WWE NXT
Episode 445
#WWENXT
Original Air Date: April 18, 2018
Event Date: April 11, 2018
(available on WWE Network)
City: Winter Park, FL
Venue: Full Sail University
Commentary: Mauro Ranallo, Percy Watson
Ring Announcer: Kayla Braxton
Intro Video
“Resistance” by Powerflo
Ring Area
Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae head to the ring. Gargano has been dreaming of this moment. He has overcome Ciampa, and he is back where he belongs. He thanks the fans for having his back, and he thanks Candice LeRae for being by his side. Johnny also says that he and Candice have one more piece of unfinished business. Candice takes the mic and says she will face Zelina Vega tonight. Johnny says that after ALmas and Vega are out of their lives, Johnny will be Aleister Black’s first challenger for the NXT Title.
Outside the Venue
Killian Dain says Lars Sullivan took something from him at Takeover, so Dain is going to take something from Sullivan tonight.
Match 1
Ricochet vs Fabian Aichner
(referee: Darryl Sharma)
Result: Ricochet wins via pinfall with a 630 senton
Time: 4:38
Match Thoughts
This wasn’t a squash, but it was definitely an exhibition for Ricochet. Aichner got a little offense, but it was mostly just so Ricochet could mount a small comeback on his way to a high-flying finish. As a small taste of what Ricochet can do, this was a good match.
Ring Area
Kayla Braxton asks Ricochet how he feels debuting at Full Sail. He feels great. He’s watched as many superstars made a name for themselves here, and now it’s Ricochet’s turn.
Video
A package promo for EC3.
Outside the Venue
Lars Sullivan laughs about having a match with Killian Dain tonight.
Match 2
War Raiders vs The Metro Brothers
(referee: DA Brewer)
Result: Hanson pins JC Metro after Fallout
Time: 1:51
Match Thoughts
Squash, but a fairly entertaining one.
Video
Earlier this week, Shayna Baszler showed up late to a meeting of the NXT women’s division. Baszler announces that it is her division now. She rips Ember Moon’s name from one of the lockers and replaces it with a queen of spades card. Dakota Kai walks out as Baszler asserts her dominance.
Video
Soon, everyone will be calling Kona Reeves the finest of NXT.
Outside the Venue
Pete Dunne will let everyone know what he thinks about Roderick Strong in a couple of weeks.
Match 3
No Disqualification Match
Lars Sullivan vs Killian Dain
(referee: Drake Wuertz)
Result: Lars Sullivan wins vis pinfall after a Freak Accident on a pile of chairs
Time: 10:48
Match Thoughts
Despite not really liking Lars Sullivan, I really liked this match. It was big and violent, just like both of the men fighting in it. I think Dain definitely put together the better sequences of offense, and he made Sullivan look good. With Dain moving over to SmackDown, I know Sullivan needed this win a lot more. So I’m not upset with how this turned out. Even if I was, the match was very entertaining regardless.
Video
The history of the animosity between Candice LeRae and Zelina Vega.
Backstage
The Undisputed Era talk about how great they are and have their picture taken.
Match 4
Candice LeRae vs Zelina Vega
(referee: Jessika Carr)
Result: Candice LeRae wins via submission with a Gargano Escape
Time: 3:27
Match Thoughts
This was fun. Almas came down to the ring and distracted LeRae soon after the match started, so Gargano came down to ringside as well. The match was quick and a bit chaotic, but it did what it was meant to do. It gave Gargano and LeRae some closure and allowed them to move on to the next phase in their careers. It was good to see Vega in the ring as well, even if this will be her only match in NXT now that she and Almas are on SmackDown.
Ring Area
After the match, Gargano challenges Black for the NXT Title. Aleister Black immediately comes out to the stage. Black says Gargano will get his shot next week.
Show Impressions
Good show. It wrapped up a lot of loose ends for people who are leaving NXT, and it started moving the show into new and exciting directions. I think this was a good transition show.
Match of the Night
Lars Sullivan vs Killian Dain
The main event had the most intrigue, but as far as action, the No DQ match was better. I’d be more likely to watch this match again rather than LeRae versus Vega, even though LeRae versus Vega easily made me smile more.
Official Results: http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/2018-04-18