This week on NXT, we find out who the #1 contender is for Finn Balor’s NXT Championship. Sami Zayn, Baron Corbin, and Samoa Joe were all impressive last week, but only one of them will come out on top and have a shot at Finn Balor. We also see what’s next for the newly named American Alpha, and if they can overcome their challenge to Blake & Murphy.
American Alpha (Jason Jordan & Chad Gable) vs. Blake & Murphy (w/ Alexa Bliss)
Jason Jordan and Chad Gable look to make up for the fact that they weren’t nominated for 2015 Tag Team of the Year by starting this year off strong. If they can pick up a win over the former Tag Team Champions, they will make a statement. American Alpha have only had a few matches on NXT television, but they have been impressive enough to get some of the biggest crowd reactions on the roster.
Jason Jordan gets the hot tag and steamrolls Blake and Murphy. After hitting a vicious spear in the corner, he tags in Gable and they hit their back suplex double team for the win. Winners: American Alpha
Backstage Segment
Dana Brooke and Emma say nothing of too much importance other than how they think they are better than both Bayley (NXT Women’s Champion) and Carmella (#1 contender for the NXT Women’s Championship). They still have some tension with Asuka, so being better than Bayley or Carmella doesn’t really matter.
Nia Jax (w/ Eva Maire) vs. Liv Morgan
Nia Jax had a great showing against Bayley at NXT Takeover: London in a match for the NXT Women’s Championship. Other than that one match, Nia Jax has beaten every other challenger she has faced so far. Liv Morgan was last seen in the Battle Royal to determine the #1 contender for the NXT Women’s Championship. Unfortunately for Liv Morgan, she didn’t get in any offense, and after getting hit by a leg drop, Nia Jax picks up the victory. Winner: Nia Jax
Backstage Segment
Carmella responds to Dana Brooke and Emma, saying that next week she will show them who really is better when she takes on Emma. Enzo Amore and Big Cass express their anger with Dash and Dawson, and most notably, Enzo said “Punch yourself in the face or we will,” before leaving the backstage area.
Bull Dempsey vs. Alex Riley
I can’t be the only one who completely forgot that Alex Riley existed. I was surprised he still is part of the roster after doing nothing for at least a year. Some people may make fun of Bull Dempsey for his “Bull-fit” gimmick, but we have to remember that Alex Riley’s career highlight was essentially being the Miz’s stooge. Alex Riley hits a running knee to the jaw for the victory. Winner: Alex Riley
Elias Samson vs. John Skyler
“The Drifter” Elias Samson has been around for a few weeks and we know nothing about him other than the fact that he plays the guitar. While I’m sure this is an attempt at being mysterious, it just comes across as boring. John Skyler didn’t get an entrance, and is essentially wearing Triple H’s trunks, so he definitely isn’t getting the win. Proving me right, Elias Samson gets the win. Winner: Elias Samson
Backstage Segment
The Hype Bros are backstage and are talking about the new Vaudevillains videos, which are seemingly hinting a heel turn. This leads to a bunch of nonsense about their lives outside wrestling. Mojo Rawley says he’ll have Zack Ryder’s back next week against the Vaudevillains, after admitting that he watches Zack sleep.
Last week, Apollo Crews challenged Finn Balor to a match that will end cleanly, not like their last bout that ended in disqualification. It is announced that that match will happen next week on NXT.
Baron Corbin vs. Samoa Joe vs. Sami Zayn
On Raw, we found out that Roman Reigns would be in a match to determine the #1 contender for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, and pretty much anybody could have predicted that. What is great about NXT, however, is that there is no obvious winner in this match. There are no disqualifications in a triple threat match, and there can only be a winner via pinfall or submission.
Sami Zayn locks in the Sharpshooter on Baron Corbin, and Samoa Joe also had the Crossface on Corbin when Corbin tapped out. With all the confusion of who really won, NXT General Manager William Regal comes out to talk to the referee. Regal said he will review the tape, and it looks like we will find out who the #1 contender is next week. Winner: Sami Zayn/Samoa Joe
