On last week’s episode of NXT, we saw the debut of a surprise signee, Eric Young. Young made his name in TNA, and last week, he took on fellow TNA veteran, NXT Champion Samoa Joe. Young would lose the match, but would prove that he can hang with the best, and that he belongs in NXT. We also saw key victories for Nia Jax, Austin Aries, and No Way Jose.
Tonight, Finn Balor appears for the first time since losing his NXT Championship to Samoa Joe at a house show in Lowell, Massachusetts. What Balor’s plan is is unknown, but it will sure be interesting. Even more interesting considering that he can be called up to the main roster at any time with his Bullet Club comrades, Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows, showing up on Raw.
In-ring Segment
Finn Balor kicks things off by cutting a promo in the ring. He starts talking about his multiple championship matches with Samoa Joe when he is interrupted by Elias Samson singing a song. As expected, the crowd chants “Drift away” at the Drifter. Balor knocks Samson out of the ring and throws his guitar at him. Later tonight, Balor and Samson will face each other in the main event.
Corey Hollis & John Skyler vs. American Alpha
Hollis and Skyler have been on NXT frequently as of late, but they have not found much success. Just like Tessa Blanchard, they have been prominently featured as enhancement talent. With their opponents being the NXT Tag Team Champions, that chances of winning for Hollis and Skyler are pretty slim.
Hollis and Skyler are pretty small guys compared to American Alpha (at least Jason Jordan), so it is a great chance for them to show off their move set. The Revival appear at the entrance ramp, which distracts Chad Gable and Jordan briefly, but to no avail. Jordan sets his sights back on his opponents, and tags in Gable for Grand Amplitude and the victory. Winners: American Alpha
Alex Riley vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
Alex Riley has tried to gain some traction in NXT, but after defeating Elias Samson, he has been on a downward spiral. He lost to Tye Dillinger a couple of weeks ago, and now he has to face the biggest signing in recent memory: Shinsuke Nakamura. Riley’s chances are even slimmer when considering the fact that he was part of the eight people released this past Thursday (including Damien Sandow and Wade Barrett).
Alex Riley and his “rage” are not enough to stop Nakamura. The King of Strong Style hits an inverted exploder suplex, followed by Kinshasa (running knee to the jaw) on Riley to further improve his undefeated streak. Winner: Shinsuke Nakamura
Backstage Segment
Austin Aries is talking to William Regal about his position in the company when he is interrupted by Blake, Murphy, and Alexa Bliss. Blake and Murphy want another shot at the Tag Team Championships, but after they argue with Aries, Regal comes up with an idea. Next week, Blake and Murphy will face Austin Aries and a tag team partner of his choosing.
Alexa Bliss vs. Rachel Ellering
Rachel Ellering is making her NXT debut, and she is the daughter of Road Warriors manager Paul Ellering, and a powering lifting medalist. She takes on Alexa Bliss, who has been on a roll as of late. Bliss defeated Tessa Blanchard (daughter of WWE Hall of Famer Tully Blanchard) a couple of weeks ago, and a victory over Ellering would give her a second win over a second-generation Superstar.
Bliss delivers a choking STO on Ellering, followed up by the Sparkle Spash from the top rope to pick up the victory. Winner: Alexa Bliss
Finn Balor vs. Elias Samson
Both of these competitors are coming off of tough losses in their last respective matches. The last time we saw Samson, he lost to Shinsuke Nakamura. The last time we saw Balor, he defeated Samoa Joe at NXT TakeOver: Dallas, but between then and now he lost to Joe at the house show mentioned above.
After a brutal dropkick into the corner, Balor hits 1916 (butterfly/double underhook brainbuster) on Samson for the win. Winner: Finn Balor
After the match, Balor grabs a microphone and he wants his rematch against Samoa Joe. Samoa Joe makes his way down to the ring, and before chaos ensues, William Regal interrupts both of them. Regal announces that at the next TakeOver at Full Sail University, there will be a rematch for the NXT Championship.
