WWE NXT Results: Winners, Grades, Reaction and Highlights from August 10

The August 10 episode of NXT was devoted to filling out the card for NXT TakeOver: Back to Brooklyn, and it did just that, with a little action in between.

Audiences were treated to the revelation of Bobby Roode's debut at TakeOver and the fact he will battle Andrade "Cien" Almas in match No. 1.

Then there was Joe's obliteration of Mojo Rawley and Shinsuke Nakamura's obvious fun at the expense of the Samoan Submission Machine. Joe was irate, adding further heat to their title bout on August 20.

With Bayley and Asuka signing the contract to meet at TakeOver, that live special is shaping up to be one of the best in recent memory. Which Superstars geared up for the show most effectively, scoring big ones or ensuring they would be on the tongues of every fan known to NXT in the wake of Wednesday's show?

How did each match grade, and how will it affect the show going forward?

Take a look for yourself.

NXT Women's Championship Contract Signing

In Dallas, Bayley's lifelong dream to be sports-entertainment royalty came to a screeching halt when Asuka tapped her out and stunned the wrestling world in the process. Wednesday night, they signed the contract for a much-anticipated rematch that will occur in the building in which Bayley captured the title the first time—Brooklyn's Barclays Center in New York.

William Regal oversaw the proceedings.

Bayley put Asuka over as the toughest opponent she has ever faced before signing on the dotted line. Asuka responded, saying Bayley does not have what it takes to beat her, but that does not mean the champion does not respect her. She offered her hand in sportsmanship, but Bayley refused—a history of bad experiences in contract signings causing her pause.

Bayley nudged past her TakeOver: Back to Brooklyn opponent before returning to the ring to engage in an intense staredown.

Grade

B

Analysis

This was better than expected for one reason: Bayley. The former fun-loving champion showcased a no-nonsense attitude, not willing to sit back and be abused the way she had so many times before. She made it abundantly clear to Asuka that the woman she faced in Dallas is not the same woman coming back for her title in Brooklyn.

Asuka was fine here, filling the role Dean Ambrose most recently did on SmackDown. She was the confident champion unafraid to tell her opponent she was not good enough to take the title. It is that harsh reality that makes for a fresh take during an era anchored in creative bankruptcy.

The Authors of Pain vs. Rob Ryzin and Adrian Nails

Credit: WWE.com

The Authors of Pain looked to continue their dominant ways as they battled the enhancement duo of Rob Ryzin and Adrian Nails.

In just over one minute, they powerbombed their opponents into each other before finishing with the clothesline/Russian leg sweep combination.

The Authors looked to continue their beatdown until TM61 made the save. Unfortunately for Shane Thorne and Nick Miller, they met a similar fate to that of Nails and Ryzin, left lying at the feet of the monstrous duo.

Result

The Authors of Pain defeated Rob Ryzin and Adrian Nails.

Grade

C

Analysis

In spurts, The Authors of Pain are great. They are a fresh take on the punishing heels of yesteryear, like manager Paul Ellering's lifelong friends The Road Warriors. It will be interesting to see what they can do when the matches are longer than two minutes and The Authors are forced into a situation where they have to expand their arsenal.

It appears as though that day is coming as Wednesday night gave fans a taste of the TM61 vs. The Authors of Pain feud that could culminate as soon as August 20 in Brooklyn.

Andrade "Cien" Almas vs. Angelo Dawkins

Credit: WWE.com

Angelo Dawkins looked to become the first Superstar to knock off Andrade "Cien" Almas Wednesday night.

He would have little luck.

Almas exploded with his running double knees and put Dawkins away with a hammerlock DDT for the pinfall victory.

After the match, Bobby Roode (GLORIOUS!) made his way to the ring for a face-to-face confrontation with Almas. Upon speaking with general manager William Regal, Roode revealed that TakeOver: Back to Brooklyn will feature his in-ring debut as he squared off with Almas.

Result

Andrade "Cien" Almas defeated Angelo Dawkins.

Grade

C

Analysis

Almas might be the biggest bust NXT has experienced since Adam Rose and CJ Parker. The moment the decision was made to take his mask away from him and dress him up like a third-rate Chippendales ripoff, he lost his charisma and on-screen personality.

With that said, he is the perfect opponent for Roode. The former TNA star's debut should mark the end for Almas' winning streak and the beginning of a monumental run for the Canadian-born performer.

Liv Morgan vs. Billie Kay

Credit: WWE.com

The NXT faithful were solidly behind Liv Morgan as the bell rang and her match with Billie Kay was underway. Unfortunately for the New Jersey-proud competitor, the contest was less about her and more of a showcase for her Australian opponent.

The women exchanged control of the pace, but it Kay took over midway through the bout for the longest stretch of offense in the match.

Morgan fought back, mustering an energetic babyface comeback, but Kay caught her with the big boot for the pinfall victory.

Result

Billie Kay defeated Liv Morgan.

Grade

C-

Analysis

The rushed nature of this one led to a spot or two that looked off but for the most part, this accomplished what it intended to by getting Kay another victory as she climbs the ranks in NXT.

Either Bayley or Asuka is leaving Brooklyn with the women's title, meaning there will be a need for a heel No. 1 contender to work with going forward. While Peyton Royce would be a fine choice, Billie Kay is a similar competitor and one who is more established given her time in SHIMMER.

Morgan has in her the same sort of charisma Trish Stratus did, an in-ring understanding of maneuvers and where to place them. She will be a star in NXT sooner than later.

Johnny Gargano and Tomasso Ciampa vs. Patrick Clark and Tucker Knight

On the heels of the announcement that they will challenge The Revival for the NXT Tag Team Championships at TakeOver: Back to Brooklyn, Johnny Gargano and Tomasso Ciampa hit the ring for a showdown with Tough Enough loser Patrick Clark and Tucker Knight.

Despite some offense by Knight that gave him and his partner momentary control, the No. 1 contenders rolled over the competition.

Gargano and Ciampa utilized the superkick/knee combo to the head to net the victory in just over three minutes.

Result

Johnny Gargano and Tomasso Ciampa defeated Tucker Knight and Patrick Clark.

Grade

C

Analysis

With their championship opportunity set in stone, the No. 1 contenders sought to prove why they believe they are the best team in wrestling. Double-team maneuvers and the complete overwhelming of Knight and Clark helped them along the way.

Ciampa and Gargano have been one of wrestling's best teams from the moment they set foot in NXT so to see them receiving a deserving push is rewarding.

Mojo Rawley vs. Samoa Joe

Born in Samoa Joe's attack a week ago, the NXT champion battled Mojo Rawley in this week's headline bout.

Rawley looked as good as he ever has, physically intense and hellbent on avenging the beating that left him motionless on the entrance ramp. Unfortunately, it proved too much, and Rawley had no choice but to tap out when he found himself trapped in the Coquina Clutch.

After the match, Joe looked to continue his assault when Shinsuke Nakamura's music played and the top contender to Joe's title arrived. Security held the titleholder back, while Nakamura played his mind games, including a rousing edition of "got your nose."

An irate Joe was left restrained by security as Nakamura got the best of him to close out the show.

Result

Samao Joe defeated Mojo Rawley.

Grade

B+

Analysis

Mojo Rawley looked like a real wrestler here. Not just a football player making the transition but an honest-to-goodness wrestler who is becoming more and more comfortable between the ropes with every passing match. He sold well, unloaded when necessary and turned in his best performance ever against the world champion.

The mind games Nakamura played were brilliant and really tapped into a whole other side of the character that has been noticeably absent to this point.

Overall, a great way to wrap-up the show.