Garga-No Escape.

After the match, new NXT champion Aleister Black appeared and informed Gargano that if an NXT Championship match is what he seeks, he can have it on next week's show.

Result

Candice LeRae defeated Zelina Vega

Grade

B+

Analysis

Short, sweet and to the point, this settled the issues between the popular babyface and the manipulative heel.

The right woman went over and the revelation of Aleister Black vs. Johnny Gargano for the NXT Championship is an announcement that should strike the NXT Universe to its core.

The two most popular stars on the brand will compete over its top prize and fans should be excited, even if the announcement overshadowed what should have been a big moment for LeRae.