Asuka's Goodbye

Cezar Bononi vs. Andrade Almas

Just over a month after Cezar Bononi stunned the NXT brand by upsetting a cocky, arrogant Andrade Almas, he would look to go 2-0 against the Mexican star to kick off this week's broadcast.Almas overwhelmed Bononi, showing a meaner and nastier side of himself than he had in their previous encounter.Zelina Vega sat in on commentary and as Almas obliterated his opponent, Vega screamed: "finish him." Moments later, the charismatic villain delivered the hammerlock DDT for the pinfall victory.In his victory, Almas avenged his greatest humiliation and defeated the man who had no business beating him.Almas has been reborn since aligning himself with Vega and the result is a compelling, charismatic villain that has the potential to become a force in NXT.
Andrade Almas defeated Cezar Bononi

Lars Sullivan vs Unknown Competitors

Just two weeks after destroying No Way Jose before their scheduled match, Lars Sullivan looked to send a message to the NXT locker room as he battled three unknown competitors in a Handicap match. Confident in his ability, and fueled by rage, he demanded all three start in the ring with him.He left each lying following a sidewalk slam variation and scored the impressive victory in short order.After the match, he continued the beat down until Jose hit the ring, making the save for the nameless victims.He challenged Sullivan to prove how tough he is when he is facing him like a man.Jose got a few good shots in on the mammoth competitor but Sullivan overwhelmed him and left him lying like every other man unfortunate enough to face him.NXT has done a strong job of building Sullivan into a monster heel. He has obliterated anything and everyone in his path, never looking weak. He is a force of nature that has been protected thoroughly by creative.Booking him against Jose, who would be his first credible opponent, is a smart choice that will ultimately allow Sullivan to gain momentum among fans.

Zeda vs. Sonya DeVille

Zeda fell in round one of the Mae Young Classic to Shayna Baszler and Wednesday night, she would be unfortunate enough to battle the unstoppable Sonya DeVille in singles competition.DeVille dominated the action and tapped her out in short order with the triangle arm bar.
NXT is doing a strong job of putting DeVille over as a beast of a competitor but DeVille cannot endure a setback. She is already behind several of the women in terms of acceptance and experience. Booking her without any clear direction will do more harm than good in the long run.


Sonya DeVille defeated Zeda 





No Disqualification: Kassius Ohno vs. Hideo Itami

The months-long rivalry between Hideo Itami and Kassius Ohno culminated in a hard-hitting main event on this week's broadcast.Ohno frustrated Itami early but the celebrated Japanese competitor and former No. 1 contender took control, sandwiching Ohno's head between his foot and the ring step and stomping it.Ohno withstood the early onslaught and fought back, grounding Itami. He countered a GTS attempt and blasted him with a discus forearm that left his opponent stunned at ringside.The fight spilled up the entrance ramp, then back into the squared circle where Itami caught Ohno with a drop kick into a steel chair and into the face of his rival.Ohno overcame it and scored the pinfall victory, bringing the rivalry to a close and earning a much-needed win.The feud featured hard-hitting action but the quality of the matches never really lived up to the promise of the program.
Kassius Ohno defeated Hideo Itami
Asuka's Goodbye
Regal is in the ring. It’s his honor and privilege to introduce the NXT Women’s champ to us. Asuka hits the stage with the belt on her shoulder, wearing a gray suit/black blouse combo. She shakes the GM’s hand and takes the mic. She says she’s been in NXT for almost two years. She’s fought so many great Superstars - SHE LOVES NXT! She’s grown so much here and is grateful for NXT.The GM cuts in to say that since winning the Women’s title, The Empress has done nothing but defend the title with honor. She’s been willing to do anything, as she proved at TakeOver: Brooklyn. Asuka is without a doubt one of the best champions in WWE history. He’s here to announce that he and the champ have started negotiations with the GMs of Raw and SmackDown. But that’s a bittersweet moment because Asuka will be stepping down as NXT champ. The crowd chants “NO”, but Regal says the world is about to find out what we already know... The now-former champ screams “NO ONE IS READY FOR ASUKA!” A “Thank you Asuka” chant starts as the roster hits the stage to give her a standing ovation. She says wherever she goes, NXT will come with her.Ember Moon cuts through the crowd on stage to walk down to the ring as Asuka smiles at her. They have a staredown (with smiles on their faces) and Ember offers her hand but pulls it back when Asuka offers her in a callback to their last contract signing. They hug instead, and Moon raises Asuka’s hand. They hug again as Triple H makes his way to the ring and gives Asuka a handshake and a hug. This is the first time we see her tear up. He hands her a bouquet of red roses and poses with her and the title before taking it away. Trips tells the crowd “One last time, I give you the undefeated, 523-day champion... The Empress of Tomorrow - ASUKA!”
 “Thank you Asuka” takes us out.