WWE NXT REPORT (01/01/14) by Nicholas Sebastian
The first edition of NXT in 2014 comes to us this week as usual from the studios at Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida. The commentary team consists of Alex Riley, Tom Phillips and William Regal.
A rousing NXT chant coming from the crowd in attendance is interrupted as the ring announcer Byron Saxton tells everyone that Tyler Breeze has entered the building. This brings a mixed reaction from the fans.
MATCH 1: ALEXANDER RUSEV VS KOFI KINGSTON
Lana, the translator and adviser to Alexander Rusev, makes her way to the ring speaking Russian and introducing her charge. The Bulgarian Brute comes down the ramp to the sounds of his country's national anthem. He does his usual pre-match ceremony and awaits his opponent.
Kofi Kingston comes out and riles up to the crowd. This match was made in response to a challenge from Lana during a backstage interview of Kofi's. The bell sounds and the match gets underway.
Alexander Rusev comes out of the corner in his usual fighting stance, his arms raised above his head as he approaches his opponent. A lock up between the two men quickly transitions into a knee to the midsection for Kofi Kingston, sending him into the corner. Another knee followed by a hard right to the same area has Kofi stumbling to the other corner.
Another couple of kicks to the ribs and side put Kofi Kingston sitting up in the corner, his back against the lowest turnbuckle. Alexander Rusev follows this up with another kick, then picks up the groggy Kingston and carries him across the ring th the ropes, draping his back and legs across the top cord.
Alexander Rusev hits a series of knees to the side and ribs of Kofi Kingston while teetering him on the top rope. The referee calls for the clean break just as Rusev backs away, still carrying his opponent in his arms. Rusev then uses his immense strength to throw Kingston over his head and connects with a huge Samoan Drop. A pinfall attempt only gets two as Kingston is able to kick out.
Kofi Kingston crawls away towards the corner, but manages to hit a couple of shots to the gut of a stalking Alexander Rusev. He makes it to his feet and continues his comeback with a flurry of kicks and punches that send his adversary to the ropes. Kofi tries running the ropes but is brought down to the canvas with double chops to the side by Rusev. Another cover only ends in a near fall.
The big Bulgarian goes for a splash off the ropes but Kofi Kingston is able to move out of harm's way, sending Alexander Rusev chest first to the mat. Shaking away the cobwebs, Kofi makes uses the ropes for support to make it to his feet, then nails his charging opponent with an elbow to the side of the head. Rusev runs at Kofi in the corner, only to be met with double boots to the face, staggering him.
Kofi Kingston battles out of the corner, hitting a couple of chops to the chest and a standing dropkick that sends Alexander Rusev down for just a couple of seconds. Kingston runs the ropes and connects with a flying forearm on the turnaround, putting Rusev on the mat once again. He comes off the ropes to his his trademark theatrical Boom Drop, a standing double leg drop onto his opponent.
Alexander Rusev sits up and winces in obvious pain as Kofi Kingston makes his way to the corner. He plays to the crowd, measuring his adversary for his finisher, the Trouble in Paradise roundhouse kick. Rusev by this time, backs himself into the opposite corner, forcing Kofi to rush him instead of delivering his finisher. Rusev easily throws off Kingston but misses with a clothesline as Kingston climbs to the top corner and nails a high cross body on the Bulgarian Brute. A hook of the leg gets a two count on the kick out.
Kofi Kingston continues his offense, bringing Alexander Rusev to his feet with a front face lock. Rusev uses his strength advantage to force Kofi into the corner, connecting with his shoulder to the midsection as he slams him.
The big Bulgarian charges Kofi Kingston again, but is met with a kick to the top of the head delivered almost upside down from the ring apron. Alexander Rusev staggers away from the corner and goes down to his hands and knees, groggy from the recent turn of events.
Kofi Kingston climbs to the top turnbuckle but is distracted by Lana, his opponent's beautiful translator and adviser. She had climbed the ring steps behind Kofi and got his attention long enough for Alexander Rusev to grab hold of Kingston and throw him overhead and onto his back.
Alexander Rusev and gets behind a now prone Kofi Kingston and locks in his Accolade finisher, his version of the Camel Clutch or even the Steiner Recliner. Kingston tries to hang on but cannot find his way out of the painful hold, tapping out and giving Rusev the victory.
WINNER: ALEXANDER RUSEV
We now go backstage to see Devin Taylor interviewing Sebastian Lefort. He says he is looking for a new client now that Scott Dawson is on the shelf courtesy of Mojo Rawley. Little-seen Bull Dempsey comes out with a chain around his neck but is quickly dispatched by Lefort, saying he's too fat. Mason Ryan comes up and stuffs Lefort's dollar bill into the manager's mouth, calling him an idiot. Ryan walks away as Lefort seethes, speaking French and vowing revenge on the Welsh grappler.
COMMERCIAL
MATCH 2: NATALYA VS EMMA
NXT WOMEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP # 1 CONTENDER'S MATCH
This match will determine the number one contender for the NXT Women's Championship, currently held by the anti-diva Paige. Emma and Natalya were at odds a couple of weeks ago, their disagreement leading to this match.
During a backstage segment, Emma took offense to Natalya getting a title shot while she was the number one contender. Natalya countered that Emma doesn't deserve her title opportunity given the fact she won it in a dance-off. The two decided to settle their differences in the ring, the winner getting the shot at the belt.
Natalya makes her way to the ring to the cheers of the crowd and awaits her opponent. The bubbles start blowing around and Emma comes out doing her trademark dance. She pulls herself into the ring and the bell sounds to start the match.
The two women lock up and Natalya gets Emma in a headlock takedown. The Australian diva counters with a leg scissors chin lock that Natalya breaks with a kip up. Both combatants make it to their feet almost instantly to face each other again.
Natalya gets Emma in a side headlock and transitions it to a hammerlock, twisting her opponents arm behind her back. Emma wrenches out of that predicament and gets a waistlock in on Natalya. The Total Diva is able to get Emma onto her shoulders in a Fireman's Carry and drop her down to the mat, applying an arm bar on her adversary.
Emma gets back to her feet but Natalya is still applying the hold, transitioning to a standing wrist lock and twisting on the Australian's upper limb. Emma reversed the hold and has it applied for just a few seconds when Natalya is able to cartwheel out of it and hit a Nothern Lights Suplex. A cover by Natalya only gets a one count on Emma.
Natalya goes to throw Emma into the corner, only to have the Australian reverse it. The Canadian stops her own momentum before hitting the turnbuckles face first and then jumps backwards behind her opponent. Emma reverses that into a roll-up on Natalya, only getting a two count for her trouble.
Emma has words with Natalya after that exchange. The Total Diva is none too pleased and powers Emma into the corner, delivering a series of knees and kicks before the referee calls for the break.
Natalya charges the corner again but Emma is one step ahead, moving out of the way through the ring ropes and onto the ring apron. Natalya is momentarily stunned as she hits the turnbuckles, walking right into a shoulder to the gut from Emma.
The Australian slides under the bottom rope and through Natalya's legs, grabbing her by the waist and bringing her down for a pin attempt. A count of two is all she gets as Natalya is able to kick out again.
Emma throws Natalya into the corner and once she stumbles into the ropes the Australian locks in her Dilemma hold, her version of a Tarantula locked in on the ropes. The referee calls for the clean break and Natalya crumples in the corner after that painful maneuver.
Natalya seems slow to rise as Emma charges her. Natalya makes it out of the corner to avoid disaster then nails Emma with a short clothesline. A cover and a hook of the leg by Natalya only gets the near fall.
The Canadian diva pulls Emma up by the hair and applies an abdominal stretch. Emma hits some elbows to the right thigh of Natalya, breaking the hold. Natalya throws Emma down to the canvas and applies a Bow and Arrow submission, almost putting the Australian upside down.
Emma is screaming in pain but manages to free both arms to release herself from that maneuver. Natalya goes over to a crawling Emma and kicks her in the side, slamming her to the mat afterwards and going for a standing double leg drop. Emma is able to move out of the way and avoid disaster.
Both women are struggling to get to their feet. Natalya gets up first and charges Emma, putting her on the mat with a double leg takedown. She attempts a Sharpshooter but Emma is able to reverse it into a small package pin attempt. The referee counts to two but Natalya is able to kick out.
Emma traps Natalya's legs and goes for the Emma lock, an inverted face lock putting herself in a bridge applying the painful submission. Natalya has no choice but to tap out.
WINNER: EMMA
After the match, in a show of good sportsmanship, Natalya raises Emma's hand in victory. Natalya then does the trademark Emma dance with her.
COMMERCIAL
After the break, Renée Young is in the ring and introduces the first ever NXT sing-off, a contest pitting the vocals of "The Artiste" Aiden English versus "Big Cass" Colin Cassady. This is the result of a challenge that an injured Enzo Amore issued to English on behalf of his friend and tag partner, Big Cass.
A spotlight shines on Aiden English as he announces to the crowd that he will save his vocal talent for the main stage of the ring, forgoing his usual singing down the entrance ramp. Colin Cassady is introduced next and he comes down in a blue suit and tie.
The rules are simple enough, each participant will sing a song and then the winner will be determined by the crowd in attendance. Aiden English is up first and tells everyone he will sing opera in Italian. He gives quite the short performance before handing it off to his competitor.
Colin Cassady's performance is next and he gives a rousing performance, making fun of Aiden English all the while singing his song to the tune of "Danny Boy". At the end of his performance, Cassady is judged the winner by the crowd, much to the dismay of English.
Aiden English demands a second chance to prove his superiority over Colin Cassady. Renée Young announces "Round 2" and a second song will be sung by both singers. He berates the crowd while singing, telling them they have no taste by cheering for a fool like Cassady.
Colin Cassady breaks out into a rendition of "My Girl" by the Temptations, replacing the words with more jabs at his opponent and the chorus with "You Suck". After getting the crowd to chant this at Aiden English an incensed "artiste" attacks Cassady in the middle of his performance. English leaves the big man laying in the ring and tells him that NXT is his show.
COMMERCIAL
MATCH 3: TYLER BREEZE VS MASON RYAN
Tyler Breeze makes his way down the entrance ramp taking selfies with his cell phone. Mason Ryan comes out to a lukewarm reception and gets into the ring. The bell sounds and the match gets underway.
Mason Ryan seems to be distracted at the start of the bout and Tyler Breeze hits some boots to the midsection and a few punches to the head, bringing the much larger man down to his knees.
We go to ringside to see that Sylvester Lefort has made his way to ringside. The announcers are quick to remind us about what transpired between Lefort and Ryan earlier on in the broadcast.
Back in the ring, Tyler Breeze is continuing his offense on Mason Ryan, hitting him with punches and kicks that don't seem to have more of an effect on the big man. Ryan comes back with a huge shot to the gut that sends Breeze to the ropes but only gets that in as Breeze storms back.
Another kick to the gut and the point of the elbow right to the back of the neck keeps Mason Ryan on his knees. Tyler Breeze tries for some more offense but is stopped as Ryan makes it to his feet. He's scooped up and then thrown down across the top rope, guillotining his neck in the process.
Mason Ryan then goes to the outside and clotheslines Sylvester Lefort down. As Ryan climbs back into the ring, he's hit with Tyler Breeze's finisher the Beauty Shot, a roundhouse kick to the head. A cover by Tyler Breeze gets him the 1-2-3 and the victory over a much larger opponent.
WINNER: TYLER BREEZE
After the match, Tyler Breeze continues to take selfies while going up the entrance ramp.
COMMERCIAL
MATCH 4: LEO KRUGER VS SAMI ZAYN
2 OUT OF 3 FALLS MATCH
Leo Kruger comes out very methodically and then watches his energetic opponent make his way to the ring. Sami Zayn has the crowd on his side as he jumps the top rope and gets into the squared circle. The bell goes and the match gets underway.
The two men rush each other and Leo Kruger wastes no time in using his superior strength to power Sami Zayn to the ropes and throw him out onto the arena floor. Kruger follows him out there and hits a few forearms to the back and drives Zayn's head into the ring apron. Kruger throws his opponent back into the ring under the bottom rope and goes for a cover, only getting one as Zayn is able to kick out.
Leo Kruger grabs a hold of Sami Zayn and throws him out of the ring again. Kruger follows him out and the two men trade blows as the referee begins his count. Kruger smashes Zayn's head into the ring apron again and follows it up with forcing his opponent's back onto there as well. Kruger tosses Zayn back in underneath the bottom rope and covers again, only getting two.
Sami Zayn gets thrown out of the ring a third time after being on the receiving end of a huge forearm uppercut from Leo Kruger. The South African follows him outside and trades chops and blows until grabbing a hold of his opponent and body slamming down onto the arena floor. Kruger brings Zayn back in and goes for a cover again, only getting two.
Leo Kruger continues his dominance with punches to the head of a groggy Sami Zayn. He follows this up with a couple of forearm uppercuts, the second one sending his opponent backing all the way to the corner. Kruger comes at him hoping to hit his Slice, a huge running clothesline finisher.
Sami Zayn grabs him and hits an exploder suplex right into the turnbuckles. As Kruger is getting up, Zayn measures him from the opposite corner, hitting him with a running big boot to the face. Kruger falls to the mat and Zayn is able to get the first fall in the match-up.
WINNER OF THE FIRST FALL: SAMI ZAYN
COMMERCIAL
The match continues after the commercial with Leo Kruger sitting on the top corner while Zayn has his feet on the top ropes holding him in a front face lock. Kruger his a shot to the midsection and gets Zayn off balance, sending the Canadian grappler careening down to the arena floor from way up high.
Sami Zayn uses every ounce of strength in his being to make it to the ring at the count of nine. Leo Kruger pounces and hits a short DDT on him, going for the cover once again. The referee counts to two but Sami Zayn is able to kick out.
Leo Kruger stays on a crawling Sami Zayn, hitting some kicks to the midsection and then putting his boot to the face against the ropes. The referee calls for the clean break as Kruger yells at him unintelligibly.
Sami Zayn takes advantage of the distraction and delivers a punch to the midsection that momentarily staggers his foe. Leo Kruger comes back with shots to the head and then tries to throw Zayn to the ropes. Sami Zayn hooks his arm into the top rope and refuses to budge eating some punches and kicks as a reward for his defiance.
Leo Kruger tries to throw Sami Zayn to the ropes but is stopped once again by the Canadian putting on the brakes. Kruger hits him with a shot to the head and a vicious forearm uppercut sending Zayn reeling. The South African brings his opponent to his feet by the ears and then delivers another punch to the forehead. Sensing he's been worn down enough, Kruger throws his adversary into the ropes and goes for a back body drop.
Sami Zayn, anticipating this maneuver, stops his own momentum and lifts a boot to the shoulder of Leo Kruger and then nails him with two clotheslines and a jumping heel kick to the jaw of the South African. He then delivers a spin-out powerbomb, rotating Kruger 180 degrees in the process and going for the pin attempt, only getting two.
Leo Kruger is back up on his feet and goes towards Sami Zayn who's on the ring apron near the corner. A couple of big rights has Zayn stunned as Kruger then gets him in a front face lock and drapes him across the top rope only being supported by his feet. He then delivers a twisting neckbreaker from this position and goes for the pin attempt, getting only a two count.
The pace of the match has gotten decidedly more methodical. Leo Kruger grabs the arm of a now-sitting up Sami Zayn and goes for his GC3 submission, an inverted keylock on the left arm. Zayn is able to scoot around the ring and put his leg over the bottom rope, bringing himself outside on the ring apron to safety.
Leo Kruger comes to the ropes to continue the match but is met with a shoulder to the gut. Sami Zayn then climbs to sit on the top turnbuckle but gets hit with a shot to the head. Kruger climbs to the middle ropes as well and delivers some forearm shots to the back. Kruger goes for a superplex but Sami Zayn fights out of it and throws his foe down to the canvas.
Sami Zayn puts himself standing on the top corner and comes down with a high cross body, but misses Leo Kruger and catches nothing but canvas. Seizing the opportunity, Kruger gets Zayn in his GC3 submission and locks it in at the center of the ring. Zayn slithers and crawls his way to the bottom rope and the referee calls for a clean break.
Leo Kruger seems obsessed as he goes back to a fallen Sami Zayn to deliver kicks and punches. The referee pushes Kruger away and admonishes him. Zayn is still groggy as Kruger hits him with another couple of punches to the forehead.
Sami Zayn tries to battle back, hitting Leo Kruger with a series of shots to the head. Kruger pushes Zayn to the ropes and then hits a huge spinebuster on the turnaround, planting the Canadian.
Leo Kruger takes his black wifebeater off and measures Sami Zayn for his Slice finisher. Zayn ducks under Kruger's arm and grabs the back of his neck with both arms, bringing him down face first to the mat with a flatliner. Zayn then gets Kruger in a combination leg scissors and chin lock clutch-type submission. The South African has no choice but to tap out.
WINNER OF THE SECOND FALL & THE MATCH: SAMI ZAYN
After the match, Sami Zayn celebrates up the ramp as NXT goes off the air.
END
