WWE NXT Results: Winners, Grades, Reaction and Highlights from November 4

The November 4 episode of NXT may have been headlined by Finn Balor defending the brand's heavyweight title against Apollo Crews, but it was Samoa Joe who stole the headlines.

The decorated star of the independent scene has remained largely quiet during his stint in NXT, but Wednesday night, he made sure to make his intentions clear, attacking Balor and turning heel. In that one instant, he made it clear that he is not to be trusted and, more importantly, is coming for the top prize in NXT.

But he is not the only one.

Baron Corbin attacked both Balor and Crews, stating his case for a shot at the NXT title and avenging the elimination by Crews that prevented him from achieving it.

Elsewhere on the card, Asuka returned to action, Eva Marie stepped back into the squared circle and Bull Dempsey brought Bull Fit to Full Sail University.

How did each of this week's matches grade out, and more importantly, why did each earn that grade?

Take a look for yourself.

Asuka vs. Cameron

For the first time in months, Cameron stepped foot inside a WWE ring to do battle in singles competition. Unfortunately for her, the opponent standing across the squared circle was the dangerous Asuka, who wasted little time reintroducing her to the mat game.

Kicks and a wicked back fist fueled Asuka's comeback, a running knee stunned Cameron and the Asuka Lock finished her off.

Result

Asuka defeated Cameron

Grade

C

Analysis

Poor Cameron.

The former Funkadactyl simply does not have a character fans care to invest themselves in, and, coupled with a lack of real in-ring ability, she simply does not fit the NXT brand whatsoever. And it showed here as she was completely and utterly exposed by Asuka.

Speaking of the Japanese star, her in-ring fluidity is second to none, her facial expressions fantastic and her intensity a nice change of pace for Divas in WWE.

Bull Dempsey vs. Angelo Dawkins

Credit: WWE.com

Bull Fit took over the NXT Arena as Bull Dempsey returned to the squared circle to face Angelo Dawkins.

Despite a brief and generic attack by Dawkins early, it was Dempsey who fought back, repeatedly using his girth to run over his opponent and score the win with the seated senton.

Result

Bull Dempsey defeated Angelo Dawkins

Grade

C-

Analysis

This was hardly a strong showing for Dempsey, who has been absent from television of late and has done nothing to really improve upon the performances from earlier in the year.

Sure, Bull Fit may be a funny, comedic bit, but it is hardly what the character needs to get over with the audience in the long term.

It is fine for now, but little progression and development will doom Dempsey in the long run.

Marley vs. Eva Marie

Eva Marie made her return to the NXT Arena on Thursday night, much to the chagrin of the fans, battling newcomer Marley.

The arrogance of the Total Divas star nearly cost her early, but a big boot cut off any sort of comeback attempt for the still-inexperienced Marley.

A modified Downward Spiral from Eva Marie, executed low to the ground, picked up the win.

Result

Eva Marie defeated Marley

Grade

D-

Analysis

This was NOT good.

For whatever reason, Eva Marie is the one element of NXT whom management is not getting correct. Booking her against inexperienced Divas who have skills similar to hers is not the way to help her learn and develop confidence between the ropes. She needs to work with veteran competitors who know what it takes to deliver a quality match night in and night out.

As long as these types of matches continue to be booked, her weaknesses and flaws will stand head and shoulders above any progression she may actually be making.

NXT Championship Match: Finn Balor vs. Apollo Crews

A battle between babyfaces over the NXT Championship headlined Wednesday's broadcast. 

Finn Balor defended the coveted title against No. 1 contender Apollo Crews, fresh off of a tremendous victory in a Battle Royal.

For 15 minutes, the popular NXT stars waged war, busting out countless holds and maneuvers, including a delayed vertical suplex by Crews and a Bloody Sunday by the champion.

Eventually Baron Corbin hit the ring, drawing the disqualification. The Lone Wolf assaulted both men, apparently staking his claim to the title, but was stopped when Samoa Joe made the save.

Then, in a shocking betrayal, Joe took out Balor and delivered a Muscle Buster to his Dusty Rhodes Classic tag team partner. He held up the NXT title to close out the show.

Result

Finn Balor fought Apollo Crews to a double disqualification

Grade

A

Analysis

The match between Balor and Crews was phenomenal and showcased the chemistry the two have together. Another main event match between the two would make for a deserving TakeOver main event.

As great as their bout was, the disqualification finish involving Corbin and the involvement of Samoa Joe overshadowed everything that preceded it.

Corbin instantly catapulted himself into the main event, where he probably belongs at this point. The heel turn by Joe, though, is what is sure to have fans of the brand buzzing.

Joe vs. Balor is a match that can headline any major event and really bring even more legitimacy and added eyes to the NXT product. Given the rather boring Joe babyface character, allowing him to dig deep and become the ruthlessly aggressive heel that he should be will undoubtedly help freshen up his character and performances.

This was the definition of an effective main event match and angle.