NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn Results: Samoa Joe vs. Baron Corbin

Who came out on top during the Samoa Joe vs. Baron Corbin match at NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn?

Baron Corbin came down to the ring jaw-jacking with the fans every step of the way. The Brooklyn crowd seems more receptive to him than the Full Sail crowd has been lately, though. Samoa Joe, and his vastly improved entrance theme, quickly followed and the crowd erupted into “Joe is gonna kill you” chants. After a brief test of strength, Joe started going for the submission holds right away, nearly catching Corbin in the Coquina Clutch right off the bat. Corbin regrouped, but Joe got the upper hand again with an enziguri in the corner, knocking Corbin out of the ring.

ALSO ON DAILY DDT: Power Ranking Every SummerSlam

Corbin caught Joe trying to dive to the outside and held on to the offense with a series of kicks and punches. The commentators suggested Corbin may have the upper hand because of Joe’s vast experience, which makes no sense. Joe took over and locked Corbin in a single-leg crab, quickly switching into armbar submission that nearly caused Corbin to tap. The fight went to the outside where Joe turned the aggression up a notch, dropping Corbin on the edge of the apron then tossing him into the guard rail.

To his credit, Corbin showed some diversity by locking Joe in a leglock that slowed him down, followed by a whirlwind slam. Joe seemed hurt after a big kick, but he suckered Corbin in with an enziguri that nearly knocked Corbin out. A slugfest ensued with both men delivering hard shots, until Joe drilled him with a spinning backfist. Joe went for the Muscle Buster, but Corbin fought out of it and delivered a huge boot, followed by a massive slam for a near pinfall.

At this point, Corbin risked disqualification by pummeling Joe in the corner, ignoring the ref’s call to break it up. Joe came back, went for the Coquina Clutch once more, but Corbin fought out of it again. Only Joe wasn’t about to give up, and locked in the Clutch right in the middle of the ring. Corbin endured it for a a minute but ultimately passed out, giving Joe the victory.

Corbin recovered quickly after the loss and argued with the ref, shocked that he had just lost.

Travis’ Thoughts: A much better match than expected, and definitely the best showing by Corbin yet. He showed a few moves he’s never had the opportunity to show, and he found some decent chemistry with Samoa Joe that should remain if the feud continues. Joe was also impressive, but it was obvious he was holding something back. He never attempted many of his signature crowd-pleasing moves, but he looked energetic and put on a good show.

More from Daily DDT

Home/NXT