For the second week in a row, NXT starts off with the former NXT Champion Samoa Joe making his way to the ring. Last week, Joe put up a very believable facade to convince the WWE Universe and Shinsuke Nakamura that he regrets his previous actions of being so aggressive over the last year, and asks Nakamura for a rematch to the NXT Championship. After Nakamura agreed, Joe would attack him from behind, slam him onto the steel steps, and potentially injure the champion for several weeks.
Opening Segment
Because Joe is a “persuasive individual,” he managed to get a copy of Nakamura’s medical report. Apparently the champion suffered from contusions, inflammation, and various other minor injuries. Nakamura won’t need surgery, but will need 6-12 weeks of rest. Joe demands that he be crowned the NXT Champion, and General Manager William Regal comes out to respond to him.
Regal says that he will deal with the situation, but Joe is not happy. If Regal does not do what Joe wants, Joe threatens to do the same to the entire NXT roster.
Backstage Segment
Last week, Liv Morgan issued a challenge to Asuka for the NXT Women’s Championship. She says she does not want to stay at the bottom, so she is taking her shot now. During her backstage interview, Asuka interrupts. The Women’s Champion says that if Liv Morgan thinks that she is ready, “let’s find out.”
Austin Aries vs. Oney Lorcan
Austin Aries has struck a nerve with Hideo Itami, but he seems to be avoiding the man formerly known as KENTA. Oney Lorcan has not had much for him in NXT, but he did pick up a notable win against Tye Dillinger this summer, and has been rumored to be main eventing several NXT house shows.
Lorcan shows some aggressive offense that includes some European uppercuts that can compete with Cesaro’s. However, they don’t call Austin Aries “The Greatest Man That Ever Lived” for nothing. Aries hits Lorcan with a vicious knee to the skull, then locks in the Last Chancery to pick up the victory. Winner (via submission): Austin Aries
After the match, Aries grabs a microphone and says that he would call out Hideo Itami, but he would not show up. Aries calls Itami a “coward” and a “baby,” and sure enough, Itami shows up. As soon as Itami gets in the ring, Aries leaves and heads to the back.
Video Package
There is a very short video package that advertises the debut of new NXT signee Dan Matha in two weeks.
Backstage Segment
Last week at the Cruiserweight Classic, Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa defeated Cedric Alexander and Noam Dar in tag team action that gave the finalists some rest. Later that night, they would be interviewed in the parking lot when The Revival would unsuccessfully try to jump them. The rivalry between these two teams is far from over.
Aliyah vs. Billie Kay
Billie Kay had a nice string of victories before losing to Ember Moon at NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn II, and a win tonight over Aliyah could help get her back in the swing of things. That should not be too hard, considering that Aliyah lost to Liv Morgan last week.
Aliyah gets in a decent amount of offense, but Billie Kay takes advantage out of nowhere to pick up the victory. Winner: Billie Kay
Cedric Alexander vs. Andrade “Cien” Almas
What a summer it has been for Cedric Alexander. He only made it to the second round of the Cruiserweight Classic, but he has such a connection with the audience that he was signed to WWE. Alexander was announced as part of the Raw Cruiserweight Division, and competed in a great Fatal Four Way match against Gran Metalik, Brian Kendrick, and Rich Swann. Tonight, he competes in his first-ever NXT match against the former masked luchador, Andrade “Cien” Almas.
Cedric Alexander hits the Lumbar Check on Almas to pick up an impressive victory in his NXT debut. Winner: Cedric Alexander
