WWE NXT Results: Highlights, Analysis, and Grades for May 17

Third Retrospective for Itami

Itami’s interaction with Roode from last month was shown. This led to the No. 1 Contenders Match on a later episode.

Kassius Ohno vs. Andrade “Cien” Almas

Result: Kassius Ohno defeated Andrade “Cien” Almas via pinfall.

Rating: 3.25 out of 5 stars

It was just a few months ago that Ohno’s return had been treated like a big deal. He got thrown into the NXT Championship scene — probably too soon — and took a clean loss to Roode. So they placed him in the SAnitY feud, play a minor part and disappear into the non-TakeOver abyss.

Almas’ character is steadily developing as this partygoer, which has finally been getting addressed away from the commentary table. It’s kind of amazing and bizarre how his gimmick surrounds him not living up to potential, which seems like NXT knowing he won’t live up to the ridiculous potential they played up from June 2016 and are trying to cover it up.

Nigel McGuinness called Almas an “ingobernable.” For those who watch New Japan Pro Wrestling, they have a stable called Los Ingobernables de Japon. A coincidence this was brought up? Maybe. Maybe not.

Ohno got in his usual stiff shots — more than usual, if anything. He and Almas looked like they were out there on a mission to put on something good, especially with them not having much direction.

Ohno got the crowd going after kicking out of a tornado DDT at one. It ignited the Full Sail fans, who quickly got behind him, followed by the big elbow.

This was probably the former Chris Hero’s best showing since joining NXT. You can make the case it was Almas’ top match of 2017 — or of the past six months. These two worked well together, making the most of their opportunity in the main event.