Last week featured key victories for NXT competitors that are competing this Friday (April 1) at NXT TakeOver: Dallas, as well as for some who are not on the card as of the end of the last episode. Johnny Gargano defeated the previously undefeated Elias Samson, but took a beating after the match, only to be saved by Apollo Crews. NXT Champion Finn Balor had a great match against the flashy, high flying Rich Swann, and defeated him with his newest finishing move, 1916. Samoa Joe interrupted Bull Dempsey’s entrance and choked both him and his opponent out with the Coquina Clutch to make a statement to Finn Balor. To main event the night, Emma had a rematch with Asuka, but would fail to get the victory as the #1 Contender to the NXT Women’s Championship gains some momentum going into her match against Bayley.
On tonight’s episode, Samoa Joe will face Bull Dempsey, after choking him out last week with the Coquina Clutch. Also, Apollo Crews will take on the recently returned Alex Riley.
American Alpha vs. Corey Hollis & John Skyler
Two weeks ago on NXT, American Alpha (Jason Jordan and Chad Gable) defeated the Vaudevillains to become the #1 Contenders for the NXT Tag Team Championship. They will compete against The Revival (Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder) at NXT TakeOver: Dallas for the titles, which will be the bigges match of their careers.
Jason Jordan and Chad Gable make quick work of their opponents, and hit a launching back suplex double team for the win. Winners: American Alpha
Baron Corbin vs. Mike Cuellari
Oh yeah, Baron Corbin exists. If it wasn’t for the fact that his match at NXT TakeOver: Dallas is also Austin Aries’s debut, I would have no interest at all. Aries is by far a better in-ring talent, promo, and character than Corbin, and Corbin is just as bland as Bran Flakes (no offense to Bran Flakes fans).
Mike Cuellari, who apparently has had a lot of success in the independent circuit, makes Corbin look good going into Dallas after Corbin hits Deep Six for the win. Winner: Baron Corbin
After the match, Corbin picks Cuellari back up and hits The End of Days out of frustration.
Teaser Video
There is a really short video that just says “No Way Jose,” which we will find out more about after the TakeOver special on Friday.
The Revival vs. Tucker Knight & Steve Cutler
The Revival has been one of the most dominating teams in NXT history, focusing solely on effective wrestling, instead of flashy moves. Unfortunately for Tucker Knight and Steve Cutler, Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder do no lose tag team matches that often.
Tucker Knight gets some offense in, but The Revival hits their flapjack-Codebreaker combo on Knight for the win. Winners: The Revival
Apollo Crews vs. Alex Riley
Last week, Apollo Crews saved Johnny Gargano from a beating from Elias Samson, so perhaps Samson might have some unfinished business with Crews.
It surprises me how rarely we see Apollo Crews on NXT, considering that he is one of the most talented all-around performers on the roster. He has charisma, and an impressive combination of strength and agility.
Riley maybe gets one hit in on Crews before Crews hits him with a toss spin-out powerbomb for the win. Winner: Apollo Crews
After the match, “The Drifter,” Elias Samson, walks towards the ring playing his guitar, and singing to Crews. This is probably supposed to be intimidating or something, but it’s just weird and pointless.
Samoa Joe vs. Bull Dempsey
Samoa Joe has been on a path of destruction throughout his time in NXT, including defeating Sami Zayn in a 2-out-of-3 falls match to become the #1 Contender to the NXT Championship.
After a very short match, Samoa Joe locks in the Coquina Clutch for the win, and locks it in for a minute past the bell ringing. Winner (via submission): Samoa Joe
After the match, NXT General Manager William Regal comes to the ring with two NXT wrestlers I don’t recognize, and they fail to stop Joe from choking out Dempsey. After a few more minutes go by, Finn Balor comes to make the save, and he and Joe brawl, giving a preview of what’s to come in Dallas.
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