WWE NXT Results: Winners, Grades, Reaction and Highlights from June 24

As he prepares for his NXT Championship match against Kevin Owens next week in Japan, Finn Balor squared off with Rhyno in Wednesday's main event.

The product of a sneak attack by the Man Beast a few weeks back, the contest was a suitable warm-up for NXT's resident "Demon." But would Balor's attention be elsewhere, his focus split between his match with Rhyno and the biggest bout of his career against Owens in nine days?

Or would his drive to be the best start with knocking off Rhyno first?

And how would Owens make his presence felt ahead of the monumental matchup?

Two tag teams would also attempt to gain momentum Wednesday night as they chase champions Buddy Murphy and Wesley Blake. 

Enzo Amore and Colin Cassady battled Sylvester Lefort and Jason Jordan, while Zack Ryder and Mojo Rawley continued to make strides as a tandem, battling Sawyer Fulton and Angelo Dawkins.

Dana Brooke returned to the squared circle, while Hideo Itami addressed his injury status.

What went down when NXT invaded the WWE Network for its latest episode?

Find out now with this recap, including winners, grades and analysis.

Hideo Itami Promo

Credit: WWE.com

Hideo Itami made his return to NXT this week, addressing the audience and providing it with an update on his condition.

He vowed to come back stronger than ever in 3-4 months and win the NXT Championship.

Naturally, Owens had something to say about that. He demanded an apology for insinuating that he had something to do with the attack that sidelined the Japanese star. He swore he did not. When Itami refused to apologize, Owens threatened to actually hurt him.

Balor made the save but Rhyno appeared and sent the No. 1 contender off the stage. 

Grade

A

Analysis

This accomplished a lot for as relatively short as it was.

First, it reintroduced Itami, who has been missing since the last Takeover special. Second, it resolved the questions about Owens and his involvement in Itami's assault, all the while creating questions as to who really was responsible.

Third, it got Balor and Owens on the screen together ahead of their title match on July 4, and, finally, it set up the main event for Wednesday night's show.

That is the definition of a productive segment that maximizes its minutes.

Enzo Amore and Colin Cassady vs. Jason Jordan and Sylvester Lefort

Enzo Amore and Colin Cassady kept rolling toward another showdown with the NXT Tag Team champions Wesley Blake and Buddy Murphy, picking up a win over Jason Jordan and Sylvester Lefort Wednesday night.

Amore was worked over, as is typically the format that his matches follow.

Surprisingly enough, Enzo scored a rollup on Jordan that scored his team the win and kept Big Cass from getting the hot tag that fans have become so accustomed to.  

Result

Enzo Amore and Colin Cassady defeated Jason Jordan and Sylvester Lefort.

Grade

D-

Analysis

There was really no point to this one at all.

Yes, we get that Amore and Cassady are the top contenders to the tag titles. Yes, we get that Jason Jordan is struggling to find a tag team partner in the wake of his split from Tye Dillinger. But with only two-plus minutes to work with, this did nothing to effectively showcase either team.

Thus, it was a waste of time, unfortunately.

Dana Brooke in Action

Credit: WWE.com

Dana Brooke returned to the ring here, squaring off with Cassie (formerly KC Cassidy) in singles competition. Emma accompanied her to ringside.

Cassie showed energy early, stunning Dana with a near-fall and a headscissors. That was about it for the newcomer, though, as she was overwhelmed by her opponent's superior strength. 

Despite a brief flurry of offense from Cassie late, including a Thesz Press, it was Dana who scored the win off of a whiplash. 

Result

Dana Brooke defeated Cassie.

Grade

C-

Analysis

It is never a good thing when your pet project is outshined by her newcomer opponent, who has spent only a few months in the developmental system, but that was the case here as Cassie was by far the superior wrestler.

With that said, Dana looked better than she has. Emma's influence at ringside probably does not hurt.

Still, the questions about the bodybuilder's readiness to be in the position to potentially feud with Charlotte in the coming weeks will persist.

Zack Ryder and Mojo Rawley vs. Sawyer Fulton and Angelo Dawkins

Credit: WWE.com

Zack Ryder and Mojo Rawley continued to build momentum for themselves as a tag team Wednesday night, battling Sawyer Fulton and Angelo Dawkins.

The babyfaces were full of energy early, but the former amateur wrestlers took control, working over Rawley and channeling their inner World's Greatest Tag Team while doing so. They even used some of the same maneuvers that Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin utilized during their time atop the tag division.

Ryder was the recipient of the hot tag and exploded into the match. Moments later, he delivered the Rough Ryder, while Rawley held Dawkins for the win. 

Result

The Hype Bros defeated Fulton and Dawkins.

Grade

C

Analysis

The best match of the night to this point, though that was not saying much.

Ryder and Rawley are fine together, even if they are grating on the nerves and way too over-the-top to ever be taken seriously. The real story of this match, though, was Dawkins and Fulton, who showed flashes of being a really competent team going forward.

As heels, they will not have many chances at increased television time as long as Murphy and Blake are tag champions, but they made the most of what they were given Wednesday night.

Finn Balor vs. Rhyno

After Balor's fiery start, Rhyno slowed things down, delivering a big spinebuster that slowed his opponent significantly.

With Owens dominating commentary, the Man Beast wore down Balor with a bear hug, using his strength advantage to seep the life out of the No. 1 contender to the NXT Championship.

Balor fought back, delivering the Pele Kick to set up his comeback. Rhyno dodged an attempt at the Coup de Grace, but he answered with a try at the Gore. Balor caught him with a boot to the face and Sling Blade before finishing with the Coup de Grace for the win.

After the match, Owens hit the ring and a two-on-one attack ensued. Samoa Joe hit the ring to make the save and end the show.

Result

Finn Balor pinned Rhyno.

Grade

B-

Analysis

The match was fine, the commentary was very entertaining and the post-match angle was OK.

But for a match designed to hype the upcoming NXT Championship match between Balor and Owens, this felt a bit flat.

Sure, the video packages telling the Irishman's story have been the typically outstanding productions from WWE, but the actual Balor-Owens rivalry booking has lacked tremendously.

And that is a rarity for NXT, which is one of the best brands around when it comes to building to a huge championship encounter.