Last week’s episode of NXT was getting back to business after NXT TakeOver: Toronto. Asuka destroyed the debuting Nicole Matthews, Eric Young defeated No Way Jose thanks to SAnitY at ringside, and Samoa Joe defeated a desperate Tye Dillinger.
Between last week’s episode and tonight’s episode, there was a huge moment for Shinsuke Nakamura on Saturday. In Osaka, Japan, Shinsuke Nakamura cashed in his rematch for the NXT Championship after losing it to Samoa Joe in Toronto. In a surprise turn of events, Nakamura would pick up the win and become the second two-time NXT Champion. Tonight, we get to watch that match in action.
Opening Segment
For the first time since TakeOver, NXT Tag Team Champions DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) come back to Full Sail University to finish their degrees celebrate with the NXT Universe. Before they can get their celebration underway, however, the Authors of Pain interrupt (well technically, Paul Ellering does all of the talking). After winning the Dusty Classic, their next goal is getting the NXT Tag Team Championships.
The Revival then interject, and say that they are the true #1 Contenders since they have a rematch clause by just losing the titles. The Authors of Pain push them out of the way and the three teams stare at each other to end the segment.
Before the first match gets underway, Corey Graves and Tom Philips welcome a third member to their commentary team: former NXT Superstar Percy Watson. Watson has plenty of personality, and his addition could be a good start at giving Graves and Philips easier schedules.
No Way Jose & Rich Swann vs. Alexander Wolfe & Eric Young (w/Nikki Cross)
There are two things to note before this match. First, Rich Swann is having his first NXT match as the WWE Cruiserweight Champion. Second, Eric Young is teaming up with Alexander Wolfe instead of Sawyer Fulton. Fulton doesn’t even come down to the ring with them, but Eric Young has his jacket. In a sign of disgust, Young stomps on the jacket and then throws it towards the entrance ramp.
These two teams have been developing a little bit of history over the past few weeks. Rich Swann was having a run-of-the-mill singles match against Kota Reeves when SAnitY interfered and attacked Swann. No Way Jose, Swann’s partner since the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic, wanted revenge and challenged Young (SAnitY’s leader) to a match for last week. As noted above, Jose would end up losing the match thanks to the rest of SAnitY getting involved. Now both Swann and Jose can try to take it to the odd group.
Everyone is fighting outside the ring, and Big Damo (one of NXT’s most recent signings) takes out No Way Jose. Eric Young takes advantage to cover Jose and win the match, but it doesn’t seem like Damo is part of their group. Winners: Alexander Wolfe & Eric Young
Announcements
William Regal announces that The Revival will have their Tag Team Championship rematch on the January 11 episode of NXT, and the winners of that match will defend their titles against The Authors of Pain at NXT TakeOver: San Antonio.
Tye Dillinger then walks into Regal’s office, and Regal has some good news for him. There is going to be a series of four series matches, with the winners of those matches competing in a fatal four-way match. Whoever wins that fatal four-way match will then be the #1 Contender for the NXT Championship. This essentially confirms that Samoa Joe and Shinsuke Nakamura are done feuding, which could mean that Joe is coming to the main roster soon.
Ember Moon vs. Kimber Lee
Ember Moon has been facing some competition that most wrestling fans haven’t heard of, but there is a chance you have heard of Kimber Lee. Lee has wreslted for promotions like Shimmer and Chikara, and she made waves in the end of 2015 by defeating Hallowicked for the Chikara Grand Championship. She would become the first woman to win the top title in a primarily male promotion. Sexy Star achieved the same feat in Lucha Underground a couple weeks ago.
While facing her hardest opponent yet, Ember Moon still manages to hit the twisting stunner from the turnbuckle to keep her winning streak alive in NXT. Winner: Ember Moon
Samoa Joe (c) vs. Shinsuke Nakamura – NXT Championship
This match is from an Osaka, Japan house show on Saturday, so it is no secret as to who won the match. However, it is nice that fans of NXT can still watch the surprising title change in action. Winner, and NEW NXT Champion: Shinsuke Nakamura
