WWE NXT
Episode 496
#WWENXT
Original Air Date: March 13, 2019
Event Date: February 20, 2019
(available on the WWE Network)
City: Winter Park, FL
Venue: Full Sail University
Commentary: Mauro Ranallo, Nigel McGuinness, Percy Watson
Ring Announcer: Kayla Braxton
Video
Moustache Mountain, The Forgotten Sons, #DIY, and Aleister Black & Ricochet have made it to the second round of the Dusty Classic. Tonight, the semifinals will be decided.
Intro Video
“Resistance” by Powerflo
Match 1
Dusty Rhodes Tag Classic Semifinal Match
Moustache Mountain vs Steve Cutler & Wesley Blake w/ Jaxson Ryker
(referee: Eddie Orengo)
Result: Steve Cutler pins Tyler Bate after a tandem reverse DDT (Blake) and diving stomp (Cutler)
Time: 9:39
Match Thoughts
Good match. Tyler Bate was definitely the star of the match. He was all over the place, and he took on Cutler and Blake pretty much by himself for a long portion of the match. The Forgotten Sons effectively took Seven out of the match by focusing on his knee for a while, so Bate had to do everything he could to keep Moustache Mountain in the fight. I could see the finish coming in this match, and even though I wanted the finish to go the other way, the action leading up to the finish was all good.
Backstage
Cathy Kelley welcomes Matt Riddle. Riddle talks about confronting Velveteen Dream last week, but Adam Cole walks up and interrupts. Cole says Riddle doesn’t deserve a North American Title shot. Besides, Cole will be the next champ. Riddle challenges Cole to back up his words in the ring.
Match 2
NXT Women’s Title Number One Contender Match
Io Shirai vs Bianca Belair
(referee: Jessika Carr; guest commentary: Shayna Baszler)
Result: the match ends in a No Contest when Shayna Baszler attacks Io Shirai and Bianca Belair
Time: 5:27
Match Thoughts
This was good, but it was cut fairly short by outside interference. I think Belair and Shirai could definitely have a very entertaining match. This was a nice preview of that.
Ring Area
After the match, with Shirai down on the floor, Shayna BASzler puts Bianca Belair in the Kirifuda Clutch. Kairi Sane come out and runs to the ring, but Baszler quickly puts her in the Kirifuda Clutch as well. As Baszler holds Sane, Shirai gets back in the ring and attacks Baszler. Baszler is sent to the floor, but as Shirai checks on Sane, Baszler returns and puts Shirai in the Kirifuda Clutch. Baszler stands tall as Belair, Sane, and Shirai are all down on the mat.
Backstage
Ricochet and Aleister Black prepare for their upcoming match.
Outside the Venue
Shayna Baszler tells Cathy Kelley that none of the women she put to sleep tonight deserve a title shot. Cathy informs Shayna that William Regal has decided she will face all three women in a Fatal Four Way Title match. Shayna isn’t happy.
Match 3
Dusty Rhodes Tag Classic Semifinal Match
Ricochet & Aleister Black vs #DIY
(referee: Darryl Sharma)
Result: Ricochet pins Tommaso Ciampa after a 630 senton
Time: 13:28
Match Thoughts
Great match. Everyone looked great, and both teams worked very well with each other. The pace was fast right from the start, and it never really let up. The final sequence leading up to the finish had some story elements to it, but it was all done through the action which didn’t distract from the match. It was very well done.
Ring Area
As Ricochet and Black leave after the match, Candice LeRae runs down to check on Johnny who is still sitting down at ringside. Johnny seems to have a problem with his knee, and even though Ciampa doesn’t look happy, he helps Gargano to his feet. Gargano leans on Ciampa as they walk up the ramp together with LeRae.
When they make it to the stage, Gargano falls forward. Ciampa helps Gargano up again. Ciampa tries to slam Gargano into the LED board behind the stage, but Gargano blocks the attempt. Gargano smiles and throws Ciampa into the LED board instead. Gargano shows everyone that his knee is perfectly fine. Then. Gargano superkicks Ciampa. With Ciampa down, Gargano and LeRae celebrate their cunning ruse.
Show Impressions
A very good show. The matches were entertaining, and the story bits were nice. Even though I’m still not 100% on board with “do anything to win” Johnny, seeing him attack Ciampa felt good. And even though I’d prefer a one on one match for the Women’s Title, a fatal four way will be fun.
Match of the Night
Black & Ricochet vs DIY
These are four of the best right now, so of course this was a great match.
Official Results: https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/2019-03-13