Ricochet sends Adam Cole flying to the floor during their NXT North American Title Match: Courtesy of the award-winning WWE Network.

As bad a look as it was for Adam Cole to duck a prospective challenger, the NXT Universe might just have to give him credit for likely knowing what was coming against Ricochet. In a long-awaited clash at NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn IV, The One and Only delivered the ultimate shock to Cole’s system, his ego, and his championship status by upending The Undisputed ERA ringleader to win the NXT North American Title.

The victory was made all the sweeter given Cole’s repeated assertions that Ricochet wasn’t “special” enough to be a champion — a ridiculous thing to say, true, but one that seemed to have gotten in the challenger’s head nonetheless. Between Cole’s constant insults and his admittedly perfect scouting, The One and Only found himself either fighting from underneath or flying headlong into traps laid by Cole, including one breathtaking instance where he moonsaulted directly into a superkick.

Once Ricochet found his confidence, however, it wasn’t long before Cole found himself lined up for a 630 and the champion returned to his game plan: run away. Cole rolled through the ropes and a frustrated Ricochet followed, launching him off the apron with a leaping hurricanrana and finally swooping down with the 630 to win his first title in NXT. It was good. It was great. It was special.