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.