WWE NXT Results: Winners, Grades, Reaction and Highlights from Aug. 17

The Aug. 17 episode of NXT was an abbreviated one designed to hype Saturday's TakeOver special, live from Brooklyn's Barclays Center. But in previewing the impending spectacular, it also shined a light on Superstars who will play a major role in the brand going forward.

Hideo Itami returned to action, asserting his dominance against Mustafa Ali of Cruiserweight Classic fame, while new female Superstars like Nikki Glencross, Mandy Rose and Daria Berenato received their first taste of the spotlight in tag team action.

It was Samoa Joe and Shinsuke Nakamura who left the greatest impression though, sitting mere feet from each other in a face-to-face before their NXT Championship bout in the Big Apple.

The show, though an infomercial of sorts for the biggest event of NXT's calendar year, did enough to earn your time.

How did each match and segment grade out? Find out now with this look back at the Aug. 17 broadcast.

Hideo Itami vs. Mustafa Ali

Just days from a TakeOver: Back to Brooklyn special on which he will be conspicuous in his absence, Hideo Itami returned to the NXT Arena to battle Cruiserweight Classic star Mustafa Ali.

Ali was no match for Itami, despite a bit of bragging from the newcomer.

The Japanese star unloaded on Ali with a huge kick, only to find himself on the receiving end of a neckbreaker moments later as the cruiserweight hopeful wrestled control of the match away from him.

Itami mounted a comeback, answering trash talk with a series of clotheslines, the hesitation dropkick and bicycle knee to the face for the win.

Result

Hideo Itami defeated Mustafa Ali

Grade

C

Analysis

Itami continued to show an intensity in his performance that was missing during his initial run with the company. While that may seem like a small introduction to his act, it is the one ingredient missing that will lead him to the greatness in NXT he seeks.

He was too relaxed, too one-dimensional the last time fans saw him. With a greater sense of urgency, and more determined than ever, Itami is a threat to both Samoa Joe and Shinsuke Nakamura for supremacy in NXT.

Six-Woman Tag Team Match

Carmella and Alexa Bliss returned to NXT this week, appearing on opposite sides of a Six-Woman Tag Team match designed to introduced viewers to the new faces in the women's division. Carmella teamed with Liv Morgan and Nikki Glencross to battle Bliss, Daria Berenato and Mandy Rose.

The heels worked over Morgan early, isolating her from her partners. Daria worked the majority of the middle portion, trapping Morgan in a bodyscissors. The experienced MMA competitor could not wear the fight out of her opponent, though, as the resilient New Jerseyan fought through the pain.

Carmella received the hot tag and exploded into the ring, a ball of energy not unlike former associates Enzo Amore and Big Cass.

The action broke down, and The Princess of Staten Island trapped Mandy Rose in the Code of Silence for the submission win.

Result

Carmella, Nikki Glencross and Liv Morgan defeated Daria Berenato, Mandy Rose and Alexa Bliss

Grade

C

Analysis

This did exactly what it was intended to do, in that it introduced the fan to the faces that will dominate women's wrestling in NXT going forward and, more importantly, carry the mantle in place of Bayley, who is destined for the main roster.

None of the women looked out of place, though some inexperience did rear its head.

Glencross is clearly the most polished wrestler but Berenato, Morgan and Rose all showed flashes of qualities necessary to thrive at the next level of competition.

Carmella scoring the win was a nice way to send her off permanently.

Shinsuke Nakamura and Samoa Joe Face-to-Face

Ahead of Saturday night's TakeOver main event, in which he will defend the NXT Championship against Shinsuke Nakamura, Samoa Joe stated his case for the unfair treatment he has experienced as champion.

Claiming Asuka has been shown more respect as champion than him, Joe recalled the various hoops he had to jump through while taking exception with the way Nakamura strolled in the front door and received a title opportunity.

The King of Strong Style said his style is "calm style."

More words were exchanged and the Superstars came face-to-face, only to be separated by Joe and general manager William Regal.

Grade

C

Analysis

The night of average grades continues.

This was a fine way to put a bow on the hype for Joe vs. Nakamura, and it again proved that the No. 1 contender can use his mind games to manipulate the champion into losing his cool.

It was a nice tease for the story that will unfold Saturday night. Whether Joe falls for it again is the question.