NXT TakeOver: San Antonio is less than two weeks away, and the developmental brand needs to finalize their card. Main eventing the TakeOver special is Shinsuke Nakamura defending the NXT Championship against Bobby Roode, and tonight they sign the contract.
Nikki Cross (w/Eric Young & Alexander Wolfe) vs. Kennedy Lewis
When SAnitY first debuted, fans weren’t sure what to think of the deranged group. They attacked people just for the sake of doing so, and other than Eric Young, it seems like they can barely be contained. Nikki Cross specifically has shown some promise, winning some dominant matches and earning herself a NXT Women’s Championship opportunity at NXT TakeOver: San Antonio. Tonight, Kennedy Lewis has the unfortunate opportunity of facing Cross.
After a quick fisherman swinging neckbreaker, Nikki Cross picks up a fast and dominant victory. Winner: Nikki Cross
Backstage Segments
No Way Jose is being interviewed about his plans for 2017 (he still plans on having fun) when he is interrupted by Kona Reeves. Reeves faced Rich Swann on NXT several weeks ago, when both men involved in the match were attacked by SAnitY (remember the thing I said about them attacking people just to do so?), and Jose only saved Swann. Reeves is understandably angry with Jose, wondering why he only saved Swann and not him. Reeves denounces Jose as his friend, and demands a match against him.
We switch gears to another interview segment, where The Revival and TM61 have a little war of words. Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder call Shane Thorne and Nick Miller the “bottom feeders” of NXT, and if they are looking for a fight, they have one.
Roderick Strong vs. Steve Cutler
While this was never shown, Tom Philips and Corey Graves let us know that Steve Cutler called Roderick Strong out, which might not be a great idea. Cutler has done a fair job at getting himself out there, but Roderick Strong has had a great NXT career, especially considering how short it has been. Strong competed in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic, and he almost won a NXT Championship #1 Contender’s Fatal Four Way Match.
Roderick Strong makes easy work of Steve Cutler, knocking him out with the Sick Kick for the win. After the match, he is asked about Andrade “Cien” Almas calling him out last week, but he doesn’t care. All he cares about is the NXT Championship. Winner: Roderick Strong
In-ring Segment
Tye Dillinger is great in the ring, and his “Perfect 10” gimmick has not been helping him win matches. There is one question to ask: What’s next for Tye Dillinger? Thankfully, Dillinger himself is here to tell us. He doubts himself at the Perfect 10, and wonders if he still belongs in NXT.
SAnitY’s music hits out of nowhere, and Eric Young says that Dillinger doesn’t “have it.” He could have it, however, if he joins them. Dillinger declines and starts attacking SAnitY, when Damo appears out of nowhere to help SAnitY yet again. Damo hits Dillinger with a interesting electric chair driver, then officially joins Eric Young’s group.
TM61 vs. The Revival
The Revival seem to be on their way out of NXT, so this is a great opportunity for TM61 to pick up a victory over the best tag team of 2016. TM61 challenged #DIY for the NXT Tag Team Championships when NXT when to Melbourne, Australia, but failed to capture the gold. No matter who wins the Tag Team Championship match between #DIY and The Authors of Pain at TakeOver: San Antonio, whoever wins this match will help make their case for being next in line.
During confusion on the ring apron, TM61 manages to steal a roll-up victory over the two-time Tag Team Champions. Immediately after the match ends, The Revival hits Nick Miller with the Shatter Machine, then try to cripple the leg of Shane Thorne. WWE medical staff enters the ring to check on Shane Thorne, presumably with updates to come. Winners: TM61
Contract Signing (NXT Championship)
This goes the way most contract signings go, except without violence. Bobby Roode says he is going to be champion, Shinsuke Nakamura says he won’t be, and that’s about it. Oh, and Nakamura compared Roode to a Shiba Inu.
