WWE NXT Recap (2/17): Samoa Joe Vs. Sami Zayn Top Contender Match, Asuka, Enzo, Cass, American Alpha
Welcome to our WrestlingINC.com Live NXT Viewing Party. Please enter your ongoing feedback of tonight's show in the 'Comments' section below. Tonight's main event is a number one contender's match between Sami Zayn and Samoa Joe.
Also, be sure to check out our next edition of the Wrestling Inc Podcast, tomorrow night at 11 PM eastern!
American Alpha, Enzo Amore & Colin Cassady vs. Dash, Dawson, Blake & Murphy
Everything breaks down and the babyfaces toss the heels outside. American Alpha have some great Steiners gear on tonight. We come back from a commercial to see Gable getting worked over in the heel corner. Dash runs through Gable, and Dawson European uppercuts him.
Jordan gets the tag and dropkicks everyone, before Cass comes in and boots and side slams Blake and Murphy. Jordan and Cass are competing for hottest hot tag. Grand Amplitude hits, but Dawson breaks up the pin. He's disposed of and Enzo and Cass win with the Rocket Launcher.
Winners: Enzo Amore, Colin Cassady & American Alpha via pinfall (Rocket Launcher)
- Deonna Purrazzo, who got a WWE tryout this weekend, will face Asuka tonight. She says getting knocked out by her was a learning experience. The orange spray tan versions of Dana and Emma come in and make fun of her and say she can't do what they couldn't.
Deonna Purrazzo vs. Asuka
Asuka kicks the hell out of Deonna, then lands a sweet scissor sweep takedown. Purrazzo gets to the ropes on a kneebar attempt and tries to swing on Asuka. This only makes Asuka mad, who kicks Purrazzo and applies the Ankle Lock, leading to the ankle-trap German suplex for two. Asuka lands a sick strike combination for the win.
Winner: Asuka via pinfall
- Eva Marie and Nia Jax are in the back very clearly reading off of a teleprompter, and Nia says she would have won the battle royal if she would have been cleared to compete. They'll face Asuka & Bayley next week.
Alex Riley vs. Tye Dillinger
Alex Riley and Dillinger go back and forth fighting for an arm ringer. Alex Riley looks more like Elias Samson each week. Riley lands some strikes, but Dillinger comes back with a Thesz Press. A big right hand lands for Riley, but Dillinger rolls him up for the win.
Winner: Tye Dillinger via pinfall
- Finn Balor is backstage and talks about the respect he has for Apollo Crews. He says he'll beat whoever wins tonight.
- Baron Corbin walks into William Regal's office and says he deserves to be in the top contender's match. Regal declines, and Baron Corbin says he believes in an eye for an eye, especially when it comes to stealing.
Number One Contender's Match
Samoa Joe vs. Sami Zayn
Things start out slow, but Zayn hits an arm drag, then sends Joe outside before a commercial break. We come back to see Zayn fall victim to a big STO. Joe bullies Zayn around the ring with a series of strikes, before the ref admonishes Joe for being on the ropes. Zayn gathers himself and takes Joe down with three clotheslines. Blue Thunder Bomb lands on Joe, but he kicks out.
Joe scores his inverted atomic drop, big boot, senton combo, and it doesn't get the job done. Zayn goes for the Koji Clutch, but ends up getting powerslammed for two instead. Zayn wings some punches before tossing Joe into the corner with the Exploder. Joe applies a choke off of a Helluva kick attempt, but is in the ropes and has to break the hold. Joe is looking for a Muscle Buster but eats a Helluva kick! Zayn gets the pin but his shoulders are down too!
Official Result: Draw
The match is ruled a draw, William Regal isn't happy.