wrestling / TV Reports

411’s WWE NXT Report 3.18.15

March 18, 2015 | Posted by Kevin Pantoja
7.5
The 411 Rating
Community Grade
12345678910
Your Grade
Loading...
411’s WWE NXT Report 3.18.15  

Tonight’s NXT is based out of Columbus, Ohio. I was at this show and it was pretty fantastic though the best match of the show, Adrian Neville vs. Cesaro, was recorded for a DVD and not this episode.

Kalisto vs. Tyler Breeze

Collar and elbow tie up starts this, but Kalisto uses his speed to break free. Tyler Breeze moves to a headlock and then shoulder blocks him. Breeze is super over. Kalisto does his impressive hand stand walk spot before a hurricanrana. Springboard arm drag sends Breeze outside. Kalisto kicks Tyler in the head but springboards right into a dropkick for two. Tyler shouts at the referee not to touch him when he breaks a hold, spawning a “Don’t Touch Him” chant. Leg drop from Breeze earns a near fall. A “gorgeous headlock” chant starts as Tyler uses one during the commercial break. Returning, Kalisto hits a springboard spin attack and his Halisto Kick. He spikes Tyler on a hurricanrana for two. Kalisto goes for a handspring elbow but bounces right into the Super Model Kick for a near fall. Tyler continues to show his aggressive side by stomping a hole through Kalisto in the corner. Kalisto dropkicks the knee and hits an enziguri. He goes up top, nailing the 450 splash but Breeze gets his hand on the rope to break the count. Kalisto hits the handspring elbow now, but his finisher is countered. Beauty Shot connects and this is over.

Winner: Tyler Breeze in 7:37

Really good opener. Lots of fun, fast paced and both guys came off looking well. The hot crowd helped as well. ***1/4

A reap is shown of Kevin Owens’ run in NXT so far and his feud with Alex Riley.

Short promo from Alex Bliss who is excited to show Columbus what she’s capable of. She takes Sasha Banks seriously though she’s gunning for her due to the broken nose.

Clips are shown of NXT at the Arnold Sports Festival. Looked like a good time that I unfortunately had to miss. Then we cut to Finn Balor talking to Alex Riley about the match tonight. Riley spouts off talk about “rage” but Balor says he faces Owens next week. Oh my goodness.

Highlights are shown from NXT in Cleveland. That show was incredible.

Big Cass w/ Enzo Amore and Carmella vs. Wesley Blake w/ Buddy Murphy

Being there live, Enzo and Cass got the loudest pop of the show. Yes, more than Sami Zayn, Finn Balor, etc. Their entire opening promo is entertaining and most is sung along by the crowd. A “This Guy’s SAWFT” chant breaks out as Cass throws Blake into the corner. Cass hits a kitchen sink after Blake dodges some offense. Cass goes all Kevin Nash with clubs to the back as the crowd chants “We Want Blue Pants”. Now a “How You Doing” chant before Blake nails a snapmare. He now wails on Cass and hits a springboard forearm smash. Cass powers out of a rest hold and shoulder blocks Blake down. Big splash in the corner from Cass is followed by a side slam. Murphy and Carmella argue on the apron. Cass boots him off the apron, allowing Blake to roll him up.

Winner: Wesley Blake in 3:53

Not impressive. Completely basic stuff but it was fine for what it was. Cass is relatively entertaining even though his move set isn’t incredible. *3/4

A short video is shown for NXT Diva Dana Brooke, who competed in the Arnold Bobybuilding contest.

Non-Title Match: NXT Women’s Champion Sasha Banks vs. Alexa Bliss

Alexa Bliss got a nice ovation for being in her hometown. They lock up and Alexa hits a sloppy drop toe hold. She follows with an elbow but is sent into the turnbuckle. Sasha stomps her head a few times and trash talks the fans. Sasha hits her double knees corner spot for two. The champion moves to a chinlock that isn’t a rest hold because she wrenches it with authority and moves it to a different variation. Alexa rallies with a springboard splash and SWEEPS THE LEG! She hits the Glitz Flip for two. A sunset flip also gets her two before she connects on a sloppy dropkick. Alexa dives out like a crazed woman but gets sent into the ring apron. Alexa returns the favor by sending Banks into the post, scoring the countout victory.

Winner via countout: Alexa Bliss in 3:49

Disappointing. Sasha Banks was on form as usual but Alexa Bliss is still a bit too sloppy with her offense. Still better than the last match though. **

Kevin Owens cuts a promo about how nobody is taking the NXT Title from him or his family.

Alexa Bliss cuts a promo backstage about how cool it was to win. Sasha Banks interrupts, when William Regal appears to book a title match for next week.

Non-Title Match: Alex Riley vs. NXT Champion Kevin Owens

Alex Riley looks even more jacked and is playing up the “rage” stuff. This is intense as they nearly fight before the bell. “Kill Owens Kill” chants. Surprisingly they start with a lock up. They just hammer away on each other. The crowd is pro-Owens and I appreciate how commentary made note of it rather than ignoring it or lying. Riley connects on a nice dropkick and back elbow in the corner. Owens catches a kick and kicks him in the hamstring. He tosses Riley into the corner and hits his front flip to a pop. Owens moves to a chinlock. While in the hold, Owens talks smack, saying this is why Riley was on commentary. The fans chant “Rest Owens Rest”. Riley fights back, knocking Owens outside and into the stage where the entrance is set up. Owens gets in, going to the well one too many times, missing the cannonball. Riley hits a spinebuster for two. Owens is back on the offensive with three straight sentons. Owens takes Riley outside and throws him into the guardrails. Inside, Owens hits the pop up powerbomb and this is over.

Winner: NXT Champion Kevin Owens in 6:00

I liked the intensity that this brought. It felt different than other matches tonight, which was welcome. Good showing for Riley and especially the champion. **3/4

Post match, Kevin Owens looks to continue the attack. He goes for the apron powerbomb but Finn Balor interrupts! He tells Owens not to do this and they have a staredown. Owens goes back to attack when Balor goes to leave, but he catches him and dives off the stage. They brawl and when they go inside, Balor hits a big dropkick. He climbs up for hte stomp but Owens escapes.

7.5
The final score: review Good
The 411
l loved this show in person but this version of it was just missing something. It may have been that we got Cass/Blake instead of the damn good Kidd/Corbin or Bayley/Charlotte matches. The opener and main event were both very solid matches and the closing segment built towards next week's title match well.
legend

article topics :

WWE NXT Report, Kevin Pantoja