WWE NXT Review: #1 Contender’s Tournament Begins
By Mike Smith
WWE.com
Tyler Breeze vs. Hideo Itami in a #1 Contender’s Tournament First Round Match
After the opening tie-up, Itami went for a few kicks to the face, which really angered Breeze, and made him uneasy.
Breeze was very cautious of Breeze, and used every trick he could to get an advantage, but that really didn’t work. Itami kept up the advantage, maintaining control until he was able to pull Itami down by his waste, sending him face-first into the turnbuckle.
This finally gave Breeze control, and he was working hard to keep that control, as he wore Itami down.
Itami got himself back in the match, igniting a comeback that included the tornado DDT/hangman, and he quickly had Breeze reeling.
Itami stayed on Breeze, probably getting a little overaggressive, and that earned him a super[model] kick from Breeze, which got a very close nearfall. He followed that up with a crucifix slam, which got another close nearfall, and a “This is awesome” chant.
Breeze kept up the attack, but Itami brought out the fighting spirit, and delivered an impressive series of kicks, which got him the three-count.
Itami defeats Breeze via pinfall.
3.5 out of 5 stars – Breeze is so good at playing his ridiculous character, that it’s almost easy to forget how good of a wrestler he is. He’s a fantastic wrestler.