Justin James, PWTorch Contributor

WWE NXT Results
May 15, 2013
Taped at Full Sail University

[Q1] The pre-credits video offers a reminder of the five minute build-up to see Damien Sandow against Big E. Langston. Remember when they would have multi-week builds to matches with Seth Rollins? But, NXT has been focused on the Tag Team and Divas divisions, so it is tough to complain. Tom Philips and Brad Maddox have the call.

Speaking of Divas, Natalya is out first for her match against Summer Rae.

1 - NATALYA vs. SUMMER RAE

They trade early control at first, and Maddox calls out Rae from trying to mat wrestle with Natalya. Natalya wants the Sharpshooter but Rae gets to the ropes then throws an elbow in response. Natalya comes back. Discus clothesline from Natalya for two, then Rae asks for a breather in the ropes. Rae appears to apologize and Natalya falls for it and gets dumped outside. Rae takes advantage.

[ Commercial Break ]

Rae in the middle of a two count out of the break. She continues to work Natalya over. Rae with a DDT with a roll-through into a mount. Paige decides to make her way down the ring just as Rae kicks free of a Sharpshooter. Natalya bumps Paige from the apron and Rae schoolsgirls Natalya for the win, then goes hustling up the ramp trying to sneak by Paige, who gives chase.

WINNER: Summer Rae in 7:30. The match never really felt like it got out of first gear, likely because of the intended interference from Paige. Another NXT Divas match that was longer than just about every match on Raw.

Backstage, Renee Young interviews Sami Zayn (El Generico) in advance of his debut next week. He's dressed like a 2011 Sheamus with the flat cap, vest, and long sleeve shirt. He will be facing Curt Hawkins next week. He compliments her clothing choices and Curt Hawkins as an opponent. He says he feels confident and ready for next week.

There is a phenomenal video package pre-commercial for Bray Wyatt. This would make a quality introduction vignette for the main roster should they choose to go that route.

Wyatt cuts a promo on this way out. He's got a kind of hockey mask and a butcher's apron on. He explains the mask and says that Jericho made him re-evaluate. "This is the face of the eater of worlds."

[ J.J.'s Reax: I think the mask is a mistake, he looks like a Mankind knockoff. ]

[Q2] Danny Burch comes out to face Bray Wyatt.

2 - DANNY BURCH vs. BRAY WYATT (w/The Wyatt Family)

Burch with an early flurry, but Wyatt weathers it and dominates Burch. Wyatt puts Burch in the corner and lands a big splash. Sister Abigail ends it.

WINNER: Bray Wyatt in 2:00. Another impressive squash for Wyatt, this time against an opponent who is physically impressive.

Backstage, Adrian Neville is having a random chat when Bo Dallas finds him. He asks if Neville is still upset about the titles, and Neville admits that he isn't too happy. Neville mentions Grey and Dallas doesn't want to hear about Grey. He says that time heals all wounds, and quotes John Cena, then mentions his own appearance in the Royal Rumble. He tells Neville to "Never Give Up." Neville is tired of Dallas and asks where he's been, and Dallas says he signed up for the NXT Battle Royale in two weeks for the #1 contender slot at the NXT Title. Neville's in the tournament, too, but Dallas doesn't seem too thrilled about that.

[ J.J.'s Reax: Dallas is on a slow burn of a heel turn, acting emotionally deaf to Neville. He stumbled into being a tag champ, lost the titles, and doesn't seem to care about getting them back or even acknowledging that he lost them. This is a great way to use Dallas, who has become the John Cena of NXT, the face everyone wants to boo. ]

Conor O'Brian is out for a handicap match against Samamoto (no longer employed) and Briley Pearce (also no longer employed).

3 - SAKAMOTO & BRILEY PEARCE vs. CONOR O'BRIAN - Handicap match

Sakamoto can't get it done, so Pearce tags in to take some abuse. O'Brian with quicker pacing and a new moveset. Sakamoto lands some chops and Pearce joins in too, but O'Brian ignores it and takes it to them. For some reason they no longer need to tag in and out, and O'Brian dominates them both at the same time. A big double flapjack puts them both away at the same time.

WINNER: Conor O'Brian in 3:00. It looks like O'Brian is being re-established as a force on NXT.

Post-match, someone who looks like he could be in The Ascension comes out to the ramp to stare at O'Brian. It looks like it may be a re-packaging of Rick Victor.

Tony Dawson has an interview with Corey Graves about his repeated disappointments. Graves says that he doesn't have "ups and downs" in NXT, but his whole life. He dad told him that he can't succeed without failing over and over again and maybe you can make it. He's entered in the Battle Royale as well. Bray Wyatt interrupts and asks why Graves is acting cool while there's a war coming, and says that like Kassius Ohno, Graves will find out what's going on. Graves doesn't care what Wyatt has to say, and promises to put the Family down if they mess with him.

[ J.J.'s Reax: I truly feel that Graves has bottled the essence of what makes the Randy Orton or Stone Cold characters "click" for the audience and takes a few sips before every segment he is in. He isn't a "face" or a "heel" he is a loner out for himself. He stands up against the heels not for "justice," but because they are in his way or have harmed him. If WWE ever gets serious about "the reality era," the Graves package would be a good ticket to ride on.

[Q3] As Damien Sandow comes out, Brad Maddox and Tom Philips announce that Corey Graves is booked to face Bray Wyatt next week. Langston has new music, which sounds a lot like Hunico's music.

4 - BIG E. LANGSTON vs. DAMIEN SANDOW - NXT Title match

Langston easily over-powered Sandow in the corner, then mid-ring. Langston wants the Big Ending early, but Sandow slips out. Langston with five punches to the stomach. Sandow continues to struggle and takes a breather outside of the ring.

[ Commercial Break ]

Langston puts Sandow up for a delayed suplex. Sandow dodges a charge in the corner and immediately capitalizes, then Sandow manages to keep Langston on the mat. Sandow with a double axehandle from the top for two. The crowd wills Langston to his feet, but Sandow takes him down again. Langston with five knees to the mid-section and drops the straps.

[Q4] Langston wants the Big Ending, but Sandow reverses for a nearfall. Sandow with the Side Russian Legsweep, but Langston dodges the Elbow of Disdain. Spinning neckbreaker from Sandow then the Elbow of Disdain for a nearfall. Sandow wants the Terminoose, but Langston shoves him into the ropes and hits the Big Ending off the rebound.

WINNER: Big E. Langston in 11:30. Easily Langston's best match to date, in no small part due to Damien Sandow. There was unfortunately little drama as it was obvious that they wouldn't put the NXT Title on a main roster member.

Post-match, Langston lands another Big Ending for a five count.

Final Reax: The title match was totally pointless except to give Langston a big title defense while they rebuild the contender ladder. The title really needs to land on Corey Graves at this point. Bray Wyatt doesn't need the title, though having The Family with all of the gold would make an interesting story. Conor O'Brian is the wrong character for the title. It belongs on Corey Graves, and if it doesn't end up there, then Graves and Ohno should team up and chase the Tag Titles. Good action all around and nice to see some new feuds budding, particularly Neville and Dallas.

***

WWE NXT Results
May 22, 2013
Taped at Full Sail University

[Q1] No pre-credits video this week. Curt Hawkins (with much shorter hair) is out for his first match since possibly NXT: Redemption. He's facing Sami Zayn (El Generico on the indy circuit). Zayn has a happy, perky attitude.

1 - SAMI ZAYN vs. CURT HAWKINS

Hawkins puts Zayn into the corner a couple of times, but when Zayn retaliates Hawkins, gets flustered and ducks out of the ring. Zayn embarasses Hawkins with a trio of deep armdrags, then puts him in the corner. Hawkins gets a boot up in the corner to go back on the attack. Zayn with a flurry of offense. Dueling "Let's Go Sami" and "Let's Go Hawkins" chants. Zayn wins it with what looks like a tornado DDT.

WINNER: Sami Zayn in 5:00. Nothing really stood out here, but Hawkins likely has a pile of ring rust.

Video package on Corey Graves in advance of his match against Bray Wyatt.

Antonio Cesaro stomps out for a match against Yoshi Tatsu.

2 - YOSHI TATSU vs. ANTONIO CESARO

Tatsu's speed lets him fend off Cesaro early on, but Cesaro with the pop-up uppercut straight into the Neutralizer to end it.

WINNER: Antonio Cesaro in 1:00.

Post-match, Cesaro gets a mic and channels his inner Most Interesting Man in the World: "I don't always ask for a microphone, but when I do, I got something important to say." He demands better competition. Sami Zayn comes out to question the "no competition" statements. He gets the crowd to support him a bit, then mocks Cesaro by speaking a few languages Cesaro doesn't. Cesaro accepts the bait and a match is immediately started.

3 - SAMI ZAYN vs. ANTONIO CESARO

Cesario quickly takes Zayn down, then they grapple. Zayn quickly impresses and sends Cesaro out of the ring into the break.

[ Commercial Break ]

[Q2] Zayn with an armbar, but Cesaro fights out. Cesaro dumps Zayn into the ropes hard as Regal continues to talk up Zayn. Cesaro with a stout whip into the corner and Zayn bounces haflway across the ring. Cesaro wants a back body drop but Zayn counters with a sunset flip, but Cesaro blocks and retorts with a double foot stomp the the chest for a two count.

Short-arm lariat puts Zayn right back down. Zayn with a heel kick then defense in the corner, and rolls up Cesaro but gets kicked off. Zayn to the top rope, but Cesaro catches the cross body and transitions to a backbreaker for a nearfall.

Cesaro with a running uppercut in the corner for two, then rocks Zayn with body blows, then elbows. Zayn is barely coherent as Cesaro warms up his next move. It looks like Zayn tries an inside cradle, but Cesaro picks him up to try a slam, but Zayn slips out and schoolboys Cesaro for the win.

WINNER: Sami Zayn in 5:30. Very good match, and it really whetted the appetite for more. Zayn showed great fire and a slick moveset, and he and Cesaro worked very well together with some excellent sequences of counters and reversals. Regal was genuinely excited about Zayn and it enhanced Zayn greatly.

Post-match, Cesaro ambushed Zayn and hit the Neutralizer. Hopefully there will be a longer re-match in the near future.

Backstage, Renee Young is about to introduce a guest when Emma walks in assuming she in the guest. Audrey Marie (no longer employed) asks why Emma is in her interview. Emma botches Audrey Marie's name, then suggests that she do the Emma dance to calm down. Audrey Marie: "Get out or I will take you out." Emma accepts what she thinks is an offer for a meal and dances out.

[ J.J.'s Reax: Emma just scored a few points with me for that promo, it put some meat on her character. ]

The awesome Bray Wyatt video plays. They are really giving the Graves vs. Wyatt match the "big match" feel.

Enzo Amore comes out for his debut. He is from Hackensack, N.J. and claims to be a "bona fide 'G' and a certified stud." He says that the NXT roster is filled with fake tough guys. He's got a hairy chest and a snake skin suit on. He looks like the sad offspring of Zack Ryder and Ron Jeremy. This may be the most priceless debut on NXT ever.

Enzo is facing the returning Mason Ryan.

4 - MASON RYAN vs. ENZO AMORE

Amore hopes to scare Ryan away with some jabs from the corner. Ryan tosses Amore across the ring out of a lockup. Amore gets flattened by traditional Ryan offense. Ryan with a torture rack into a kind of neck breaker for the win.

WINNER: Mason Ryan in 1:15. I thought that Heath Slater was a nearly ideal heel jobber, but Amore trumps him.

Next week, Stephanie McMahon will have a "historic" announcement for NXT, and there is the Battle Royal for the #1 contender to the NXT championship.

[Q3] Corey Graves comes out to a positive reaction. He's traded the cut off denim vest for a cut-off camo vest. Bray Wyatt arrives with the mask, but no butcher apron. The crowd waves their arms to Wyatt's music. Graves looks confident pre-match. Tony Dawson says that Wyatt suffered a broken nose in the match against Chris Jericho, which explains the mask.

5 - COREY GRAVES vs. BRAY WYATT (w/The Wyatt Family)

Wyatt overpowers Graves and acts psycho in the corner. Graves manages to put Wyatt in the corner, but Wyatt falls to the mat to duck a punch. Wyatt charges from the corner but a drop toe hold puts Wyatt down. Wyatt tries to muscle up but Graves keeps him on the mat. Wyatt tries a suplex but Graves maintains a facelock and control. Released front suplex lets Wyatt escape but Graves immediately responds with a kick and Waytt's mask is off. Wyatt rolls out of the ring to put the mask back on. Regal criticizing Graves for not smashing Wyatt's nose in.

Wyatt comes back and overpowers Graves. Graves gets a boot up in the corner then smoothly transitions into a choke hold with his legs using the ropes for leverage. Running cross-body pancakes Graves.

[ Commercial Break ]

Graves is ringside and taking abuse. Graves low bridges Wyatt to send him outside. Graves follows with a baseball slide but Wyatt side steps it and pushed Graves into the steps. Harper and Rowan make some bizarre noises of nuttiness to encourage Wyatt. Graves with a surprise school boy for two and the mask comes off again. Cross-body from Graves, but he's too stunned to follow up. Wyatt rolls away.

Graves knocks Wyatt down with rights, then a jumping knee to the face as the crowd cheers him on. Graves dives at the knee to take Wyatt down, but Rowan and Harper both run interference. Regal calls Graves' finishing submission the "Lucky 13" (it was the "13th Step"). Graves still manages to put Wyatt back down, and he locks in Lucky 13. Rowan distract the ref so Harper can break it up. Wyatt hits Sister Abigail for the win.

WINNER: Bray Wyatt in 9:00. Really enjoyable match, with the only big issue being the constant distraction from the mask. Graves looked like a super hero, nearly getting the win multiple times despite interference, and Wyatt showed an impressive variety of styles.

Post-match, the Family attacks Graves, but Kassius Ohno makes the save. The numbers game catches up quickly and Ohno takes a beating then Sister Abigail.

Final Reax: A solid episode from top to bottom, with a good debut for Sami Zayn (who got a ton of time), the start of a new Divas feud to replace the forgotten Sasha Banks-Audrey Marie feud, and a fine main event. Graves and Ohno would make a superb team of anti-heroes to chase the Tag Titles. The Enzo Amore debut promo was absolutely hilarious, and I can tell that he could draw heat against anyone.

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