WWE NXT
Episode 444
#WWENXT
Original Air Date: April 11, 2018
Event Date: April 7, 2018
City: New Orleans, LA
Venue: Smoothie King Center
Commentary: Mauro Ranallo, Percy Watson, Nigel McGuinness
Ring Announcer: Mike Rome
Video
This past Saturday, new champions were crowned at Takeover: New Orleans. Also, Johnny Gargano overcame Tommaso Ciampa and earned his way back onto the NXT roster.
Intro Video
“Resistance” by Powerflo
Match 1
Kairi Sane vs Lacey Evans
(referee: Darryl Sharma)
Result: Kairi Sane wins via pinfall after an Insane Elbow
Time: 7:44 (1 break)
Match Thoughts
Good match. I’m not a huge fan of Lacey Evans yet, but she did well here. This was a very good match for Kairi Sane too. She showed heart and resilience in the face of adversity by mounting a comeback and doing it in her own exciting style.
Video
The first ever NXT North American champion was crowned at Takeover as Adam Cole survived and excelled in the 6 Man Ladder match.
Video
At Takeover, Roderick Strong turned on Pete Dunne and joined the Undisputed Era, securing their win in the Tag Title match.
Backstage
Cathy Kelley asks Adam Cole if he can explain Roderick Strong’s actions. Strong whispers something to Cole, and the Undisputed Era walks away without saying a word to Cathy.
Backstage
After RAW, Mike Rome asked Akam and Rezar why they left Paul Ellering. AoP says this isn’t about Ellering. Ellering walks up, and he wants answers. He doesn’t really get any, and AoP walks away from Ellering again.
Video
A recap of the Gargano/Ciampa match.
Backstage
Kayla Braxton congratulates Shayna Baszler on her title victory. Baszler isn’t impressed by Braxton’s well wishes. This isn’t a bandwagon. She knows who has supported her from the beginning.
Backstage from RAW
Mike Rome asks Ember Moon about her RAW debut. Moon regrets leaving NXT with Baszler at the top, but she knows the NXT women’s division will dethrone her.
Video
A recap of the Almas/Black NXT Title match.
Match 2
Heavy Machinery vs Riddick Moss & Tino Sabbatelli
(referee: Tom Castor)
Result: the match ends in a No Contest when the War Raiders attack
Time: 6:08 (1 break)
Match Thoughts
This was pretty good, but it was mostly just an excuse to introduce War Machine, or as they’re now being called, the War Raiders. Up until they interfered, Heavy Machinery looked good and fun as usual.
Show Impressions
There was only one real match (Sane vs Evans), but at least it was good. The rest of the show was a recap of Takeover. For that it was fine, but this was a mostly missable show. Watch the first match of the night, then just check social media for any clips of interviews.
Match of the Night
Kairi Sane vs Lacey Evans
Good match, and hopefully the real beginning of a nice run for Kairi.
Official Results: http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/2018-04-11