WWE NXT Results: Highlights, Analysis, and Grades for January 4
By Bryan Heaton
Elias Samson & Bobby Roode vs. Buddy Murphy & Tye Dillinger
Result: Buddy Murphy & Tye Dillinger defeated Elias Samson & Bobby Roode via pinfall
Rating: 2.9 out of 5 stars
Upon returning to his hometown, @WWE_Murphy embraces the #NXTUniverse at #NXTMelbourne! #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/lZmkx03XOR
— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) January 5, 2017
First things first, I need to give props to Elias Samson for fully embracing the dark side. He is owning the character he’s playing – not easy to do when you know that literally everyone hates you. He’s like Jerry on Parks & Rec – even when he does something good, it’s overlooked. But not by me!
Part of what’s making Samson come across so well as such a lousy character is Corey Graves. I know I don’t point it out as much as I could or probably should, but his commentary is the best thing to happen to WWE NXT in a long time. His love for Roode couple with his sheer disdain for Samson sets a great stage.
"Ten" is the magic number for @WWEDillinger & Australia's own @WWE_Murphy as they battle @REALBobbyRoode & @IAmSamsonWWE! #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/C1nolXXEVZ
— WWE (@WWE) January 5, 2017
One major takeaway from this match in my opinion? The rivalry between Tye Dillinger and Bobby Roode is far from over. Roode may be the number one contender for the NXT Championship, but before too long he’ll be matched up against Tye again. Perhaps for the title?
The energy of @WWE_Murphy can NOT be denied! #WWENXT #NXTMelbourne pic.twitter.com/wKHopmH6A2
— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) January 5, 2017
Having Buddy Murphy be the hot tag is the simplest decision that could have been made. Yet WWE’s track record with things like that isn’t the best, so seeing it happen was nice. And real talk: Murphy is possibly the most talented of the four guys in this match at this moment.
Lots of great stuff in both of these tag matches to start the show.