WWE NXT Results: Highlights, Analysis, and Grades for January 11

Source: WWE.com

Elias Samson vs. Jonathan Cruz

Result: Elias Samson defeated Jonathan Cruz via pinfall

Rating: 2.75 out of 5 stars

There’s not a lot I can say about Elias Samson that I haven’t said already. The guy is taking a terrible, poorly thought out gimmick and turning it into something. It’s still not great, but it’s closer to good than bad, if you get my drift. (I swear, I’ll stop these Dad Jokes soon.)

Anyway, Samson is looking tougher and tougher every week, which is exactly what he needs. Getting a match against an enhancement talent-type opponent can serve to highlight what he does well.

And bingo, that’s what happened tonight against Cruz. The Drifter got to show he can shake off an attack and come back even tougher. There was a running lariat in the corner that made me cringe, and that’s in an Elias Samson match!

The big boot leading up to the finish was another big spot, and, again, that’s what Samson needs if he’s going to succeed. He needs to be somewhat memorable, and convincing as a vicious dude. The twisting neckbreaker finish is looking good, and all it needs is a name. I’m open for suggestions, people!

Shinsuke Nakamura Interview

Not too much came out of this interview on the Nakamura side of things. But even in his absence, Bobby Roode made the biggest impact in this segment.

Seriously, giving your opponent a ticket stub to his debut show is all kinds of scumbag behavior. Like, did Roode give it up because he didn’t think it had any value anymore? Or is he just saying, “I saw your debut, remember? And I don’t really care because I’m not impressed.” It’s GLORIOUS, I tell ya!