As Shane McMahon ushers in a “New Era” on WWE RAW and WWE SmackDown , Triple H is behind the scene at WWE NXT ushering in a “New Era” for WWE’s developmental program as well. That was on full display this week, as new NXT Champion Samoa Joe confronted former champ Finn Balor after his match. From the tag team division, the NXT Tag Team Champions American Alpha were in action, as was the “King of Strong Style” Shinsuke Nakamura. As they build towards NXT TakeOver in June, which members of the NXT roster will perform at the next TakeOver special hosted at the Full Sail University headquarters?
Last week, Samoa Joe got in the ring with former TNA Champion Eric Young. Joe gets this week off, as Balor must contend with Elias Samson. The Revival made a statement in the ring last week, and they show up this week to send a message to American Alpha in person. Austin Aries shows up to book a match against Blake and Murphy, while the NXT Women’s division is on display when Alexa Bliss takes on Paul Ellering’s daughter Rachael. Nia Jax and Bayley exchange words in a backstage segment.
Last week, @SamoaJoe made a statement that the @WWENXT Championship isn’t going ANYWHERE anytime soon… #WWENXT https://t.co/7X2OCMmPlm
— WWE Network (@WWENetwork) May 11, 2016
NOTE: The following contains the full results for the episode of WWE NXT that first aired on the WWE Network on May 11.
WWE NXT results
The following matches and segments for tonight’s episode were taped at Full Sail University on April 28.
It’s about to be a war at #NXTTakeOver ! #WWENXT https://t.co/4TnSjAaH3p
— Alex C. (@TheAlexCSports) May 12, 2016
- Finn Balor came to the ring to talk about Samoa Joe winning the NXT Championship, but Finn was interrupted by Elias Samson. After chasing off “The Drifter,” Balor was interviewed backstage. He said he had a message for Samoa Joe but said that he needed to take care of Samson first.
- The huge internet response to Eric Young’s match last week was acknowledged and the pre-recorded interview they aired made it seem as though we can expect to see more of Young in the future at NXT.
- NXT Tag Team Champions American Alpha defeated Corey Hollis & John Skyler after they hit the Grand Amplitude finisher. After the match, The Revival came out on the ramp, making it clear that they still have NXT Tag Team Championship aspirations.
- Shinsuke Nakamura gave another quirky interview backstage about Alex Riley and his “rage.”
Take it in, #NXTUniverse … The #KingOfStrongStyle @ShinsukeN is in action RIGHT NOW on @WWENetwork ! #WWENXT https://t.co/noOfT0irPU
— WWE (@WWE) May 12, 2016
- Shinsuke Nakamura pinned Alex Riley in relatively short fashion. Nakamura remains undefeated in NXT.
- Austin Aries is seen backstage telling William Regal that he wants to make an impact in NXT. Meanwhile, Blake and Murphy want a chance to prove they deserve another shot at the NXT Tag Team Championship. Next week, Austin Aries will choose a tag team partner to face the team managed by Alexa Bliss.
- Alexa Bliss pinned Rachael Ellering (daughter of Legion of Doom manager, Paul Ellering).
- As former NXT Women’s Champion, Bayley was being interviewed about her eventual rematch with Asuka, she is interrupted by Nia Jax. We learn that the two of them will go head-to-head on WWE NXT next week.
Bayley is backstage, talking about Asuka, when Nia Jax intterupts and there’s some tough talk between the two #NXT pic.twitter.com/DuC4IA31L2
— Total Wrestling Mag (@TWrestlingmag) May 12, 2016
- In the main event, Finn Balor made relatively easy work of Elias Samson. After the match, Finn Balor began talking about taking the title back from Samoa Joe, which of course brought the current champion out. But before things could get physical, NXT General Manager William Regal came out to officially announce the main event for WWE NXT TakeOver on June 8 at Full Sail University: Samoa Joe vs. Finn Balor for the NXT Championship.
For next week’s episode of WWE NXT , we know that Bayley will face off against Nia Jax and that Blake & Murphy will face Austin Aries and a mystery partner of his choosing. NXT spoilers are available for the next week or two’s worth of tapings.
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Updated NXT TakeOver Card
So far, only one match has been officially confirmed for NXT TakeOver , that being the aforementioned NXT Championship match between Joe and Balor.
@NewAgeInsiders @WRESTLEZONEcom Finn says he’s not going anywhere, says he’s staying in NXT? #NXTPoughkeepsie pic.twitter.com/w1JZeYUoGR
— Balor Club Guy (@BalorClubGuy) April 24, 2016
It is expected that American Alpha will defend the NXT Tag Team Championship at the NXT TakeOver June event and that Asuka will defend the NXT Women’s Championship. With names like Austin Aries, Shinsuke Nakamura, Carmella, and Tye Dillinger on the roster, the next NXT special from Full Sail University promises to deliver.
Where to Watch
The WWE Network airs new episodes of WWE NXT on Wednesdays at 8/7c. It is available for streaming on-demand immediately. NXT TakeOver will air exclusively on the WWE Network on June 8.
NEXT WEEK: Who will join @AustinAries in battling @TheWWEBlake & @WWE_Murphy?! #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/V8BDNDWpBJ
— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) May 12, 2016
Additionally, on Thursdays, replays of WWE NXT are available to stream on-demand with a Hulu Plus subscription.
[Photo via WWE]