WWE NXT Review: Results, Analysis, and Grades for Apr. 6; Apollo Crews vs. Elias Samson

Follow along with our review of Wednesday’s episode of WWE NXT.

Previously on WWE NXT, we were treated to one of the greatest wrestling shows in recent memory with NXT TakeOver: Dallas. Titles changed hands, debuts were made, great matches were had – anything you could hope for when watching wrestling pretty much happened.

Some of the more major happenings: Austin Aries and Shinsuke Nakamura made their in-ring debuts, earning victories over Baron Corbin and Sami Zayn respectively; Bayley passed out in the Asuka Lock, allowing Asuka to become the new NXT Women’s Champion; American Alpha put on a clinic and defeated The Revival to become new NXT Tag Team Champions; and Finn Balor withstood an angry, bloody Samoa Joe to retain the NXT Championship.

More wwe: NXT TakeOver: Dallas Review: Results, Analysis, and Grades; Finn Balor vs. Samoa Joe

Where does that leave things for tonight? Well, it leaves us with a clip show! At least we get one match, which we’ll recap below.

Most of the episode featured new announcer Cathy Kelley from  WWE headquarters, presenting recaps of each match from NXT TakeOver: Dallas, along with “exclusive” interviews from the competitors (that mostly already aired via WWE.com or social media). The highlight – as it should be – was Shinsuke Nakamura following his match with Sami Zayn, as he pushed his interpreter Funaki aside to give a message himself.

But the main event – well, I guess it’s just the event – did provide some action, so let’s get to it.

Apollo Crews vs. Elias Samson

Result: Apollo Crews defeated Elias Samson via pinfall

Rating: 2.8 out of 5 stars

Two weeks ago, Johnny Gargano defeated Elias Samson, giving The Drifter his first loss in NXT. Samson didn’t really take it well,  and he annihilated Gargano following the match, until Apollo Crews came down for the save. Last week, Samson interrupted Crews following a victory over Alex Riley, singing a haunting ballad about how The One Man Nation would “lose it all.”

Turning Points: Before Crews even came down to the ring, Samson played a song he wrote just for the occasion. The crowd  interrupted him with a “WE WANT WRESTLING” chant before Crews made his way out.

After kissing his guitar following being knocked down in the corner, Samson locked in a headlock and wouldn’t let go. After a beautiful dropkick from Crews, the One Man Nation locked in an armbar that he held onto even as Samson tried to throw him out of the ring.

When Crews attempted a springboard attack from the outside, Samson turned things back in his favor by knocking the legs out from under Apollo.

Samson kept the advantage by flattening Crews with a charging lariat. Crews attempted a comeback, but Samson reversed a headscissor reversal into a mule kick.

Crews finally turned things back in his favor, finishing up his signature comeback combo with a jumping clothesline and a kip-up.

Samson tried to leave to avoid a further beating, but Crews caught up with him, taking him down with a moonsault off the ring apron. Back in the ring, Crews caught Samson with a toss powerbomb for the victory.

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Bryan’s Thoughts: Well, that was BY FAR the best match we’ve seen out of Samson so far. He’s becoming the male equivalent of Eva Marie, in a sense – he’s an absolute heat magnet, and he is learning how to embrace it and make the most of it. I’m not sure if I’m changing my mind on The Drifter yet, but he definitely might be worth a second look if he’s not coming to the end of the line.

Crews is money, no matter how you look at it. Cathy Kelley played up his match on Raw during her opening segment, and watching him pull a quality showing out of Samson makes you think he can do anything if given the opportunity. He’s got the look, he’s got charisma, he’s got talent, he’s got strength – he really is a complete package.

Related Story: 3 Possible Feuds for Apollo Crews

And that’s the show! Join us for next week’s episode of WWE NXT when we get maybe two matches!