Tonight’s episode of NXT starts getting into the thick of things before the next announced TakeOver special in November. While the NXT Championship title picture is pretty much set, General Manager William Regal needs to continue to build the women’s division, and the tag team division.
Opening Segment
To kick off tonight’s episode of NXT, former NXT Champion Samoa Joe makes his way to the ring. Samoa Joe is reflecting on the last year, and recognizes that he have taken the low road getting to the NXT Championship. Joe ran rough shot over the entire roster, and he admitted that he did whatever it took to become the champion of the “hottest brand in the WWE Universe.” Samoa Joe then calls out the man who defeated him for the NXT Championship, Shinsuke Nakamura.
Joe says that he was wrong to call Nakamura an undeserving contender, and that the King of Strong Style is a worthy NXT Champion. He also says that whenever he is ready, he will be cashing in his rematch clause of his championship contract. Nakamura replies with a simple “You’re on,” and the two shake hands.
Nakamura starts heading to the back, but he first taunts at the stage. While Nakamura does his signature pose, Samoa Joe attacks him from behind. The assault continues down the ramp, and ends with a Uranagi onto the steel steps. Referees and officials help Nakamura onto a stretcher and take him to the back for further evaluation.
Liv Morgan vs. Rachel Fazio
Liv Morgan has had a lot of in-ring action in NXT lately, and it seems like the powers at be are focused on making Morgan a viable contender in the women’s division. Morgan has shown moments of great technique, but it could be a while before she (or any other woman on the roster for that matter) is a believable challenger for Asuka’s NXT Women’s Championship.
After a hesitation DDT, Morgan keeps the arm locked on Rachel Fazio’s neck and wrenches for a submission. Fazio has no choice but to tap out. Winner (via submission): Liv Morgan
After the match, Morgan grabs a microphone and calls out Asuka for a NXT Women’s Championship match opportunity. It is good that Morgan is confident, but she clearly does not know what she is getting into. The Women’s Champion is undefeated, defeating the likes of Nia Jax and Bayley in her path of destruction.
Drew Gulak vs. Hideo Itami
Well this one should be a barn burner. Drew Gulak was part of the WWE Cruiserweight Classic, where he made it to the second round before losing to the British technical wizard, Zack Sabre Jr. (Sabre has the ability to win the entire tournament in the two hour-long finale tonight). As Corey Graves said during this match, Gulak might not have the prettiest offense, but it hurts.
After a hesitation dropkick to Gulak in the corner, Hideo Itami listens to the fans’ “GTS” chant, and hits Gulak with the Go to Sleep. Winner: Hideo Itami
The Authors of Pain (w/Paul Ellering) vs. Local Talent
The Authors of Pain are huge. Both of them (whose names are still a mystery) weigh at least 330 pounds, and are surprisingly agile for their size. Every team that has been in their way so far has been completely destroyed, and this seems to be no different.
To end the match, the Authors of Pain hit a Russian Leg Sweep/Running Clothesline combination to pick up a quick victory. Winners: The Authors of Pain
No Way Jose vs. Bobby Roode
Tonight is Bobby Roode’s first match since competing in his WWE debut at NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn II, where he defeated Andrade “Cien” Almas. Tonight, Roode looks to take on the deceptively aggressive No Way Jose. Roode has made it his mission to make NXT “glorious,” and if he become 2-0, he might be on his way in doing so.
Bobby Roode counters No Way Jose’s baseball swing strike, and hits a lifting sit-out DDT to put away No Way Jose. Winner: Bobby Roode
