This Weeks NXT was in the University of Central Florida, which actually makes a huge differences as the crowd is not as hot as the Full Sail arena is. Never the less this was a good NXT , much better than the terrible show we saw last week. It was a very strong card with a big match opener and an epic match to close. We opened with a video package for the number one contender main event match between Sami Zayn and Samoa Joe. Then Corey Graves and Tom Phillips opened the show. Week in and week out these two make NXT feel so special, great work from both men!
First up we had a huge tag team match. An eight man tag team match featuring Enzo and Cass with Chad Gable and Jason Jordan vs Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder with Blake and Murphy.
Enzo did the intro and the crowd loved it, Chad and Jordan got a big reaction as well. All of these teams would be great on the main roster and it will be a shame the day they leave NXT.
All eight men were in the ring and fought for a brief moment before the baby faces dumped the heels over. The heels tried again but were tossed out once again. The bell rang and we were on our way.
This had the potential to be a very good match but it was just decent. Maybe they did not have enough time or something but it felt rushed. The heels had Gable in the corner and each took a turn putting in their damage. Eventually he got out and hit the hot tag to Jason Jordan who landed some beautiful dropkicks. Big Cass entered and did a few strong spots. Jordan and Gable hit their finisher on Dawson, but Dash made the save. Enzo tagged himself in and Enzo and Cass finished the match with the big splash from the top. Enzo got the win.
There was a backstage segment where Deonna Purrazzo was interviewed about her next fight against Asuka, which is up next and also brought up the fact that this is a rematch. Then barged in Emma and Dana Brooke who declared they run NXT. This duo of Emma and Dana Brooke is similar to that of Nia Jax and Eva Marie. Emma is definitely improving and has a future but Brooke isn't quite there yet. As for Purrazzo the little she said was good.
Next match was Asuka - Deonna Purrazzo.
Asuka was in control for the entire match with really stiff looking kicks. A few submission attempts form Asuka which Deonna weaseled out of. Deonna managed to get a cross body in but not effect and then Asuka no sold some stiff four arms from Deonna. Asuka locked an angle lock and transitioned to a lovely German suplex then she landed a few spinning back fists and a rough looking spinning kick. She then pined Deonna and picked up the win.
Asuka is beautiful in the ring and is so fluid. She is going to be a huge star and hope she stays in NXT. Bayley should be scared, very scared.
Eva Marie and Nia Jax did a decent promo. They said Asuka has to stay out of their business, if Asuka keeps getting involved she will be broken like the rest of the division. It was then announced we would have a tag team match next week. Bayley and Carmella vs Eva Marie and Nia Jax.
Next up was Alex Riley vs Tye Dillinger.
Tye Dillinger came out to a great response. I think he has a decent future in NXT and Alex came out to no reaction. To be honest he looks good and aggressive. He had a decent match but the real stars of this contest was the announcing booth. They really showed how frustrated Alex Riley is and why he is so mad. The match ended up with Tye winning with a roll up.
This has the potential to be a great storyline for Alex Riley, they could talk about his fall from grace to being a jobber in NXT. Good stuff from NXT.
Interview with Finn Balor who talked up both Samoa Joe and Sami Zayn. He finished up by saying he could beat either men. Baron Corbin was in William Regal’s office. He demanded he should be in the title picture. Regal said he lost the triple treat and does not deserve the shot. Corbin replied with an eye for an eye. We were then told that next week we will see Blake and Murphy - American Alpha (Chad Gable and Jason Jordan).
Main event- Samoa Joe - Sami Zayn NXT number one contender
The fans made this match feel very special. They booed Joe and he is going to be a major heel on the main roster. While Zayn is a born baby face much like Daniel Bryan.
The match started very slowly. Joe landed some kicks, Zayn tried to make a comeback but Joe stopped that straight away with a lovely leg sweep. Joe ran the ropes but Zayn hit him with a clothesline .Zayn went for a thunder bomb but it was blocked he then grabbed Joe by the shorts and connected
Joe hit back with an atomic drop and a senton. Zayn kicked out in two to a huge pop. Joe was getting very frustrated, Zayn got some punches in but Joe took control again Joe got him into a sleeper hold, Zayn fell into the ropes and the hold was broken.
Joe went for the muscle buster but Zayn reversed it to a Helluva kick, Zayn fell on joe and they pinned each other which left a lot of confusion and the match ended in a draw. Regal came out and the referee told him what happened. They show then went off the air.
Much better than last week’s NXT a lot to look forward to next week. It was a good show but coming up to WrestleMania and with Lucha Underground doing so well and even TNA improving, NXT has to do something big soon. 6/10
Results.
Enzo and Cass with Gable and Jordan beat Dash and Dawson with Blake and Murphy
Asuka beat Deonna
Tye Dillinger beat Alex Riley
Main event:
Samoa Joe and Sami Zayn fought to a draw.