WWE NXT Results: Winners, Grades, Reaction and Highlights from February 3

The November 4 episode of NXT featured a phenomenal contest between heavyweight champion Finn Balor and then-top contender Apollo Crews. Interference from Baron Corbin and Samoa Joe damned the match to a disqualification finish, a true winner never determined.

Wednesday night, the top babyfaces clashed with nothing on the line but individual pride.

How would Balor perform in a high-profile match where his title was not up for grabs? What would become of Crews were he able to slay the demon?

Fans found out on this week's WWE Network broadcast, which also featured appearances from Enzo Amore and Colin Cassady, the return of Asuka and Divas action pitting No. 1 contender Carmella against Aussie export Emma.

Hype Bros vs. The Vaudevillains

The Vaudevillains were not quite the sportsmen they had become in the second half of 2015, working almost exclusively as heels during Wednesday night's match with The Hype Bros.

Zack Ryder found himself isolated from partner Mojo Rawley for the heart of the match, left to endure Aiden English and Simon Gotch's punishing offense.

Rawley hit the ring following a hot tag, delivering a Stinger Splash that looked to have the babyfaces on their way to victory. Before he could secure the victory, Rawley found himself taken out at ringside, leaving Ryder to endure the Whirling Dervish.

The Vaudevillains scored the victory and continued their climb back into tag title contention.

Result

The Vaudevillains defeated The Hype Bros

Grade

C+

Analysis

The Vaudevillains are far too talented to sit on the sidelines, watching other teams pass them by. Especially if one of those teams includes Mojo Rawley.

Simon Gotch and Aiden English scored a necessary win that could very well set them up for a future title opportunity, especially if the titles can be wrestled away from Dash and Dawson.

Otherwise, they will have to wait their turn until a babyface tandem wins the titles, as a heel vs. heel showdown would unravel everything management is trying to do with its turn of English and Gotch.

Carmella vs. Emma

Emma outclassed Carmella through the majority of the match, but sometimes, it is heart and a little luck that is necessary to score a win.

A little awareness goes a long way, too.

Late in the match, Emma cut off a comeback attempt from the Princess of Staten Island and looked to put her away with a butterfly suplex. Instead, Carmella ducked behind and delivered a backslide to pick up the upset victory.

Result

Carmella defeated Emma

Grade

B-

Analysis

This was a quality win for Carmella, who needs more of these to be truly perceived as a credible challenger to Bayley's NXT Women's Championship.

Emma was excellent as the veteran wrestler, cutting off her opponent and appearing to be the superior worker, only to fall victim to a fluke roll-up that doomed her chances at a big victory.

Wednesday's match did its job in that it helped put over Carmella while also reminding fans just how talented Emma is.

Enzo Amore and Colin Cassady in Action

Credit: WWE.com

The opponents for Enzo Amore and Colin Cassady were not named, though no one would have noticed anyway. 

The fan favorites completely dominated the action, with Cassady shining as he exploded into the match.

His twisting side slam and the Rocket Launcher finished off the enhancement talent for the three-count.

Result

Enzo Amore and Colin Cassady defeated the unnamed talent

Grade

D

Analysis

As a showcase for Enzo and Big Cass, this was effective. More than anything, it continued to showcase a mean streak for the popular tag team that has been missing from its act for too long.

There has been no denying the entertainment value of the duo, but the team has desperately needed to prove it can deliver intensity and aggressiveness to go along with the jokes and catchphrases. The two wrestlers have proved capable to this point, but a showdown with Dash and Dawson over the NXT Tag Team Championships that shows just how dangerous they can be would be nice. 

Asuka vs. Santana Garrett

Credit: WWE.com

Santana Garrett returned to the NXT Arena Wednesday, but the night belonged to Asuka, who had not been seen since the No. 1 Contender's Battle Royal a few weeks back.

Completely overwhelmed from the opening bell, barring a spot or two of offense, Garrett fell prey to the flying armbar and ultimately tapped to the Asuka Lock, ending her night on a losing note.

Result

Asuka defeated Santana Garrett

Grade

D 

Analysis

It has been a few weeks since Asuka appeared on NXT television, so it was nice to see her back in the ring, dominating the competition. At the same time, it feels as though management has left a huge plot hole out there for fans to wonder about.

At TakeOver: London, Asuka had a tense staredown with Nia Jax that has not been followed up on. In fact, it has seemingly been dropped. Considering that neither woman has done anything since that show, it is a wonder that NXT Creative did not program them against each other to kill time over this last month or so.

Still, Asuka's victory here continued her elevation to the top of the Divas division, a spot she will occupy sooner than later.

Non-Title: Finn Balor vs. Apollo Crews

The main event of this week's broadcast started with a handshake, but that was all the sportsmanship there was to have between bells.

Balor dominated the early portion of the match, proving himself to be the elite performer and world champion he is. Crews, a young and energetic star, mounted a comeback. A moonsault to the floor ended with Crews on his feet, only for Balor to launch himself over the top and onto his opponent.

Crews attempted his powerbomb finisher later in the match, but Balor delivered the Sling Blade, his running dropkick and the Coup de Grace.

The champion broke out Bloody Sunday to score the definitive victory.

After the bout, the Superstars rediscovered the sportsmanship with a brief hug and sign of respect.

Result

Finn Balor defeated Apollo Crews

Grade

B

Analysis

This was not quite as good as the original showdown between the two, but it was still a quality main event.

Crews looked good, both in his selling and his dynamic offense, but there is still something lacking with the young performer. Perhaps it is his in-ring charisma or the fact his character remains undefined. Either way, this writer never felt as connected to him as he should have. It will be imperative that that changes heading into the future if he is to be the face of the brand that he has the potential to be.

Balor was his consistently great self here, but it feels like he is on a treadmill of sorts, neither advancing nor descending. The result is someone in need of freshening up. How NXT Creative goes about that outside of a complete character overhaul, perhaps in the form of a heel turn, is the question.