Kevin Owens vs. Finn Balor: Winner and Reaction from WWE Beast in the East 2015

WWE aired its first live special from Japan, Beast in the East, early Saturday morning, and one match you definitely need to check out from the event is Kevin Owens vs. Finn Balor for the NXT Championship.

This was something of a homecoming for Balor, as he wrestled for New Japan Pro Wrestling for a number of years, serving as a member of the Bullet Club Faction under his original character, Prince Devitt.

Owens is no stranger to the Land of the Rising Sun, but it was Balor's stomping ground for eight years. He is one of the most successful Europeans to ever wrestle for NJPW, and the Japanese fans gave him a warm welcome.

Japanese crowds are incomparable to the crowds in the United States. They react completely differently during matches, and there never seems to be a moment when they aren't cheering or chanting.

Other than the Divas Championship, the NXT title was the only singles title defended on the card, which made this an important match, especially for Owens and Balor.

They went to Japan to represent the NXT brand, and two better ambassadors could not have been chosen. Not only are they incredible wrestlers, but their respective journeys to the big leagues make for true success stories.

Owens and Balor are renowned for their unique styles, so it shouldn't surprise anyone that they put on an incredible performance.

Even through all the paint on his face, you could tell that being back in the legendary Ryogoku Sumo Hall was an emotional experience for Balor, but winning the NXT Championship made it that much more special.

After numerous finishers, kick-outs, false finishes and counters, Balor was able to put Owens away with a second Coup De Grace for the biggest win of his WWE career.

The crowd came unglued when the ref's hand hit the mat for the three-count, and they gave the new champion a well-deserved standing ovation.

It's a shame this wasn't the main event because the conclusion of the match was easily the most exciting and emotional moment of the night.

WWE Hall of Famer and Japanese wrestling legend Tatsumi Fujinami came out to congratulate Balor after his victory to cap things off. To say it was memorable would be a huge understatement.

This is the kind of match you are going to want to watch over and over again. It was everything a big title bout should be, and both men should be proud of the magic they created in the ring.

It was well worth being up before the sun rose in the United States to see two men at the top of their games show everyone what the future of WWE looks like.

Congratulations to Balor. Nobody deserves this kind of moment more than he does.

Notes From the Match

• Two women in ceremonial robes presented each man with a huge bouquet before the bell, which is a Japanese tradition in title matches. Owens threw his away to get some instant heat.
• Fans threw hundreds of streamers in the ring before the match started.
• Hideo Itami was shown watching from the crowd. He looked a little upset that he wasn't able to compete in front of his compatriots.
• Balor got the biggest pop of the night, from the sound of it.
• Balor had his whole body painted instead of just his face and chest.
• Japanese fans are a lot more vocal than American fans.
• Owens refused to shake Balor's hand after the match.

What did you think of the NXT title match, and what was your overall impression of the Beast in the East event from Tokyo, Japan?

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