WWE NXT Recap (12/14): Steel Cage NXT Championship Match, No. 1 Contender Qualifying Matches, More

Thank you for joining WrestlingInc's recap of this week's WWE NXT. Tonight will feature another rematch between Samoa Joe and Shinsuke Nakamura for the NXT Championship, but this time from a steel cage.

- NXT opens with a look at last week's match and Nakamura's journey back to Japan. Nakamura was victorious in his homecoming, becoming two-time NXT Champion.

- Not wasting any time as we go straight to the NXT Championship match. The cage is lowered and the participants enter the steel structure, both to great reactions from the crowd.

Samoa Joe vs. Shinsuke Nakamura (C) (NXT Championship Match)

They get the spotlight treatment as they're introduced to give it the big match feel. They size each other up early on. Nakamura with a single leg take down, but Joe able to block and regains a base. They stay locked up on the ropes since there are no 5-count break ups in a cage match. Nakamura showboats a bit and is feeling some good vibrations. Joe picks up the champ and tosses him back first into the cage. Joe then pins Nakamura to the cage with a big splash. Joe opts to not escape with the champ down. Nakamura fights back with a flurry of strikes via elbow and knee. Joe able to block multiple submissions, but not the big German Suplex from Nakamura. Shinsuke lines up for a Kinshasa, but is met by a power slam from the challenger. Both men duking it out in the middle of the ring with the boo/yay strike spots. Joe locks in a Coquina Clutch from a standing position. Nakamura slips out and uses his knees to his advantage once again. Nakamura turns over into a cover but Joe out at two.

Nakamura looking to escape the cage, but Joe joins him on the top and preps for a Muscle Buster from the second rope, but Nakamura able to block and hit a power bomb although not cleanly. Shinsuke balances himself on the middle of the top rope and hits a springboard Kinshasa, but unable to make a cover. Joe looks to be busted open as the official reaches for the gloves. Nakamura has an option to head out of the cage, but says no. He opts to close the cage and nails another Kinshasa. Joe back up, and Nakamura seals the deal with a third and definitive Kinshasa. One, two, three, and the champ retains.

Winner via Pinfall: Shinsuke Nakamura

- We take a look at the 8-man tournament that will take place tonight. Winners go into a fatal four-way for the number one contendership to Nakamura's NXT Championship.

- We're back at Full Sail for the remainder of the episode. Percy Watson joins the gang once again on commentary. Let's go right back to the ring for more action.

- A look back at the six-woman tag featuring Daria, Billie Kay, and Peyton Royce. The Aussie duet are backstage with Dasha and say they didn't lose their match, Daria did. The former MMA fighter confronts Kay and Royce and says she doesn't want to be part of their future plans, but does want hurt one of them next week.

Tye Dillinger vs. Eric Young (Fatal 4-Way Qualifier)

Another three person version of Sanity as they write Fulton off TV due to injury. The Perfect 10 has his work cut out for him in the numbers game, but ten is greater than three. Young goes right after the in-ring vet, but Dillinger turns the tables. Wolfe and Cross are great at ringside reaction to Dillinger's offense. He stomps a mudhole in EY, lowers the knee brace, and Wolfe tries to cause a distraction. He sets it up again, but Cross comes in to attack and causes the DQ. Dillinger able to clean house but is attacked from behind by Damo. SAnitY and Damo have a quick stare-off before ending the segment.

Winner via Disqualification: Tye Dillinger

- We head straight into the next qualifying match.

No Way Jose vs. Andrade "Cien" Almas (Fatal 4-Way Qualifier)

Almas going Rico Suave with some new pyro and formal wear. I an enjoy a smug heel Almas. Jose with a great reaction as usual as the bell rings. Almas with a tight side headlock. They trade poses and dance moves into a whip counter fest until Jose gets the upper hand. Helicopter spin from Jose. Almas pulling no punches now as he rakes Jose's face on the top rope. Sliding kick from Almas for a quick cover and kick out. Jose throws some mean rights and takes Almas town with a hip toss. Almas initially counters the pitch, but Jose pops him up for a big right instead. Big kick from Almas, winds Jose up, and hits his under hook DDT for the win.

Winner via Pinfall: Andrade "Cien" Almas

- "The Drifter" and his out of tune guitar are on stage getting white hot go-away heat in preparation for his qualifying match.

Elias Samson vs. Roderick Strong (Fatal 4-Way Qualifier)

Samson met with "drift away" chants as he's met with a kick from Strong. Trademark back breaker from Strong. Samson able to get Strong to the ropes and get a shot in before the break. Samson hangs Strong in the tree of woe and heads to the outside to stretch (arm) Strong's neck toward the ring post. Samson's bandannas either make a chin lock more comfortable or suffocating. Strong back up and with a full head of steam. Drop kick, knee, forearm, gut buster, and single-leg kick to the vocal cords landing him in the victory circle.

Winner via Pinfall: Roderick Strong

- Oney Lorcan takes on the Glorious Bobby Roode after the break.

- Billie Kay takes on Daria next week on NXT.

Oney Lorcan vs. Bobby Roode (Fatal 4-Way Qualifier)

Nice reception for the Boston product Lorcan, as Roode's robe now matches his entrance graphics. Style differential about as much as the tan differential in this one. They chain wrestle a bit before Roode does some dancing and playful slaps to Lorcan. Not a smart move as Lorcan absolutely lays in an uppercut and back elbows. They're up top now as Lorcan hooks in Roode, but the glorious one fight him off and gently climbs down. He stomps away at Lorcan and slams him head first onto the apron. He then uses the ring apron to his advantage covering Lorcan's eyes before delivering a strike. Back in the ring, Lorcan uses a back slide for a near fall and lands a combo of big strikes. Clotheslines to the corner, Roode ducks, Lorcan rebounds for a running blockbuster. Cover for a two and a half. Lorcan goes for another blockbuster but met by a Roode spine buster. He hooks Lorcan for the Glorious DDT and the win.

Winner via Pinfall: Bobby Roode

- Your four qualifiers for next week's fatal four-way elimination match for the number one contendership are Bobby Roode, Roderick Strong, Andrade "Cien" Almas, and Tye Dillinger.

- Roode checks his lip after a slight cut from one of Lorcan's vicious strikes. He celebrates up the ramp as NXT goes off the air.