February 17, 2016
Episode 321
(taped January 22, 2016)
City: Orlando, FL
Venue: CFE Arena
Commentary: Tom Phillips, Corey Graves
Ring Announcer: Dasha Fuentes
Video
Tonight, Sami Zayn faces Samoa Joe for the number one contender spot.
Intro Video
“Roar of the Crowd” by CFO$
Match 1
Colin Cassady & Enzo Amore & American Alpha vs Blake & Murphy w/ Alexa Bliss & Dash & Dawson (Tag Champs)
(referee: Shawn Bennett)
Result: Enzo Amore pinned Scott Dawson after a Rocket Launcher
Time: 8:25 (1 break)
Match Thoughts
Good match. It really seemed like a match between Dash & Dawson and American Alpha until the very end, but everyone contributed to make this a fun match.
Backstage
Alex Reyes asks Deonna Purrazzo about her preparations for facing Asuka. She says being knocked out was a learning experience. Dana Brooke tells her that she hasn’t learned a thing about respect. Emma asks if she’s been living under a rock.
** Meh, none of them really grabbed me with their words. I’m not sure why they have Dana Brooke talking for Emma. She’s not any better on the mic. **
Match 2
Deonna Purrazzo vs Asuka
(referee: Eddie Orengo)
Result: Asuka wins via pinfall after a series of spinning backfists and a spinning kick
Time: 2:51
Match Thoughts
Kind of a squash, but it was a fun match. Asuka destroyed Deonna. Her attack was relentless.
Backstage
Eva Marie talks about making a statement. Nia Jax said she should be number one contender.
** Neither of them really belong here. Eva Marie is still terrible at everything she does, and Nia Jax really needs more seasoning before she’ll be a viable contender. Her ring work and mic work need… work. This promo was not good. It sounded fake. **
Match 3
Tye Dillinger vs Alex Riley
(referee: Danilo Anfibio)
Result: Tye Dillinger wins via pinfall with a rollup
Time: 3:16
Match Thoughts
Pretty good match. Dillinger looked good, better than usual, and I liked the dynamic between him and Riley. Riley is taking himself way too seriously, and this is actually an interesting development in his character.
Backstage
Alex Reyes asks for Balor’s prediction for tonight’s main event. Balor first complements Crews. He then says he can’t pick a winner for tonight’s number one contender match. Regardless, he will defend his title against either of them.
Backstage
Baron Corbin tells Regal that he deserves to be in the number one contender rematch. Regal tells him that he lost and that his decision is final. Corbin says he believes in an eye for an eye and walks away.
Match 4
NXT Title Number One Contender Match
Samoa Joe vs Sami Zayn
(referee: Drake Wuertz)
Result: The match ends in a draw with both men being pinned at the same time
Time: 12:30 (1 break)
Match Thoughts
A good match with a storyline finish. I think they’ll have even better matches against each other, but there were some nice moments here. It had a nice build and was a good match between two very different athletes. The finish makes sense and I like the fact that the referee in this one was very sure of his decision, unlike the ref in the triple threat match.
Show Impressions
Not a bad show. Looking back at all the matches I actually like them more than I thought I might. Yeah, Asuka had a squash match and Alex Riley wrestled, but both of those matches were at least interesting or fun to watch. And the tag match and main event were both good.
Match of the Night
Samoa Joe vs Sami Zayn
Regardless of the finish, this was still the best match of the night. Plus, I really like Regal’s frustration face. Classic.