September 14, 2016
Episode 354
(taped August 25, 2016)
#WWENXT
City: Winter Park, FL
Venue: Full Sail University
Commentary: Tom Phillips, Corey Graves
Ring Announcer: Andrea D’Marco
Intro Video
“Roar of the Crowd” by CFO$
Ring Area
Samoa Joe heads to the ring. Joe knows when to admit when he’s wrong. He was a disgrace as champ, but he has no regrets for what he did to get there. Joe politely but forcibly asks for Shinsuke Nakamura to comes to the ring. He does.
Joe tells Nakamura that he meant it when he said Nakamura was an undeserving contender, but he is now a worthy champion. He also tells Nakamura that he wants his rematch as soon as he is cleared to wrestle. Nakamura agrees to it. Joe goes to leave the ring, but turns around and offers his hand. Nakamura shakes it.
After Joe leaves, Nakamura takes his time and poses for the crowd. When he gets to the stage, Joe returns and attacks. He slams Nakamura onto the ring steps before walking away. William Regal comes out to check on Nakamura as the refs and medics are attending to him at ringside. Regal looks pissed as he heads to the back.
** I like the segment. I think they could have even drawn it out more, but it was fine for the attack to come here. **
Backstage
William Regal looks for Joe, but Joe just drives away.
Match 1
Liv Morgan vs Rachel Fazio
(referee: Drake Wuertz)
Result: Liv Morgan wins via submission with a front facelock
Time: 1:53
Match Thoughts
Well, the finish was better than her last one where she missed her kick, but Liv Morgan still isn’t showing a lot of progress.
Ring Area
Liv Morgan tells Rachel Fazio that she just tapped out. She also wants to fight for the Women’s title.
** She’s not much better on the mic than she is in the ring. **
Video
Another mysterious promo for “Sanity.”
Match 2
Drew Gulak vs Hideo Itami
(referee: Danilo Anfibio)
Result: Hideo Itami wins via pinfall after GTS
Time: 4:55
Match Thoughts
Good match. The intensity picked up early when Gulak slapped Itami very audibly. This was a good match between two tough guys.
Match 3
Authors of Pain w/ Paul Ellering vs Doug Sessa & Chris Payne
(referee: Eddie Orengo)
Result: Rezar pins Doug Sessa after a combination leg sweep and lariat
Time: 1:52
Match Thoughts
Squash. And the Authors of Pain seem unnecessarily rough.
Backstage
Tye Dillinger talks about taking one step back and two steps forward.
Match 4
No Way Jose vs Bobby Roode
(referee: Drake Wuertz)
Result: Bobby Roode wins via pinfall after the Glorious Drop
Time: 7:47 (1 break)
Match Thoughts
Good match. Roode never really seemed to be in trouble, but it was a solid match.
Show Impressions
This show was okay. The NXT Title development at the beginning of the show felt important and there were a couple of good matches. Some of the other segments felt a bit lacking though.
Match of the Night
No Way Jose vs Bobby Roode
This and the Itami/Gulak match were both good, but this was a little longer and felt a little more important.