WWE NXT Results: Winners, Grades, Reaction and Highlights from February 25

NXT champion Kevin Owens and No. 1 contender Finn Balor are on a collision course. Wednesday night on the WWE Network, the two competitors had their first interactions with each other.

Owens watched from a distance, joining the commentary team as Balor battled a former WWE tag team champion, The Brian Kendrick. Unfortunately, it would be announcer Alex Riley who felt the brunt of Owens' attack, leaving Balor to watch the champion from the ring.

With Balor ready to step up to the plate, Owens has made himself an enemy in Riley. Will that come back to bite him, distracting him from adequately preparing for Balor?

And what will Riley have in store for Owens as he attempts to avenge the attack?

Elsewhere on the show, Bayley attempted to get back on track by squaring off with Becky Lynch, while Hideo Itami looked to continue his winning ways against the mean, angry Bull Dempsey.

What happened when NXT invaded the WWE Network airwaves this week? How will it affect the coming months?

Take a look for yourself with this week's results and analysis.

Hideo Itami vs. Bull Dempsey

On the heels of a loss to Baron Corbin at NXT TakeOver: Rival, Dempsey looked to get back to his winning ways.

To do so, he would have to defeat Itami, who has been on a roll as of late, notching a big victory over Tyler Breeze at the same event.

Wednesday night, things when Itami's way. He was able to withstand a huge splash from Dempsey and finished him off with an array of kicks followed by the running boot for the victory in just under three minutes.

Result

Hideo Itami defeated Bull Dempsey.

Grade

C

Analysis

Apparently, NXT management has finally recognized Dempsey's limitations and gone the way of Mojo Rawley with him, curtailing his push.

The win keeps Itami relevant, but one has to wonder where he goes from here. With the main event scene packed with Owens, Sami Zayn, Balor and even Adrian Neville, there really is a lack of available space for Itami to ascend any further up the card.

For now, he will have to continue adapting to the WWE style and wait for his turn.

Lucha Dragons vs. Tye Dillinger and Jason Jordan

Growing dissension between Tye Dillinger and Jason Jordan was the story here when they attempted to move up the ranks in the tag division by knocking off The Lucha Dragons.

Despite a size advantage, and impressive athleticism, the heels could not overcome a disagreement late in the match.

They had grounded the former NXT tag team champions, but Jordan dropped off the apron, refusing to tag into the match. This allowed Kalisto to deliver Salida del Sol and Sin Cara to finish with the Swanton Bomb for the pinfall victory.

After the match, an irate Dillinger called out Jordan, refusing to leave the ring.

Baron Corbin arrived and proceeded to decimate Dillinger in a few seconds.

Result

Lucha Dragons defeated Tye Dillinger and Jason Jordan.

Baron Corbin pinned Tye Dillinger.

Grade

C

Analysis

Jordan and Dillinger are a tag team that has been around for over a year now but have never really had the opportunity to advance much past enhancement talent. Every time it looked like they would improve, it fell apart, and they returned to putting over the opposition.

With that said, Jordan is a tremendous athlete, one who could be a star for the brand if he were ever able to put the whole package together.

Splitting the duo up and allowing Jordan to go his own way will benefit him in the long run.

As for Dillinger, he is a solid hand and can work with young talents to help develop their in-ring game. Unfortunately, his prospects as a singles star in NXT are dim.

Bayley vs. Becky Lynch

Credit: WWE.com

In a week in which #GiveDivasAChance has trended nonstop on Twitter, Lynch and Bayley again set out to prove what women are capable of between the ropes.

Sure, they were still given less than five minutes (a problem, for sure), but they managed to pack as much action into the time as possible.

Frustrated over another title match loss, Bayley unleashed on Lynch late and appeared poised to pick up the win. Unfortunately, the Irish-born Diva was able to counter the signature Belly-to-Bayley Suplex and apply a seated armbar for the tapout victory.

Result

Becky Lynch defeated Bayley.

Grade

B

Analysis

The NXT Divas again proved why they are a major part of the success of the brand.

Both Lynch and Bayley are treated like wrestlers and not stars of a reality show. They are expected to go to the ring and deliver matches that look like men's matches and are treated with the same respect as men's matches.

In return, they work hard to improve each week and are often part of some of the most anticipated bouts on the show.

Lynch has firmly set herself up for a future title match against Sasha Banks, a match that could be something to behold given the considerable talent of both Divas.

Finn Balor vs. The Brian Kendrick

The main event of this week's broadcast featured No. 1 contender Balor squaring off against former WWE tag team champion Kendrick, who made his surprise return after some six years away from WWE.

Owens sat in on commentary for the contest but soon became irritated by something Riley said. This annoyance would come into play later in the segment.

Inside the squared circle, Kendrick and Balor wrestled a competitive match, but one never really in doubt. Balor put Kendrick away with the double stomp, proving to Owens that he is more than ready to face him for the NXT title when the time comes.

After the match, Owens stared down Balor before grabbing hold of Riley and tossing him over the commentary table.

Owens casually walked away as Balor watched from inside the squared circle.

Result

Finn Balor defeated The Brian Kendrick.

Grade

B

Analysis

The match between Balor and Kendrick was nothing special. In fact, it paled in comparison to the matches Balor has been having as of late. That is not to say it was not good; it simply was a considerable step down.

With that said, the tension between the Irishman and Owens helped put heat on their budding rivalry, while, at the same time, Owens' attack on Alex Riley should set up a nice little side program for the champion while simultaneously building to the Balor match.

A fun way to end what was an otherwise average episode of NXT.

Average for this brand is extraordinary for others.