WWE NXT Results: Winners, Grades, Reaction and Highlights from September 7

NXT continued to rebuild its roster in the wake of the WWE draft and several call-ups, delivering a show that presented stars who would be integral to the future of the brand.

Champion Shinsuke Nakamura returned to the ring, squaring off with Steve Cutler in a match haunted by the presence of Samoa Joe at the commentary position.

Ember Moon saw her first competition since TakeOver: Back to Brooklyn and Austin Aries looked to prove to Andrade Almas that he is still one of the premier wrestlers on the planet.

What fresh faces would make their presences felt, and which rivalries would dominate the hour-long WWE Network broadcast?

Find out now with this exclusive look back at the September 7 episode.

TM61 vs. Tony Neese and Arya Davairi

Credit: WWE.com

Cruiserweight Classic competitors Tony Neese and Arya Daivari made their NXT debuts, teaming to battle TM61's Nick Miller and Shane Thorne.

The heels isolated Thorne, working him over and controlling the pace of the bout.

The hot tag to Miller re-ignited the crowd and surged the babyfaces to victory.

TM61 delivered its Thunder Road finisher for the win.

Result

TM61 defeated Daivari and Neese

Grade

C+

Analysis

TM61 is incredibly talented and brings an energy to its performances that few others do. Unfortunately, there is a logjam of top contenders ahead of it, preventing TM61 from making any upward movement.

Johnny Gargano, Tommaso Ciampa and The Authors of Pain are firmly planted in front of TM61, and fans know it. Thus, every victory is less impactful than the week before.

Ember Moon vs. Leah Vaughan

Credit: WWE.com

Ember Moon made her NXT TV debut Wednesday night, battling independent standout Leah Vaughan.

Moon dominated the sprint of a match, finishing her opponent with the diving, twisting stunner.

Result

Ember Moon defeated Leah Vaughan

Grade

C-

Analysis

This was a fine showcase for Moon, who has the flash and look of a star. Thus far in her two in-ring performances, she has done nothing to erase the confidence management has in her.

She is the most logical next contender to Asuka's title and the closest thing to a veteran in-ring competitor the brand has beyond the champion, Billie Kay and the underutilized Peyton Royce.

Andrade Almas vs. Austin Aries

Austin Aries looked to continue his winning ways, building on his victory over No Way Jose at TakeOver by battling Andrade "Cien" Almas.

Aries took over control of the match early, working the back and neck of Almas to set up the Last Chancery.

Almas would fight back, though, repeatedly looking for the running knees to secure victory. When that did not work, he tried a springboard hurricanrana, only to be dropped with a powerbomb.

The Last Chancery secured the victory for Aries.

Result

Austin Aries defeated Andrade Almas

Grade

C+

Analysis

This was a solid match that continued to suggest Almas is a better wrestler than his lackluster gimmick would suggest. He worked well with Aries, leaving NXT with a potential live special match for the future.

Aries has finally found his way in NXT after a rough start, but the lack of attention paid to his interaction with Hideo Itami from TakeOver is curious. Why not continue to set that program up in time for the next special?

Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Steve Cutler

Steve Cutler's win streak ended at one Wednesday night as he battled Shinsuke Nakamura in a match he was completely and utterly outclassed in from the start.

With Samoa Joe watching on commentary, Nakamura kneed out of a suplex attempt, delivered a reverse powerslam and scored the win with the Kinshasa.

Result

Shinsuke Nakamura defeated Steve Cutler

Grade

C-

Analysis

Nakamura is always great fun, but there was nothing at all competitive about this match. It was a squash and did little to actually further the ongoing issues between the champion and Joe, outside of some mocking by the titleholder.

The match was a fine use of Nakamura, at least when it comes to boosting awareness and engaging the audience, but this was a wasted segment.