Yet again, NXT packs a ton of action into a surprisingly short episode. SAnitY returns to action, Ember Moon competes for the first time since her injury, two huge announcements are made, and the main event features Aleister Black taking on Kassius Ohno.
Peyton Royce (w/Billie Kay) vs. Ember Moon
After being on the shelf for about a month, Ember Moon returns to action tonight. Moon missed the opportunity to challenge for the NXT Women’s Championship at NXT TakeOver: Chicago, but she is not deterred. Moon had a minor backstage confrontation with Billie Kay and Peyton Royce, so before moving onto the title, she faces one half of the Iconic Duo.
Ember Moon attempts the Eclipse from the top rope, but Billie Kay pulls Peyton Royce out of the way. Moon attacks Kay to keep her out of the action, and she is able to hit the Eclipse on her second attempt for the victory. Winner: Ember Moon
Backstage Segment
Hideo Itami approaches Kassius Ohno and he apologizes for his actions a couple weeks ago. Itami lost his temper in a match against Oney Lorcan and he hit the Boston native with three consecutive Go to Sleeps. Kassius Ohno tried to snap Itami out of it as a friend, but Itami snapped and shoved Ohno before getting shoved back and leaving. Ohno forgives Itami, but there is a chance that Itami’s temper could get the better of him again.
The Ealy Brothers vs. Eric Young & Alexander Wolfe
Whenever the Ealy Brothers are on NXT, it is almost a certainty that they are going to lose. They are talented and they have a size advantage over most of their opponents, but they can never seem to find the way to win. Tonight could be that night, but with the roll SAnitY has been on as of late, that is doubtful.
The Ealy Brothers set Alexander Wolfe up for a double team, but Eric Young prevents the move from ever starting. Young and Wolfe set up a double team of their own; Young jumps into a neckbreaker to give his team the win. Winners: Eric Young & Alexander Wolfe
Rachel Evers vs. Sonya Deville
Sonya Deville is not a new face for the NXT Universe, but her return to in-ring action was hyped for a few weeks. Formerly known as Daria Berenato, Deville has a background in MMA with an official record of 3-1. Her opponent, Rachel Evers, grew up in the wrestling business. Her father is Paul Ellering, WWE Hall of Famer and manager of the Authors of Pain.
Momentum swings back and forth between both women in the match, but Deville is able to get the last bit of offense in. Deville grabs Evers’ arm and rolls her into a Kimura lock, forcing Evers to tap out.
Announcements
At the end of last week’s NXT Women’s Championship Triple Threat Match, Asuka and Nikki Cross brawled all over the arena, leading to a no contest. Due to the inconclusive finish, William Regal has decided to schedule another rematch. Next week, Asuka will defend her title against Nikki Cross in a Last Woman Standing Match.
There is camera footage from earlier today showing an altercation between Roderick Strong and Bobby Roode. Strong arrived at the arena with his wife and newborn son, when Roode told Mrs. Strong that if she wanted to be with a “real man,” she should give him a call. Strong immediately started attacking Roode and nearby Superstars had to tear them apart. This brawl is led to William Regal making a huge announcement. In two weeks, Bobby Roode will defend the NXT Championship against Roderick Strong.
Kassius Ohno vs. Aleister Black
Kassius Ohno and Aleister Black are very different, but they have a surprising amount in common. They are both recent additions to the NXT roster, they are both very liked by the NXT Universe, and they are both known for their incredible striking ability. Both men also have an advantage over the other. Black hasn’t lost since debuting, but Ohno has previously competed for the NXT Championship.
This is as even as any match could be, and a very small window decides the finish of the match. Both men attempt their finishing strikes at the same time, and while Ohno rolls into the elbow, Black clocks him in the jaw with the Black Mass spinning kick. Winner: Aleister Black