WWE NXT Results: Winners, Grades, Reaction and Highlights from October 21

The October 21 episode of NXT was about showcasing the talent that will play a key role for the brand in the weeks to come.

The biggest news out of the episode was the arrival of James Storm, who tore through Danny Burch to the delight of the fans.

Asuka knocked off a very game Billie Kay and established herself as one of the top contenders to the NXT Women's Championship in the process.

Speaking of that title, Alexa Bliss staked her claim to a future championship opportunity by defeating Peyton Royce, who is gaining popularity with the NXT faithful.

Finally, Baron Corbin picked up an impressive win over Rhyno. While he missed out on an imminent title match against NXT champion Finn Balor, he has all the tools to jump right to the top of the contender's list in the very near future.

You know what happened Wednesday night, but now, find out how each segment and match graded out as NXT laid the groundwork for the rest of 2015 with another strong episode of its WWE Network exclusive.

Asuka vs. Billie Kay

Credit: WWE.com

After demolishing Dana Brooke at TakeOver: Respect, Asuka returned to the NXT Arena to battle Billie Kay, who was very confident in a pretaped promo that aired prior to the bout.

Kay used her long legs to create distance between her and Asuka, wearing down her smaller opponent with a delayed vertical suplex.

Asuka fought back, delivering a series of nasty strikes. She appeared to take great joy in enduring a kick from her opponent, then locked in her flying arm bar. A German Suplex and the Asuka Lock finished off Kay.

Result

Asuka defeated Billie Kay

Grade

A

Analysis

Not only was this another fantastic showing for Asuka, it also introduced the NXT Universe to Billie Kay, who was allowed some pretaped promo time to help establish herself a bit more.

Both women looked solid, and the match was very good for what little time they were allowed.

Asuka's skills and in-ring charisma set her apart from just about every other female performer on the roster. It should be interesting to see what awaits her in the weeks and months to come.

Kay looked very strong here, even in defeat, proving that she can hang with one of the best workers on the entire roster.

Enzo Amore and Colin Cassady vs. Dash Wilder and Scott Dawson

After a strong showing in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic, Dash Wilder and Scott Dawson set out to prove their victories in that tournament were not a fluke. To do so, they would have to square off with Enzo Amore and Colin Cassady, both of whom were looking to regain momentum heading down the stretch here in 2015.

Dawson and Wilder worked over the knee of Amore but got cocky. Their arrogance doomed them as Enzo scored a roll-up for a surprise win.

After the match, Dawson and Wilder left their opponents lying in a heap and simultaneously sent a message to the rest of the NXT tag team division.

Result

Enzo Amore and Colin Cassady defeated Dash Wilder and Scott Dawson

Grade

B+

Analysis

This entire segment featured some very solid booking, most notably in the post-match beatdown.

Enzo and Big Cass needed the win after floating aimlessly for the last few months.

Wilder and Dawson, though, are a team on the rise and a strong beatdown like the one they delivered to their immensely popular opposition helped establish them as a team prepared to feud with the Vaudevillains over the tag titles.

A nasty, hungry duo reminiscent of the old Minnesota Wrecking Crew of Ole and Arn Anderson, they bring a meanness to the division that it has not seen since The Ascension was promoted to the main roster.

James Storm vs. Danny Burch

Chants of "you belong here" rang throughout the NXT Arena as "Cowboy" James Storm made his debut, facing the double-tough Danny Burch in singles competition.

The Londoner wasted little time attacking Storm, but the former TNA world champion fought his way back into the match in short order and delivered a vicious neckbreaker. 

The 8 Second Ride finished Burch off in what was essentially a showcase for the newcomer.

Result

James Storm defeated Danny Burch

Grade

B+

Analysis

James Storm was dominant in this sprint of a match, as he should have been. The crowd response for the decorated former TNA star was phenomenal, and he showed more energy and motivation than he has in quite some time.

He will have to get himself into better shape or risk criticisms by management, but that should come with time.

It remains to be seen how long, or if, Storm sticks around, but for now, NXT has scored another major free agent to help solidify its status as the hottest brand in wrestling.

Peyton Royce vs. Alexa Bliss

Credit: WWE.com

A week ago, Alexa Bliss interrupted Bayley's championship celebration and made it clear that she is coming for the gold.

This week, she reiterated that desire to wear the top prize in women's wrestling as she battled the taller, stronger Peyton Royce.

An early onslaught by Royce gave way to some strong work by Bliss over the left arm of her opponent. 

Royce mounted a momentary comeback, but Bliss used a double knee to the midsection and scored the win with the Sparkle Splash.

Bliss cut a promo after the match saying she is what everyone strives to be and crowned herself the next NXT women's champion.

Result

Alexa Bliss defeated Peyton Royce

Grade

B-

Analysis

Peyton Royce looked very good here, despite the loss, and clearly had the fans on her side.

Conversely, Bliss was stellar as the arrogant heel. She looked crisp, and her post-match promo showed great personality. So much more effective as an unlikable villain than a glorified babyface jobber, Bliss has the potential to become a breakout star.

Not unlike another former fitness model with sass and charisma, 2013 Hall of Famer Trish Stratus.

Rhyno vs. Baron Corbin

After Rhyno was unceremoniously eliminated by former tag team partner Baron Corbin during last week's No. 1 Contender Battle Royal, they battled in a hard-hitting main event.

The action spilled outside the squared circle early, with The Man Beast gaining the upper hand early. Corbin bailed rather than enduring any more punishment as the show headed to commercial.

The Lone Wolf gained control of the match, wearing his veteran opposition down. 

Late in the match, Corbin withstood a Gore to deliver the End of Days and score the win.

Result

Baron Corbin pinned Rhyno

Grade

C

Analysis

As a heavyweight brawl, this was okay. There was not much to it past the typical punch-and-kick offense and a wear-down hold by Corbin.

The finish, which saw Corbin overcome a Gore and score the win, was a great way to put over his resiliency and toughness, but one cannot help but think that he probably should have had the chance to work with a younger opponent to showcase what he is really capable of when given the chance.