WWE NXT Results: Winners, Grades, Reaction and Highlights from July 27

The WWE draft left NXT in a state of turmoil, its talent raided to strengthen the Raw and SmackDown rosters. With questions abounding and a dark cloud of uncertainty over the brand, the July 27 episode of the weekly show hit the WWE Network airwaves featuring both Shinsuke Nakamura and NXT champion Samoa Joe. 

Little could those two Superstars have known that general manager William Regal's announcement would shake NXT to its core while simultaneously setting up the main event of TakeOver: Back to Brooklyn.

The ongoing saga of Buddy Murphy and Wesley Blake continued as the former partners competed in singles bouts, neither of which went in their favor.

Then there was young Billie Kay, who looked to stake her claim to the spotlight in the wake of Carmella, Alexa Bliss and Nia Jax moving up to Raw and SmackDown.

For the fans of NXT, Wednesday's show was a culture shock of sorts, their favorites replaced by a new generation of competitors determined to pick up where their predecessors left off.

Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Wesley Blake

Wesley Blake attempted to do what no other Superstar has to this point: defeat Shinsuke Nakamura in singles competition.

Early in the match, Blake attempted to mock his opponent with Good Vibrations but paid for it. In a match in which he was dominated thoroughly, his one opportunity for sustained offense was wasted on his own hubris.

He suffered further moments later, losing the fall to The King of Strong Style with the Kinshasa.

Result

Shinsuke Nakamura defeated Wesley Blake.

Grade

C-

Analysis

This was a showcase for Nakamura, who is the last real contender to Samoa Joe's NXT Championship. The Japanese competitor has made a tremendous impact thus far, and the fans have remained consistent in their support of him.

Blake was fine here, but he is a tag team specialist who works best in that scenario. When he is left to singles competition, his rather generic offense is exposed.

Billie Kay vs. Santana Garrett

Credit: WWE.com

Billie Kay looked to become one of the next big breakout stars of the NXT women's division as she took to the squared circle to battle independent standout Santana Garrett.

The commentary leaned heavily on Kay's recent SmackDown appearance and even implied her ego had inflated as a result.

Though Garrett mounted a late comeback, Kay scored the win off a boot to the face.

Result

Billie Kay defeated Santana Garrett.

Grade

C- 

Analysis

It is interesting to see NXT continue to use Garrett in the role of "local enhancement talent" rather than exploring the possibility of signing her to enhance a women's division suddenly left bare by the drafting of Alexis Bliss, Nia Jax and Carmella.

Kay is a skilled wrestler dating back to her days with SHIMMER Women Athletes, but she has not had the opportunity to showcase her full skill set thus far in NXT. As her screen time increases, expect to see the Australian competitor rise through the ranks and carry the mantle for the women's division.

TM-61 vs. Rob Ryzin and Adrian Nails

Credit: WWE.com

Is Rob Ryzin at all related to Terra? Asking for a friend.

TM-61 started quickly and furiously, using an impressive fist drop-moonsault combination to set the pace for the match.

Shane Thorne and Nick Miller squashed the opponents in a three-minute sprint of the match, capping it off with their finisher, Thunder Valley, for the pinfall victory.

Result

TM-61 defeated Rob Ryzin and Adrian Nails.

Grade

C-

Analysis

The series of C-minuses continued here, as the show focused on squash matches to formally introduce the stars who will become fixtures in the new NXT.

Miller and Thorne are a dynamic duo capable of picking up where American Alpha left off as the staples of tag team wrestling within the brand.

They looked crisp and energetic and held the attention of the crowd throughout Wednesday's brief performance—all signs of a future set of champions.

No Way Jose vs. Steve Cutler

Credit: WWE.com

No Way Jose returned to the ring for the first time since a brutal assault at the hands of Austin Aries a few weeks back, battling Steve Cutler in singles competition.

Unfortunately, the brief hiatus did nothing to improve Jose's act, as it was still the over-the-top, fun-loving persona that resonates with the NXT crowd but not on a bigger scale.

Jose pinned Cutler following a combination of the Baseball Punch and cobra clutch to continue his winning ways.

Speaking of Aries, Jose called him out for a future match, promising that fun will be over when they do mix it up.

Result

No Way Jose defeated Steve Cutler.

Grade

C

Analysis

At least this segment included some sort of storyline advancement, with Jose issuing a challenge to Aries for a future one-on-one match.

It is still a program that makes little sense despite being so simplistic in nature. Aries is an accomplished competitor, a former world champion. Jose is a comedic character more focused on fun than titles. It is an odd mix that will rely on quality in-ring product to carry it.

Given the underwhelming nature of Jose's squash matches, that may be easier said than done.

Kota Ibushi vs. Buddy Murphy

Kota Ibushi took a break from the Cruiserweight Classic to compete in his first NXT match. His opponent? The underrated Buddy Murphy, who had the Japanese star on the ropes at one point despite an early onslaught.

Murphy slowed the pace of the match, working Ibushi's neck and back. He added in some running knees for a near-fall, only to have his momentum halted via a kick to the face.

As he regained control, he sat Ibushi on the top rope. The Japanese high-flyer fought back into the bout and delivered a sitout powerbomb for the impressive win.

Result

Kota Ibushi defeated Buddy Murphy.

Grade

C+

Analysis

Can Murphy get a gimmick? He has been a hidden gem in NXT for a long time, and in every chance he has had to prove himself as a singles competitor, he has shined. Even if it came in defeat.

Ibushi was a revelation here, even in the compacted match, for anyone unfamiliar with his work. Impressive matches in the CWC will only heighten awareness of the competitor and, deservedly, make him a household name within the WWE Universe.

Samoa Joe Promo

Enraged over William Regal's announcement that he will defend his NXT Championship against Shinsuke Nakamura at TakeOver: Back to Brooklyn, Samoa Joe took to the squared circle to address the general manager, his No. 1 contender and the NXT Universe.

Joe called Nakamura undeserving and said he would not defend his title against him. Regal took exception, telling Joe that he would take the match or forfeit the title.

Nakamura made a telescope gesture toward Joe, as if he was keeping an eye on him, as the show came to a close.

Grade

C+ 

Analysis

Joe was a seething champion here, believing the words he spoke, and the result was a more captivating segment than it had any right to be. He was the star here, taking center stage and proving why he can be one of the most compelling performers in the industry when he wants to be.

That he backed down so quickly when Regal suggested forfeiture was the trademark of a quality heel, a wrestler who talks a big game but recognizes when it is time to back down.

It is always a treat to see Regal take on a greater role in the show. While his in-ring days are over, the future Hall of Famer is still a virtuoso performer who has a place on WWE programming.