My WWE NXT Overview (December 13, 2017)

WWE NXT

Episode 278

Winter Park, FL

Full Sail University

On: USA Network, WWE Network

Commentary: Mauro Ranallo, Nigel McGuinness & Percy Watson

Match #1

Non-Title

Normal Match

Andrade "Cien" Almas (w/Zelina Vega) vs Fabian Aichner

• Relatively short match to kick off NXT on the USA Network.
• Aichner is able to hit a Tilt-a-Whirl Backbreaker on Almas who rolls to the outside. Aichner follows up with a Springboard Plancha to the outside.
• Aichner continues the assault with a Springboard DDT on Almas inside the ring for a near-fall on the NXT Champion.
• A few counters later, Aichner is able to continue to press the advantage with a Powerbomb pin on Almas who again kicks out at two.
• Aichner heads to the top rope but is pushed to the outside and rammed into the steel steps by Almas.
• Back in the ring, Almas hits the Hammerlock DDT for the pinfall.
• Good match for a squash!

Winner by pinfall: Andrade "Cien" Almas (Hammerlock DDT)

Backstage Segment

Sanity is somewhere in the darkness as Eric Young says that they enjoyed their time at NXT War Games and they look to finish what they started next week.

Match #2

Tag Team Match

The Authors of Pain (Akam & Rezar)(w/Paul Ellering) vs Oney Lorcan & Danny Burch

• I really enjoy the pairing of Lorcan and Burch. They're two high-intensity, no nonsense bruisers.
• It isn't long before The AOP hit the Super Collider and finish Lorcan off with the Last Chapter for the pinfall.

Winners: The Authors of Pain (The Last Chapter)

Match #3

Non-Title

Normal Match

Ember Moon vs Peyton Royce (w/Billie Kay)

• A fine match here. Ember wins with the Total Eclipse.
• Afterwards, Team Iconic beat down Ember who is saved by Nikki Cross.
• After Iconic is chased off, Nikki eyes the NXT Women's Championship very maniacally.

Winner by pinfall: Ember Moon (Total Eclipse)

Match #4

Normal Match

Adam Cole vs Aleister Black

• This was a great match. This felt like an MMA fight where both fighters have a burgeoning record and are undefeated. I didn't know who was going to take the "L" here. Adam Cole is seen as a guy destined to be involved in the NXT Championship picture and Black is definitely someone they're pushing long term. Ultimately, Black would take the pinfall with the Black Mass. I think this win will further serve to help Black's ascent.
• The Fatal 4-Way #1 Contender's Match now consists of Black, Killian Dain and Johnny Gargano. There's only one spot left.

Winner by pinfall: Aleister Black (Black Mass)

Overall Thoughts

Good show tonight, especially for new viewers watching on the USA Network. You got a couple of squashes to highlight guys like Almas and The AOP, the NXT women and that great main event match. There was something for everybody. I'll be interested to find out what the ratings were for this episode.