Since NXT TakeOver: Dallas on April 1, there has not been any development in NXT (no pun intended) other than one match last week, where Apollo Crews took on Elias Samson. Tonight, NXT is back in full swing, and this episode features the NXT television debut of the biggest WWE signing in a long time, Shinsuke Nakamura.
Opening Segment
Before the show officially starts, William Regal tells the audience what is to come tonight. Along with Shinsuke Nakamura’s NXT television debut, there will be a tag team match between Tommaso Ciampa, Johnny Gargano, and The Vaudevillains. Also, we will see Bayley for the first time since she lost the NXT Women’s Championship to Asuka in Dallas.
Austin Aries vs. Angelo Dawkins
Austin Aries had an impressive debut in Dallas, when he defeated Baron Corbin, who has about a foot of height advantage. Dawkins has been in NXT for a while now, but hasn’t seen much success. A win for either of these competitors will boost their momentum in what is essentially a “new season” of NXT.
Austin Aries, also in his NXT television debut, hits Angelo Dawkins with a discus elbow to the jaw to pick up an impressive victory. Winner: Austin Aries
Backstage Segment
Samoa Joe is being interviewed backstage, and gives an update on what he plans to do next, after losing to Finn Balor in Dallas. Joe says that his warpath is going to continue next week, when he takes on Apollo Crews.
Alexa Bliss vs. Tessa Blanchard
Tessa Blanchard has not been seen much (or at all) in NXT, but she has made waves in the independent circuit as a second-generation wrestler (she is the daughter of Tully Blanchard). Alexa Bliss, however, has been very successful in her singles matches as of late, so Tessa Blanchard has quite the challenge in front of her.
After a modified sweep to Tessa Blanchard, Alexa Bliss hits the double knee attack onto a downed Blanchard for the win. Winner: Alexa Bliss
Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano vs. The Vaudevillains
Tommaso Ciampa and Johnny Gargano debuted in NXT as a tag team, competing in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic tournament. Since then, they have competed in singles competition, but are reunite as a team in this match. The Vaudevillains have seen success, winning the NXT Tag Team Championship last year in London, and just last week on Smackdown, they made their main roster debut.
Gargano attacks Aiden English outside of the ring, laving just Ciampa and Simon Gotch in the ring. Ciampa locks in a modified armbar on Simon Gotch, who has no choice but to tap out. Winners: Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano
Tucker Knight vs. Baron Corbin
Tucker Knight has been seen here and there on NXT recently, and has wound up on the losing side of some tag team matches. Baron Corbin, however, won the third annual Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal, and has been called up to the main roster, where he destroyed Dolph Ziggler.
Baron Corbin is one of the biggest Superstars on the roster, but he does not have the size advantage in this match. Tucker Knight is only a couple of inches shorter than Corbin, but has a 40 pound weight advantage on “The Lone Wolf.”
Even with the weight disadvantage, Baron Corbin hits Tucker Knight with the End of Days for the win. Winner: Baron Corbin
Backstage Segment
Enzo Amore and Colin Cassady approach American Alpha and congratulate them on their recent NXT Tag Team Championship victory. Enzo and “Big Cass” have been in NXT for quite some time, but have yet to go toe-to-toe with the current champions. Because of this, Enzo Amore and Colin Cassady challenge American Alpha to a non-title match, just to change things up.
Bayley vs. Liv Morgan
At NXT TakeOver: Dallas, Bayley’s NXT Women’s Championship title reign was ended by the undefeated Asuka. Tonight, Bayley looks to get back on track with a win tonight over Liv Morgan. Liv Morgan has not been on NXT much, other than a couple of matches over the last few months.
Bayley counters a back suplex from Liv Morgan, and hits the Bayley-to-Belly on Morgan to pick up her first victory since losing the NXT Women’s Championship. Winner: Bayley
Tye Dillinger vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
Shinsuke Nakamura made his NXT debut against Sami Zayn in what was arguably the match of the year so far in Dallas. Tonight, “The King of Strong Style” makes his television debut against “The Perfect 10.”
Tye Dillinger gets some offense in, but after not too long, Shinsuke Nakamura hits the Kinshasa running knee to pick up the win in his second-ever match in NXT. Winner: Shinsuke Nakamura
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