March 2, 2016
Episode 323
(taped January 22, 2016)
#WWENXT
City: Orlando, FL
Venue: CFE Arena
Commentary: Tom Phillips, Corey Graves
Ring Announcer: Dasha Fuentes
Video
Tonight Finn Balor will face Neville.
Intro Video
“Roar of the Crowd” by CFO$
Match 1
The Vaudevillains vs Hugo Knox & Tucker Knight
(referee: Drake Wuertz)
Result: Aiden English pins Tucker Knight after a Whirling Dervish
Time: 3:31
Match Thoughts
This match mostly consisted of Knox getting beat up. Knight eventually got the tag, got a couple of moves, then took a Whirling Dervish. Squash.
Backstage
Alex Reyes asks Emma and Dana Brooke about Asuka defeating Deonna Purrazzo. They aren’t surprised. Also, Emma will embarrass her opponent tonight. Then Dana pats Reyes on the head.
Video
A look at Finn Balor.
Earlier Today
Cass and Enzo are upset that The Revival attacked Enzo in the parking lot (as seen last week).
Earlier Today
Dash & Dawson are also upset about being attacked. Apparently.
Match 2
Emma w/ Dana Brooke vs Santana Garrett
(referee: Danilo Anfibio)
Result: Emma wins via submission with the Emma Lock
Time: 5:37
Match Thoughts
Not a bad match, but it was kind of a squash.
Backstage
William Regal treats Eva Marie and Nia Jax like the stars they are. By setting up a match between them and the team of Bayley and Asuka.
Ring Area
William Regal introduces NXT’s newest acquisition: Austin Aries. Baron Corbin promptly attacks Aries before he can even make it into the ring. Apparently Corbin is still upset about no longer having a chance at the number one contender spot.
Match 3
Steve Cutler vs Elias Samson
(referee: Eddie Orengo)
Result: Elias Samson wins via pinfall with a swinging neckbreaker
Time: 3:04
Match Thoughts
A pretty average Elias Samson match. Another squash.
Backstage
Mojo Rawley tells Zack Ryder that maybe they should take The Vaudevillains more seriously. Ryder agrees. English and Gotch were listening and smile as the Hype Bros leave.
Video
A look at Neville.
Match 4
Neville vs Finn Balor (NXT Champ)
(referee: Shawn Bennett)
Result: Finn Balor wins via pinfall after a Coup De Grace and a lifting single underhook DDT
Time: 14:40 (1 break)
Match Thoughts
As expected, this was a great match. They had time to build the action up, and it built nice and evenly over the course of the match. There were nice reversals, counters, and a little high flying. Everything you would expect from these two guys. It’s nice to see Neville in an NXT ring where he’s allowed to show what he can do.
Backstage
Alex Reyes has both Joe and Zayn in the interview area. Joe calls Zayn ungrateful. Zayn thinks it’s funny that Joe is talking about gratitude.
Show Impressions
The highlight of the show was the main event, and that’s really the only thing worth watching. The other matches were all one-sided squashes, the interviews were fine but hardly must-see, and Austin Aries’ debut was brief enough that I expect we’ll be seeing it pretty much in it’s entirety in replays over the next few weeks.
Match of the Night
Neville vs Finn Balor
Probably the best NXT match in a while. It’s a shame it had to be on a mostly forgettable episode.