NXT Recap: April 29th 2015

NXT begins the march towards Takeover: Unstoppable on May 20, and it is already shaping up to be a typically outstanding live special on par with anything the brand has produced before. The main event for that night will be the rematch everybody wants to see, as Kevin Owens defends his NXT Championship against Sami Zayn. Their heated personal rivalry is the centerpiece of NXT currently, and Zayn would feature in the main event in a match against another man very familiar with Owens, Alex Riley.

In the night’s opening contest, the NXT Tag Team Champions were in action in a prelude to their title defense at Takeover. Blake & Murphy would face Enzo Amore & Colin Cassady in a match before they compete with the belts on the line. And the question is whether Carmella would prove a distraction for her own boys or the apparently smitten champs.

As for the remainder of the matches, Becky Lynch warms up for her clash with Sasha Banks at the live special with a match with Sarah Dawson, Bayley takes on the newest addition to the women’s division in Dana Brooke, and Hideo Itami battles Adam Rose.

Quick Results

Enzo Amore & Colin Cassady defeat Blake & Murphy
Dana Brooke defeats Bayley
Hideo Itami defeats Adam Rose
Becky Lynch defeats Sarah Dawson
Sami Zayn defeats Alex Riley by disqualification

Kevin Owens Opening Promo

The night opened with the arrival of NXT Champion Kevin Owens, who did not appear to be in the best of moods after an attack by Sami Zayn following his match with Alex Riley. Owens was not willing to elaborate too much on the microphone, and instead made it plain that he wanted his former friend to come to the ring to fight it out. This brought out General Manager William Regal, who did not wish to see his show held hostage by violence like last week, but Owens did not seem interested in his pleas.

Zayn made his appearance and was set to take Owens up on his offer, but Regal was adamant that they would not fight unless he said so. With that, he scheduled a match between the pair at Takeover: Unstoppable for the NXT Championship. This caught Owens off-guard, and he argued that Zayn, due to his lengthy absence following their previous encounter, had not done anything to merit a title opportunity.

This led to one of Zayn’s greatest promos, demonstrating his growth as an all-around performer. He talked at length about how Owens needs to prove himself in this match, because everything he’s ever accomplished has had Sami Zayn’s name right next to it. He provoked his former friend by stating that Owens has always lived in Zayn’s shadow, and then echoed his rival by pointing out that he fights for a prize, and the NXT Championship is the prize. This riled Owens enough to accept the match, and both will add another chapter in their storied rivalry on May 20.

Enzo Amore & Colin Cassady vs Blake & Murphy

The Tag Team Championships are another set of titles that will be determined at Takeover: Unstoppable, as Blake & Murphy will have to overcome a tandem that are totally not SAWFT. Enzo Amore & Colin Cassady have pushed themselves into the number one contender’s position with a number of solid victories. But, the champions’ attentions have been less focused on their opponents, but on the shapely form of Carmella. Are these mind games, or will they truly be distracted by the Queen of Staten Island in this warm-up match.

Highlights

I like how Amore during matches comes across as this lovable loser that tries his hardest but gets beaten down a lot – it suits his underdog character really well

Crowd Reaction

Fans firmly behind the Jersey natives, especially the popular underdog Amore

Crowd getting on the back of Blake for his interesting new hairstyle

Low Points

Not really much action at the beginning, could have been more in the initial damage of Amore by Blake & Murphy

Finish

Murphy spends too much time taunting Carmella, which sees him get caught by a Big Boot by Cassady, and then an aided splash from the top rope by Amore earned them a win over the champions.

This was an okay match, but it will need huge improvement at Takeover to avoid it being the worst match of the night. It just appeared as though they were working to a deadline, and Blake & Murphy didn’t do enough interesting things to work over Enzo Amore in the first half of the match. Colin Cassady is a wrecking ball and makes an impression despite a limited move-set, and their tandem’s popularity thus comes through their words and not actions. I believe that for the title match, the deciding factor will be where Carmella’s allegiance truly lies.

Rating – 2/5

Dana Brooke vs Bayley

This will be the first big test of the newest Diva in NXT, as Dana Brooke tries to prove she is the real deal against the established and popular Bayley. Last week saw Bayley lose out in the battle to become number one contender for the NXT Women’s Championship to Becky Lynch, so will be desperate to bounce back tonight. However, Brooke will be equally as motivated to triumph and show as quickly as possible that she is the Total Diva she proclaims herself to be.

Highlights

Bayley having fun with a spot where she body surfs on the back of Brooke

Brooke looks good as a heel, a little unrefined but plenty of upsides to work with

Crowd Reaction

Bayley obviously with the crowd’s backing, a situation Brooke does not seem to comprehend

“Bayley’s gonna hug you” – might be my favorite chant in NXT currently

Low Points

Not really much to note here, it was a technically good match with few mistakes

Finish

Emma distracts Bayley when she is in the ascendancy by coming out to her entrance music. This distraction allows Brooke to hit the Samoan Driver to win.

This was a good match, another signal that Dana Brooke has potential to make waves in this women’s division. She is far from the Total Diva she claims to be, but she has made a solid start as a heel. As for Bayley, a feud with Emma is a really compelling story, especially as the Aussie seems to be a natural heel for the happy-go-lucky Bayley. It is refreshing to see a divas feud not concerning the championship belt, and will make for a great story.

Rating – 2.5/5

Hideo Itami vs Adam Rose

Whilst the NXT Championship match will be the main focus of Takeover: Unstoppable, the show will also look towards the future of the title and its next challenger. William Regal announced that there would be a Triple Threat match to determine the next challenger for whoever walks out of the Owens/Zayn match champion, which will feature Hideo Itami, Tyler Breeze and Finn Balor. The Japanese superstar would look to build momentum for that match against the host of the Exotic Express, Adam Rose.

Highlights

Itami looking strong throughout is a good sign to see, using his strong kicks at every opportunity

Rose dropping Itami hard on the back of his head from the ring apron

Crowd Reaction

Audience firmly behind Itami and chanting wildly for the International Sensation

Low Points

Very short match with very few standout moments

Finish

Itami connects with the Shotgun Kick to defeat Rose.

A short, forgettable match. There was nothing particularly special about it, it was kept to a brief amount of time and doesn’t have a great deal of consequence. This was merely a simple way of getting Hideo Itami momentum before the triple threat match, and he has proven more than enough that he can and will produce when the time calls for it. I really like his chances in that match.

Rating – 2/5

Becky Lynch vs Sarah Dawson

The NXT Women’s Championship will be on the line at Takeover: Unstoppable, as the fiery Irishwoman Becky Lynch gets her chance to capture her first title from Sasha Banks. The Boss clearly will not let go of her firm grip of the belt without a significant fight, and so Lynch will need to bring her best to dethrone the champ. In this match with independent wrestler Sarah Dawson, the redhead will be looking to show her opponent and the fans that she will walk out of Takeover with a title around her waist.

Highlights

Lynch matrix sliding out of a pinning predicament is always a cool spot

Crowd Reaction

The fans fairly evenly split between the two athletes, with Dawson reasonably well-known by the smart NXT audience

Low Points

A very short squash, with the only real goal of displaying the best of Lynch’s abilities

Finish

Lynch locks in an armbar on Dawson, forcing her to submit

Not much of a match, more of an exhibition to build up Becky Lynch before her match with Sasha Banks. Sarah Dawson performed her role to the best of her ability, but she didn’t have a chance to get in much offense besides some pin attempts. Besides that, it was a demonstration of Lynch’s dominance and torturous submission holds, and Banks had better take note because she won’t hold onto her belt without a fight.

Rating – 2/5

Sami Zayn vs Alex Riley

Please accept YouTube cookies to play this video. By accepting you will be accessing content from YouTube, a service provided by an external third party.

YouTube privacy policy

If you accept this notice, your choice will be saved and the page will refresh.

The main event of the evening saw a battle between two people that have Kevin Owens firmly in their crosshairs. Sami Zayn will fight his former best friend over the NXT Championship at Takeover: Unstoppable, and this situation angered Alex Riley, who was desperate to get one more crack at defeating the man who has caused him nothing but anguish for the past few months. So, their shared hatred of Owens brought them together for a match, with Riley wanting to prove himself worthy of a final chance.

Highlights

Owens on commentary is absolutely incredible – he really makes you listen to what he’s saying without detracting much from the action in the ring

Riley looking very good for someone who only returned to active competition a few months prior – his maneuvers are very crisp

Sami Zayn soaring over the top rope onto Riley

Crowd Reaction

The fans showing more support for Zayn, but it’s nice to see them pop for Riley as well

Low Points

Just the fact that this match was pretty short – this would make a very good match with more time

Finish

Owens attacks Zayn, causing a disqualification. With Zayn laid out on the ramp, Owens powerbombs Riley against the ring apron.

This could end up being a really interesting match-up should it one day be given more time to play out. However, it proved to be a fitting way to progress the main feud leading into Takeover, whilst simultaneously curtail Kevin Owens’ current feud with Alex Riley. With the former commentator now out of action indefinitely, the full focus can be placed upon Owens and Sami Zayn, and what is sure to be an intriguing match for the NXT Championship.

Rating – 3/5

Cookie	Description
_pxvid	This cookie is used for detection of the browser and distinguishing whether it is a real user or malicious bot.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-advertisement	The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Advertisement".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics	This cookies is set by GDPR Cookie Consent WordPress Plugin. The cookie is used to remember the user consent for the cookies under the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-non-necessary	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Non Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance	This cookie is used to keep track of which cookies the user have approved for this site.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-preferences	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Preferences".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-uncategorized	The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Uncategorized".
CraftSessionId	This cookie name is associated with the Craft web content management system, where is functions as an anonymous session identifier.
csrftoken	This cookie is associated with Django web development platform for python. Used to help protect the website against Cross-Site Request Forgery attacks
DSID	To note specific user identity. Contains hashed/encrypted unique ID.
JSESSIONID	Used by sites written in JSP. General purpose platform session cookies that are used to maintain users' state across page requests.
PHPSESSID	This cookie is native to PHP applications. The cookie is used to store and identify a users' unique session ID for the purpose of managing user session on the website. The cookie is a session cookies and is deleted when all the browser windows are closed.
viewed_cookie_policy	The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.

Cookie	Description
b30msc
btc
CMST
cref
d
gpl
i
icts
ig_did
mdata
na_rn
na_sc_e
na_sr
na_srp
session_depth
visitor-id

Cookie	Description
__gads	This cookie is set by Google and stored under the name dounleclick.com. This cookie is used to track how many times users see a particular advert which helps in measuring the success of the campaign and calculate the revenue generated by the campaign. These cookies can only be read from the domain that it is set on so it will not track any data while browsing through another sites.
__stid	The cookie is set by ShareThis. The cookie is used for site analytics to determine the pages visited, the amount of time spent, etc.
_ga	This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to calculate visitor, session, camapign data and keep track of site usage for the site's analytics report. The cookies store information anonymously and assigns a randoly generated number to identify unique visitors.
_gat_gtag_UA_60765351_1	Google uses this cookie to distinguish users.
_gid	This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to store information of how visitors use a website and helps in creating an analytics report of how the wbsite is doing. The data collected including the number visitors, the source where they have come from, and the pages viisted in an anonymous form.
ad-id	Provided by amazon-adsystem.com for tracking user actions on other websites to provide targeted content
demdex	This cookie is set under the domain demdex.net and is used by Adobe Audience Manager to help identify a unique visitor across domains.
DigiTrust.v1.identity	Registers data on visitors’ website-behaviour. This is used for internal analysis and website optimization.
dmvk	This cookie is set by DailyMotion who display videos, it registers statistical data of visitors' behaviour on the website.
gid	This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to store information of how visitors use a website and helps in creating an analytics report of how the wbsite is doing. The data collected including the number visitors, the source where they have come from, and the pages viisted in an anonymous form.
GPS	This cookie is set by Youtube and registers a unique ID for tracking users based on their geographical location
is_unique	This cookie is set by StatCounter to determine how people are using the website
is_visitor_unique	This cookie is set by StatCounter to determine how people are using the website
sc_is_visitor_unique	This cookie is set by StatCounter to determine how people are using the website
v1st	This is set by DailyMotion to display videos.

Cookie	Description
__asc	This cookie is used to collect information on consumer behavior, which is sent to Alexa Analytics.
__auc	This cookie is used to collect information on consumer behavior, which is sent to Alexa Analytics.
__qca	This cookie is associated with Quantcast and is used for collecting anonymized data to analyze log data from different websites to create reports that enables the website owners and advertisers provide ads for the appropriate audience segments.
_cc_aud	The cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net. The purpose of the cookie is to collect statistical information in an anonymous form about the visitors of the website. The data collected include number of visits, average time spent on the website, and the what pages have been loaded. These data are then used to segment audiences based on the geographical location, demographic, and user interest provide relevant content and for advertisers for targeted advertising.
_cc_cc	The cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net. The purpose of the cookie is to collect statistical information in an anonymous form about the visitors of the website. The data collected include number of visits, average time spent on the website, and the what pages have been loaded. These data are then used to segment audiences based on the geographical location, demographic, and user interest provide relevant content and for advertisers for targeted advertising.
_cc_dc	The cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net. The purpose of the cookie is to collect statistical information in an anonymous form about the visitors of the website. The data collected include number of visits, average time spent on the website, and the what pages have been loaded. These data are then used to segment audiences based on the geographical location, demographic, and user interest provide relevant content and for advertisers for targeted advertising.
_cc_id	The cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net. The purpose of the cookie is to collect statistical information in an anonymous form about the visitors of the website. The data collected include number of visits, average time spent on the website, and the what pages have been loaded. These data are then used to segment audiences based on the geographical location, demographic, and user interest provide relevant content and for advertisers for targeted advertising.
_kuid_	The cookie is set by Krux Digital under the domain krxd.net. The cookie stores a unique ID to identify a returning user for the purpose of targeted advertising.
_px2	This cookie is set by PerimeterX who provide security analyst oversight.
_pxff_tm	This cookie is set by PerimeterX who provide security analyst oversight.
_pxhd	This cookie is set by PerimeterX who provide security analyst oversight.
ab	This cookie is generally provided by agkn.com and is used for advertising purposes.
ad-privacy	Provided by amazon-adsystem.com for tracking user actions on other websites to provide targeted content to the users.
ayl_visitor	This cookie registers data on the visitor. The information is used to optimize advertisement relevance.
bafp	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bafp_t	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_pl	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_rf_8b2087b102c9e3e5ffed1c1478ed8b78	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_rt_8b2087b102c9e3e5ffed1c1478ed8b78	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_t_8b2087b102c9e3e5ffed1c1478ed8b78	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_td_2d31c94105a0aa6d1ceaea0c86c6b656	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bito	This cookie is generally provided by bidr.io and is used for advertising purposes.
bitoIsSecure	This cookies are generally provided by bidr.io and is used for advertising purposes.
bsc	The cookies is set by ownerIQ for the purpose of providing relevant advertisement
CMID	This cookie is linked to advertising and tracking the products users were looking at.
CMPRO	This cookie is linked to advertising and tracking the products users were looking at.
CMPS	This cookie is linked to advertising and tracking the products users were looking at.
dc_id	This cookie is used to deliver adverts more relevant to you and your interests. They are also used to limit the number of times you see an advertisement as well as help measure the effectiveness of the advertising campaign. They are usually placed by advertising networks with the website operator's permission. They remember that you have visited a website and this information is shared with other organisations such as advertisers.
did	The purpose of the cookie is to identify a visitor to serve relevant advertisement.
didts	The purpose of the cookie is to identify a visitor to serve relevant advertisement.
dpm	The cookie is set by demdex.net. This cookie assigns a unique ID to each visiting user that allows third-party advertisers target that users with relevant ads.
eud	This cookie is from Rocket Fuel and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
euds	This cookie is from Rocket Fuel and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
everest_g_v2	The cookie is set under eversttech.net domain. The purpose of the cookie is to map clicks to other events on the client's website.
evo5_popin_instance	Prevents an interaction from reoccurring for visitors not accepting 3rd party cookies.
id	This cookie is set by DoubleClick (which is owned by Google) to build a profile of the website visitor's interests and show relevant ads on other sites.
IDE	Used by Google DoubleClick and stores information about how the user uses the website and any other advertisement before visiting the website. This is used to present users with ads that are relevant to them according to the user profile.
io.narrative.guid.v2	This cookie is generally provided by io.narrative.io and is used for advertising purposes.
KADUSERCOOKIE	This cookie is generally provided by pubmatic.com and is used for advertising purposes.
KTPCACOOKIE	This cookie is generally provided by pubmatic.com and is used for advertising purposes.
matchliveramp	This cookie is provided by w55c.net and is used for advertising purposes.
mc	This cookie is associated with Quantserve to track anonymously how a user interact with the website.
mxpim	This cookie is generally provided by mxptint.net for advertising purposes.
na_tc	This is a Social Media sharing tracking cookie.
NID	This cookie is used to a profile based on user's interest and display personalized ads to the users.
nnls	The purpose of the cookie is to identify a visitor to serve relevant advertisement.
pxrc	The purpose of the cookie is to identify a visitor to serve relevant advertisement.
pxvid	This cookie is set by PerimeterX who provide security analyst oversight.
rlas3	The cookie is set by rlcdn.com. The cookie is used to serve relevant ads to the visitor as well as limit the time the visitor sees an and also measure the effectiveness of the campaign.

Cookie	Description
__jid	Cookies set on the website by the third-party commenting platform Disqus.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional
disqus_unique	These cookies are set by Disqus so that users can comment on website/platform.
G_ENABLED_IDPS	The cookie is used by Google and is used for Google Single Sign On.
mid	The cookie is set by Instagram. The cookie is used to distinguish users and to show relevant content, for better user experience and security.
na_id	This cookie is set by Addthis.com to enable sharing of links on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter
ouid	The cookie is set by Addthis which enables the content of the website to be shared across different networking and social sharing websites.
ov	This is a generic functional cookie that provides enhanced functionality and personalisation.
ts	This cookie is generally provided by PayPal and supports payment services in the website.
vuid	These cookies are used by the Vimeo video player on websites.

NXT Recap: April 29th 2015

Kevin Owens Opening Promo

Enzo Amore & Colin Cassady vs Blake & Murphy

Highlights

Crowd Reaction

Low Points

Finish

Dana Brooke vs Bayley

Highlights

Crowd Reaction

Low Points

Finish

Hideo Itami vs Adam Rose

Highlights

Crowd Reaction

Low Points

Finish

Becky Lynch vs Sarah Dawson

Highlights

Crowd Reaction

Low Points

Finish

Sami Zayn vs Alex Riley

Highlights

Crowd Reaction

Low Points

Finish

You might also like

FIND THE TOPICS YOU WANT...

Recommended for you