WWE NXT Results: Winners, Grades, Reaction and Highlights from October 16, 2014

The aftermath of NXT Takeover II has seen a much more focused and determined Sami Zayn than ever before. With the NXT title still just out of reach, Zayn has vowed to set out on a road to redemption—a road that took him to a one-on-one showdown with Tyson Kidd on this week's episode of NXT.

Would Zayn's road continue smoothly, or would he meet a roadblock in the form of the Hart Dungeon graduate?

Baron Corbin returned to NXT television and tore through his opponent. Charlotte scored a big victory over a very game Becky Lynch, and Carmella made her in-ring debut with an impressive win over a familiar face to indy wrestling fans.

Finally, the months-long rivalry between Enzo Amore, Colin Cassady and the Legionnaires culminated in a big tag team match that never even got started.

Relive this week's broadcast of NXT right now, with grades, highlights, quotes and analysis from each of the matches.

Baron Corbin vs. Elias Sampson

Credit: WWE.com

Baron Corbin has been a force of nature since returning to NXT, dispatching every opponent in short order. It was no different this week as Corbin rolled through another competitor, maintaining his impressive undefeated streak in Take 2 of his NXT career.

Seconds into the match, Corbin delivered End of Days and pinned Elias Sampson for the win.

Result

Baron Corbin pinned Elias Sampson

Highlights and Quotes

"There are some things you cannot teach a WWE Superstar, and one of those things is presence." - Alex Riley on Corbin's incredible presence

"This was like a Tyson fight; one shot and you're out." - Riley

Grade

A

Analysis

NXT has done a phenomenal job of presenting Corbin as a star in the making. From his entrance to his booking, management has backed him up, while Corbin has done an excellent job of carrying the ball on his own. He has the beating of a legitimate badass and future breakout star.

His victory was short, decisive and exactly the type of win he needs early in his push to the top of NXT.

Lucha Dragons vs. Wesley Blake and Buddy Murphy

Credit: WWE.com

The Lucha Dragons have been conspicuous by their absence in recent weeks, but they returned to NXT Thursday with a big non-title match against young up-and-comers Wesley Blake and Buddy Murphy.

The champions controlled early, but Murphy countered a guillotine submission hold into a big suplex that shifted things in the heels' favor.

After a few minutes of spirited competition, Sin Cara delivered a sunset flip bomb to Blake for the pinfall victory.

Result

The Lucha Dragons defeated Wesley Blake and Buddy Murphy when Sin Cara pinned Blake

Highlights and Quotes

"They got those thick bodies." - Renee Young on Murphy and Blake

"No matter what, he and Kalisto always have something else in their back pocket. They're not a one-trick pony." - Young on the Lucha Dragons

Grade

B

Analysis

The match did an excellent job of putting Sin Cara and Kalisto over as champions while shining a light on their dynamic and exciting move set.

Blake and Murphy looked like a solid team, almost in the same vein as Power and Glory (Hercules and Paul Roma). While they are not at the forefront of the tag division right now, performances such as this one are what they need to earn the attention of management if they want the opportunity to break out in the future.

Becky Lynch vs. Charlotte

Credit: WWE.com

Becky Lynch made her high-energy entrance to the squared circle as she prepared to square off with NXT women's champion Charlotte.

Lynch out-wrestled the champion early, but a huge backbreaker from Charlotte slowed the redhead's momentum and earned her control of the bout.

A double-clothesline evened things up late in the match. From there, Lynch mounted a spirited and intense comeback. Unfortunately for Lynch, a suplex was countered into a neckbreaker by Charlotte, who finished her opponent off with Natural Selection.

Result

Charlotte pinned Becky Lynch

Highlights and Quotes

"The question is, can anyone beat her?" - Alex Riley in reference to Charlotte

"She calls herself the 'Delty Diva,' and I think we can see why tonight." - Renee Young

"She's like a surgeon in there, just picking apart." - Young on Charlotte 

Grade

B

Analysis

Lynch is such a talented worker, dating back to her days in the indy scene as Rebecca Knox, that it is disappointing to see her amass the losing record that she has to this point. Thankfully, the backstage vignette that aired shortly after the match seems to indicate that she is in line for a push and, perhaps, an attitude adjustment in the coming weeks.

Charlotte continues her winning ways but will have to be careful to bring variety to the finishes of her matches. This is the second straight match in which she countered a suplex into a neckbreaker and finished with Natural Selection. If she does not carefully watch that part of her performance, she will find herself on the receiving end of backlash by fans who expect more from her.

Enzo Amore and Colin Cassady vs. Marcus Louis and Sylvester Lefort

In the latest chapter of the feud that will never die, Enzo Amore and Big Cass teamed up to meet Marcus Louis and Sylvester Lefort in a tag bout that has been built to over the weeks following NXT Takeover II.

After having the wig torn from his head, Louis snapped, attacking Lefort to a huge pop by the NXT Universe. Amore and Cassady watched from the ring as referees checked on the fallen, pummeled Lefort.

Result

No-contest

Highlights and Quotes

"I'd like to point out that Enzo and Big Cass just rock, paper, scissor'd over who would start this match. I like that style." - Renee Young

"Sylvester Lefort could have really shared some of his hair." - Young

Grade

B-

Analysis

Remember what I said up top about the feud that will never die? Scratch that because it appears as though the feud between Amore and Big Cass and the Legionnaires has come to an end, courtesy of Marcus Louis snapping and unleashing weeks of fury on Sylvester Lefort.

Where Louis heads from here is the question. The guy is young enough and can still be shaped into a WWE-quality performer, but he is in need of a lot of work. He's still green, and working with the largely awful Lefort will not help him improve.

As for Amore and Cassady, expect to see them in the NXT Tag Team Championship picture sooner than later.

Carmella vs. Leva Bates

Credit: WWE.com

After weeks of training under Amore and Big Cass, Carmella made her in-ring debut against indy standout Leva Bates, who was not mentioned by name.

Seconds into the contest, Carmella locked Bates in a head scissors and scored a submission victory.

Result

Carmella defeated Leva Bates by submission

Highlights and Quote

"I feel bad for ol' bluey." 

"Apparently Enzo and Big Cass are good teachers." - Rich Brennan

Grade

C-

Analysis

The story involving Amore, Cassady and Carmella has been incredibly fun to watch unfold, particularly the pre-taped vignettes that have aired over the last few weeks.

With that said, a little piece of this writer died a bit while having to watch the very talented Bates sell a head scissors for the rookie Diva. She is so good between the ropes, so enjoyable to watch and possesses such a fun personality that it is disappointing and, at times demoralizing, to realize that Carmella will have far more success in front of WWE cameras than Bates. 

Still, it was an OK first look at Carmella. The short squash protected her, keeping her from being exposed as a limited in-ring worker. At least for now.

Sami Zayn vs. Tyson Kidd

Sami Zayn began his road to redemption Thursday with a main event match against Tyson Kidd.

Zayn frustrated Kidd early, out-wrestling him and getting in his head with a few taunts. More importantly, he encouraged the chants of the NXT Universe regarding wife Nattie and her wearing of the pants in that relationship. Kidd responded with a stiff kick to the face that left Zayn motionless at ringside heading to break.

The former El Generico fought out of an oppressive headlock by Kidd to score a big high-cross body block and a blue thunder bomb, both of which netted near-falls. Kidd responded with a Sharpshooter, which his opponent escaped by grabbing onto the bottom rope.

Kidd missed a leg drop on the ring apron and charged at Zayn, who caught him with an exploder suplex and the Helluvah kick for the win.

Result

Sami Zayn pinned Tyson Kidd

Highlights and Quotes

"How many opportunities does this guy need?" - Alex Riley on Sami Zayn

"Think Tyson had to call Nattie before this match?" - Renee Young

"He's gotta find a way to win!" - Riley, discussing what is far more important for Zayn than inspiring fans with his heart and determination

Grade

A

Analysis

This was another quality match from two of the most consistently great in-ring workers in all of WWE this year. The sound technical ability mixed with the sequencing and dramatic near-falls is something they have both mastered, leading to some of the most exciting bouts the company has produced in 2014. This week, they worked their magic against each other.

The lovable loser story that the brand is working with Zayn will eventually lead to an outstanding payoff in the form of an NXT Championship run. Until then, his road to redemption should be worth watching. He has a lot to do to vault back into title contention, especially after the clean loss to Titus O'Neil last week, but he is off to a great start with his win over Kidd.