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  • NXT TakeOver live results: Samoa Joe vs. Finn Balor cage match; Nakamura vs. Austin Aries

    While it might not be “The End” of NXT, tonight’s TakeOver show from Full Sail University in Florida will likely be the end of one of the longest and most entertaining rivalries in NXT history as Samoa Joe and Finn Balor will battle in a first for NXT: a steel cage match.

    Also on the show, Nakamura and Austin Aries look to advance to the next step in their respective NXT runs while NXT tag champions American Alpha are hoping this will be the end of their multi-month run against The Revival. NXT women’s champion Asuka looks to make a statement as she battles Nia Jax for the first time with the belt on the line, and Andrade Cien Almas finally makes his TV debut after months working NXT house shows, winning over crowds.

    Join us at 8 PM EST for NXT TakeOver: The End, live on WWE Network. Before you do, check out this preview, as well as today’s Wrestling Observer Live.

    **********

    Andrade Cien Almas vs. Tye Dillinger

    Almas won his debut in a hot five minute match. This was similar to Apollo Crews’ debut last August in that it was a more competitive match than most NXT debuts have been over the years. The fans at one point did dueling chants of “He’s 100” and “Perfect 10” as it was mentioned that Cien means one hundred in Spanish.

    There was a hot move where Andrade went for a moonsault, but Dillinger rolled out of the way. However, Andrade landed on his feet and immediately hit a standing moonsault to Dillinger. Dillinger got several near falls, including one after a superkick when Andrade was upside down on the top rope. In the end, Almas won with a running double knees in the corner while Dillinger was sitting in the corner.

    **********

    NXT Tag Team Champions American Alpha vs. The Revival

    Revival became the first team to become two-time NXT Tag Team Champions as they won clean with Shatter Machine on Jordan. This was different than the usual American Alpha match as it didn’t start with several minutes of Gable and Jordan suplexing their opponents all over the place. Instead, it was more of a fight than a wrestling match.

    At one point, the fight broke down into a 4-way with Jordan and Gable doing simultaneous takedowns and then using a double ankle lock, which made the fans go bananas.

    Dawson hit a Spinebuster which looked nicer than Triple H’s. Dash and Dawson clipped Gable’s knee out during the heat and used a real nice double team combination legdrop for a near fall. Jordan made the hot tag and went all Full Suplex University on both men. Revival got many near falls before the finish, making you believe that they would lose at the end, but alas, they did not.

    The fans were legitimately shocked by the finish and then they were shocked further when The Authors of Pain (Sunny Dhinsa and Gzim Selmani) attacked American Alpha after the match was over! They laid out Gable and Jordan before WWE Hall of Famer and Road Warriors manager Paul Ellering appeared on the ramp nodding his approval. The fans chanted “Who are you?” at Ellering.

    The Authors of Pain have been working the Florida NXT house shows for a few months.

    Asuka was warming up with Seth Petruzelli backstage and Bayley walked in, offering a handshake.

    **********

    Shinsuke Nakamura vs Austin Aries

    Nakamura won with his second attempt at the Kinshasa. As expected, this was an excellent match. Aries had his ribs taped for some unknown reason, but that didn’t really play into the match. The fans sang Nakamura’s theme song, which, if you recall, is completely instrumental. It was pushed in commentary that no one had ever controlled Nakamura the way Aries was, while Aries stretched Nakamura on the mat. The story told was every time Nakamura would go for one of his moves, and Aries would have the counter.

    Nakamura kicked Aries seven ways from sideways when he was on offense. Nakamura, at one point, went for the Kinshasa, but Aries blocked it and suplexed Nakamura before locking on the Last Chancery. Aries gave Nakamura a death valley driver on the ring apron, which looked like it killed him. The crowd did that annoying thing where they count one number ahead of the referee during a countout. Aries went for a Suicide Dive, but Nakamura moved causing Aries to crash into the barricade. Nakamura threw him back in the ring for the finish.

    **********

    Tickets are on sale this Saturday at 12Noon for NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn.

    **********

    NXT Women’s Champion Asuka vs. Nia Jax

    A much better match than expected. This built similar to the Nia-Bayley match from a few weeks ago where Jax just completely dominated Asuka from the bell. Every time Asuka went for a move, Nia would either block it or power out of it. Asuka’s biggest move was a kneebar, but Nia was right near the ropes.

    Asuka made her comeback using a series of spinning back fists that Nia was blocking with her face. Nia used a power bomb like during the contract signing last week, but Asuka somehow turned a pinfall attempt into an armbar. Asuka won with several hard kicks to the face and head.

    Not at the level of the great TakeOver matches, but still really really good.

    **********

    Earlier today, Mr. William Regal was talking to Cathy Kelly when Bobby Roode entered, walked past Mr. Regal, and entered the locker room.

    **********

    NXT Champion Samoa Joe vs Finn Balor in a steel cage match with pinfall, submission or escape rules

    Joe retained the title with a Muscle Buster off the middle rope in yet another excellent match. This was exactly the physical match you expect from these two and at least this time Joe didn’t accidentally bleed in the first 30 seconds of the match. Joe on two occasions hip tossed Balor into the cage.

    There was an amazing spot where both men were on the top rope and Finn went to hoist himself over the top of the cage, but Joe did his jumping Inzigiri to the back of Finn’s head, causing both men to crash onto the mat.

    Joe at one time was caught between the ropes and the cage. Balor was on the top rope and kicked Joe in the face, causing Joe to hunch over on the top rope, crotching Balor on the ropes. Later on in the match they were back on the top rope and Balor gave Joe a Slingblade off the top rope and then one normal one. Balor kicked out of a Muscle Buster and Joe kicked out of a Coup de Grace before the finish.

  • Nakamura to face Kevin Owens, Bray Wyatt on WWE Japan tour

    The WWE’s July tour of Japan is coming into shape with the cards officially released on their Japan microsite including Nakamura’s first official scheduled WWE action. 

    Nakamura will face both Bray Wyatt and Kevin Owens on the tour, while WWE Champion Roman Reigns will be involved in two fatal-four way matches for the title. Also, it looks as if the John Cena/AJ Styles feud will last a few months as they are also scheduled for both nights.

    Thanks to reader Robin Clarke for sending these over:

    Friday, July 1st:

    – Fatal Four-Way: WWE Champion Roman Reigns vs. Chris Jericho vs. Kevin Owens vs. Seth Rollins

    – John Cena vs. AJ Styles

    – Fatal Four-Way: WWE Tag Team Champions The New Day vs. The Usos vs. Vaudevillains vs. The Club

    – Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Bray Wyatt

    – WWE Women’s Champion Charlotte vs. Natalya

    – Dolph Ziggler vs. Curtis Axel

    – Titus O’Neil vs. Baron Corbin

    – NXT Women’s Champion Asuka vs. Becky Lynch

    – Ric Flair is also listed as doing an appearance.

    Saturday, July 2

    – Fatal Four Way: WWE Champion Roman Reigns vs. Bray Wyatt vs. Chris Jericho vs. Seth Rollins

    – John Cena vs. AJ Styles

    – WWE Tag Team Champions The New Day vs. Vaudevillians

    – Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Kevin Owens

    – The Usos vs. The Club

    – WWE Women Champion Charlotte vs. Becky Lynch

    – Dolph Ziggler vs. Baron Corbin

    – Titus O’Neil vs. Curtis Axel

    – NXT Women’s Champion Asuka vs. Natalya

    As always, the cards are subject to change.

  • NXT Atlanta, GA, live results: Nakamura, Finn Balor and Samoa Joe experience Center Stage

    Submitted by Ross Slaw from the one and only Center Stage

    – No Way Jose vs. Tino Sabotelli

    Jose wins after hitting his side slam variation finisher.

    – Carmella vs. Peyton Royce

    Carmella won after submitting Royce.

    – Angelo Dawkins vs. Andrade Almas

    Almas won after hitting his running knees finisher.

    – Tye Dillinger def. Corey Hollis

    Dillinger wins after removing his kneepad and hitting a neckbreaker.

    – NXT Tag Champions American Alpha vs. The Revival

    Revival try to win after Twin Magic, but the ref noticed the legal man didn’t make the pinfall. AA hits their finish to retain the gold.

    – William Regal came out to talk about his ’93 debut at Center Stage.

    – Nakamura vs. Buddy Murphy

    Nakamura wins after hitting the Kinshasa knee.

    – Bayley vs. Daria Berenato

    Bayley wins after hitting the Bayley to Belly.

    – NXT Champion Samoa Joe vs. Finn Balor

    Joe retains after grabbing a handful of tights on the pin. 

  • NXT Nashville, TN, live results: Elias Samson hurts his ankle; Samoa Joe vs. Finn Balor

    Submitted by Josh Baker

    They’re showing videos before the show starts. Every time time Roman Reigns is show, he got booed.

    – No Way Jose beat Angelo Dawkins in a fun opener

    – Elias Samson vs. Andrade Cien Almas ended when Samson legit hurt his ankle. The ref stopped the match, but Almas refused to have his arm raised. Samson got a supportive “Drifter” chant from the fans as he was being led out.

    – Tye Dillinger beat Tino Sabatelli in a decent match. Tino seemed nervous, but looked okay.

    – NXT Tag Champions American Alpha beat The Revival to retain. Great, great match, and exactly what you’d expect from these guys. Gable and Jordan got huge pops for everything they did.

    – Nakamura vs. Buddy Murphy was after intermission. Nakamura got an absolutely deafening reaction when he came out. The match was good as Murphy is underrated. Nakamura won with the Kinshasa.

    – Carmella and Bayley beat Peyton Royce & Darla. Fun match, but not much to it. Bayley was very over.

    – NXT Champion Samoa joe beat Finn Balor. Good match, ended with Joe pinning Balor with his feet on the ropes. Balor sent Joe packing afterward to send the crowd home happy.

  • NXT Evansville, IN, live results: Finn Balor & Nakamura vs. Samoa Joe & The Drifter

    By Chris Roberts

    – No Way Jose d. Tino Sabbatelli with the full nelson slam

    Crowd loved Jose and was into him. A perfect performer for a good opener.

    – Carmella d Peyton Royce with her triangle choke

    This was okay, a cool down from the previous match. Some “How you doin’” chants early on. 

    – Tye Dillinger d Buddy Murphy with The Perfect 10 neckbreaker

    Before the match, Dillinger talked about Regal finally giving him a match for TakeOver. Crowd was into chanting 10. Murphy mocking Dillinger most of the match. Good, but lots of stalling.

    – NXT Tag Team Champions American Alpha d The Revival with Grand Amplitude

    Easily the best match on the show. Started fast, had some very close nearfalls at the end. Not as good as the Dallas match, but very very good. I would say it was better than any of the matches on the main house show they had 3 months ago too.

    Intermission

    – Andrade Almas d Angelo Dawkins with a running knee into the corner

    Almas didn’t have a titantron, not even his hype-up video, so most people had no idea who he was. Dawkins could not keep up and it was pretty ugly. He was the worst possible first impression opponent, but Almas showed signs of brilliance with his flying and got an okay reaction after the match. 

    – Bayley d Daria Berenato with the Bayley to Belly

    Bayley is really popular with the fans. This was disappointing because Daria needs some work, and Asuka was advertised for the show but didn’t show up. Strange that she nor Nia Jax were on the show, but Bayley is but supposedly out with injury in storyline. Also kinda just okay, but Bayley was able to shine through with her offense at the end.

    – Shinsuke Nakamura and Finn Balor d Elias Samson and NXT Champion Samoa Joe

    Nakamura pinned Samson with the Kinshasa. Nakamura had the biggest reaction of the night. Samson with the most heat. Joe with a mixed reaction, and Balor with the 2nd biggest entrance pop. Very good 15 minute match. Balor and Joe story was told well with Joe ducking out and Balor getting into his face even while taking care of Samson. 

    Overall I thought it was just as good if not better than the 2/28 main roster house show. With the smaller arena and the more active crowd, it was a pleasant experience.

  • NXT Cocoa, FL, live results: Finn Balor & Nakamura vs. The Revival; Nia Jax & Lana team up

    I’m here at Cocoa Beach, FL, with approximately 250.

    – Patrick Clark beat Dan Matha

    The big guy Matha used his strength early, even putting Patrick in a camel clutch. We had a double down where Patrick kipped up and made his way to the top for an impressive missile dropkick for the win.

    – The Authors Of Pain best Chris Atkins and Noah

    The larger heels destroyed the happy faces before the bell even rang. Once order was restored, the match officially started only for the Authors to continue their onslaught and take the dominant win.

    – Adrienne Reese beat Mandy Rose

    This was a very good match as they both hit some impressive moves. Mandy hit a great looking running knee and a kick behind Adrienne’s head. Adrienne caught Mandy with a snap rana from her back, a beautiful middle rope springboard crossbody, and finally hit the off the top rope spinning stunner for the win.

    – Angelo Dawkins beat Tucker Knight

    Mean Guy Match as they used power and holds to work each other over. Dawkins got his feet on the ropes to steal the pin.

    – Tye Dillinger beat Buddy Murphy

    Pre-match, Dillinger took the mic and said Murphy has been through a lot lately. The crowd taunted him with a “He got dumped” chant so Dillinger went with it and then the “She’s A Ten” chants when Alexa was brought up. Dillinger even asked if Murphy could give her his number. Funny stuff.

    Very good match with Murphy working over Tye’s arm, there was an inside out crossbody by Tye to Murphy on the floor. The finish was a great superkick followed by the exposed knee to the back of the head. Post match, Murphy stayed down until the doc could check on him, but he was able to make his way to the back on his own. He simply got his bell rung.

    – Nia Jax and Lana beat Daria and NXT Women’s Champion Asuka

    Nia did most of the work as expected. Lana would tag in when she had the advantage, and kept it very simple, yet fun. Asuka and Nia traded action and holds, and the bearhug by Nia was the hold of choice to keep Asuka grounded. Daria and Lana mixed it up at one point and traded kicks. Lana plays to her flexibility and attempts high kicks for most of her offense. Nia scored the win over Daria with a tree slam. Post match, Lana played it up as she was proud of her victory, pointing at kids and mocking them with thumbs down and sad faces.

    – Elias Samson beat Chris Girard

    Hard-hitting match with Drifter using some new offense other than the headlock like a crossface, spinebuster, and a running knee. Girard went for a running uppercut but was caught with the spinning neckbreaker for the win.

    – Finn Balor and Shinsuke Nakamura beat The Revival

    Amazingly entertaining match with The Revival taunting everything and playing the foil to these amazing superstar wrestlers. Balor at live events is much more confrontational and sassy towards his opponents: instigating conflicts between Dash and Dawson, throwing each over the top rope, laughing at them and leading crowd chants. Shinsuke laid in some hard knees and strikes to some great reactions.

    Finn ran Dash corner to corner then struck him with vicious chops. Dawson got one for his trouble as well. The finish was a double pin with Finn hitting the 1916 when Shinsuke hit the Kinshasa on each of the Revival. Post match, Finn did Nakamura’s Yeaoh! pose on the ropes. They also Too Sweeted and Finn put up the guns.

  • NXT Venice, FL, live results: The Nakamura/Drifter house show feud continues

    From the Venice Community Center in front of approximately 250 fans

    – Bayley beat Mandy Rose

    Bayley was wearing a knee brace to sell the angle after losing to Nia Jax on TV this week. She hit the Belly To Bayley for the win.

    – Tucker Knight beat Tino Sabbatelli

    The slimmed down Knight won with a big punch and what seemed like a Thesz Press.

    – Mojo Rawley beat Chris Girard

    Rawley got the win after a combination and clothesline while Girard was in the corner.

    – Angelo Dawkins beat Dylan Miley

    Dawkins got the win out of nowhere.

    – NXT Tag Team Champions American Alpha beat Sawyer Fulton and Alexander Wolfe

    The heels got a lot of heat on Gable before Jordan got the hot tag and they score the win with the assisted suplex.

    – No Way Jose beat Hugo Knox

    Knox returned as a heel since the last time he’s worked. Jose hit his signature spots and won with the ripcord cobra clutch slam.

    – NXT Women’s Champion Asuka and Carmella beat Nia Jax and Peyton Royce

    Asuka Lock on Royce for the win.

    – Shinsuke Nakamura beat Elias “The Drifter” Samson

    Loud heat for Samson’s pre-match promo and attempted song. Huge reaction for Nakamura. Some comedy spots with Shinsuke air guitaring then passing the air guitar to referee Drake Wuertz who then jammed out and even slid on his knees to the center of the ring like the rock star he is. Shinsuke was the victim of many Drifter headlocks before laying in some vicious kicks before his finishing series and Kinshasa for the win.

  • NXT TV taping results from Full Sail: Debuts, new names, TakeOver matches made

    I’m at Full Sail University in Winter Park FL for tonight’s NXT tapings.

    – Dark Match: Manny Andrade beat Tino Sabbatelli

    Manny had a new name, but I couldn’t hear over the reaction. (Editor’s note: Andrade “Cien” Almas). This was a very good match as Tino is much improved, and a showcase for Manny as he’s clearly the gem of the non-TV roster. Andrade teased dives to the outside, and in the end, Manny hit the running double knees in the corner for the win.

    – Dark Match: NXT Tag Team Champions American Alpha beat The Authors Of Pain

    This was the Full Sail debut of Gzim Selmani and Sunny Dhinsa, and they did well in working the Alpha style of match. They got the heat on Gable before the Jordan hot tag. End was the Assisted German Suplex for the win for AA.

    – Mr Regal announces Nia vs. Alexa vs. Carmella for the right to face Asuka for the title at TakeOver .

    – Ciampa and Gargano beat TM61 (Nick Miller and Shane Thorn)

    TM61 are the former TMDK (Mikey Nicholls and Shane Haste). Excellent match, hard hitting and fast paced. Big reactions for both teams. Ciampa and Gargano got the heat on Shane for most of it before we got the hot tag to Nick. TM61 hit an amazing double team DDT for a near fall, broken up by Johnny. Finish was the double superkick by Gargano and Ciampa for the win. The teams had a stare down post match.

    – In-ring promo by Austin Aries saying he wants to be champion. Nakamura interrupts him to the loudest pop in Full Sail history. The crowd was even singing along with his music. In English, he says he wants to be the champion. Regal makes his way to the stage and makes the match for TakeOver. 

    – No Way Jose beat Johnny Vandal

    Showcase match for Jose who was incredibly over. NWJ won with his punch and cobra clutch slam.

    – Nia Jax beat Carmella and Alexa Bliss in a triple threat for the right to face Asuka at TakeOver

    Very good match with Alexa outsmarting the other two. Carmella went for two dives and had her leglock on Alexa before Nia broke it up and hit her big legdrop for the win. Post match, Asuka confronted Nia in the ring and held the title above her head.

    – In ring promo by The Revival who say American Alpha are a fine amateur team. They’re interrupted by Ciampa and Gargano who want a match with The Revival. Entertaining stuff, Revival was cleared out of the ring.

    – Tye Dillinger beat Buddy Murphy

    No Alexa or Blake with Murphy tonight. Big reaction for Dillinger. Murphy tried to work headlocks, yet Dillinger was able to fire up with a superkick and an over the knee neckbreaker for the win.

    – Austin Aries beat Elias Samson

    As always, major heat on The Drifter with long booing throughout his promo. Aries won via Last chancery submission. Post match, he cut a promo saying he will beat Nakamura.

    – Regal is out for the women’s title match contract signing. Nia puts down Asuka and says she broke Bayley. Asuka said “You talk too much” then went off in Japanese to a huge pop. A brawl broke out and Nia powerbombed Asuka who stayed down and sold in the go home angle.

    – Johnny Gargano and Tomasso Ciampa beat The Revival

    Great match with a big upset surprise win when Gargano hit a superplex. Post match, The Revival beat down the indie darlings before Alpha made the save. Alpha and Revival brawled for a long time with Alpha clearing house.

    – Adrienne Reese beat Nikki Storm

    This probably doesn’t make tv. It was a fun match with the top rope spinning stunner as the amazing finish.

    – Dark Match: Finn Balor and Shinsuke Nakamura beat Tye Dillinger and NXT Champion Samoa Joe

    We got a great dark match main event to send the crowd home happy. Amazing reactions for Shinsuke and Finn with a lot of fun spots and Shinsuke being the star that he is. Shinsuke pins Joe with the Kinshasa.

  • NXT Spokane, WA, live results: Samoa Joe vs. Austin Aries: Balor & Nakamura team up

    Submitted by David Dufvenberg

    – Elias Sampson vs No Way Jose

    Couldn’t even hear what Sampson tried singing he had so much heat. Mid match a “You like Nickelback” chant broke out which was hilarious. Jose won with his full nelson slam.

    – Mojo Rawley vs Murphy

    Pretty much blah but I’m not a big fan of either. Murphy’s prematch antics were like old school HHH. Mojo won, missed the finisher, crowd wasn’t too into it either.

    – Bayley vs Nia Jax

    Really good. Crowd was nuts for Bayley. Jax mid-match pranced around mocking Bayley which was a funny sight. Was close to being as good as their Takeover match. Bayley won with a roll up after Jax missed a tackle in the corner.

    – Nakamura and Finn Balor vs The Revival

    Good match. Crowd was way hot for Balor and Nakamura. Hard to tell who was more over. Nakamura must be being protected because he mainly did his big spots. Balor won hitting his finisher on both men.

    – After intermission, William Regal came out to our joy saying thank you.

    – NXT Women’s Champion Asuka vs Alexa Bliss

    Surprisingly really good and the crowd bought a couple of Alexa’s near falls. Asuka ended up winning with the chicken wing.

    – NXT Tag Team Champions American Alpha vs Tino and Tucker

    Decent. Tino is a physical specimen but that’s about it. Gable is crazy over as well. They won with their usual finisher that I forget the name of.

    – NXT Champion Samoa Joe vs Austin Aries

    Best match by far. Duel chants for both throughout the match. Aries had a nice near fall hitting the 450 but Joe got his foot on the rope. Joe won with the muscle buster. After it was over Aries scooted to the ropes and put his foot on one. Then as he left, he somehow got a banana and was eating it.

  • WWE announces sold-out shows in Tokyo; Nakamura & Asuka booked

    On Thursday, WWE announced its two annual shows in Japan at Sumo Hall in Tokyo which have already sold out with Shinsuke Nakamura as the primary reason. 

    The most notable aspect of the announcement is that WWE did not at all cater the shows for the Japanese audience, but instead just did a regular show with Nakamura and fellow NXT star — women’s champion Asuka — working down on the card instead.

    In particular, Asuka is not working at all with WWE women’s champ Charlotte on the tour even though Asuka would be the lead babyface to the audience in the women’s division. Instead, both women will be defending their respective belts.

    July 1st lineup

    • WWE Champion Roman Reigns vs. A.J. Styles vs. Kevin Owens
    • John Cena vs. Chris Jericho
    • WWE Tag Team Champions New Day vs. Usos vs. Vaudevillains vs. Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson
    • Nakamura vs. Bray Wyatt
    • WWE Women’s Champion Charlotte vs. Natalya
    • Titus O’Neil vs. Baron Corbin
    • NXT Champion Asuka vs. Becky Lynch

    July 2nd lineup:

    • WWE Champ Reigns vs. Styles vs. Jericho
    • Cena vs. Owens
    • WWE Tag Team Champs New Day vs. Vaudevillains
    • Nakamura vs. Wyatt
    • Usos vs. Gallows & Anderson
    • WWE Women’s Champ Charlotte vs. Lynch
    • Ziggler vs. Corbin
    • NXT Women’s Champ Asuka vs. Natalya