NXT TakeOver: The End Results – Samoa Joe wins cage war

It was billed as ‘the end of the beginning’ and NXT once again provided WWE fans with another remarkable TakeOver show from the NXT arena at Full Sail University.

The night began with chants of ‘ten’ reigning through the arena as Tye Dillinger took on the debuting Andrade "Cien" Almas. Much had been made of the new Mexican sensation with a string of vignettes showing his past as a masked Luchador being shown in the build-up to the match, and early indications are that Almas will certainly be one to watch in NXT. Showing an array of high-flying expertise - including turning a moonsault into a standing flip - Andrade picked up the win with a running double knee to Dillinger in the corner of the ring.

Next up, the battle for the NXT Tag Team Titles continued with American Alpha putting their straps on the line against The Revival, in a re-match from their encounter in Dallas over WrestleMania weekend. These two teams have proven over and over again what talented pairs they are, and the tag team combos were on full display in this one, including an eye-catching double ankle-lock from the Alpha’s, and an amazing mid-air belly-to-belly suplex from Chad Gable. Then ending saw The Revival hit the Shatter Machine on Jason Jordon to become NXT’s first ever two-time tag champs. Post-match American Alphas were attacked by an unknown duo dressed in camouflage and seemingly in league with former Road Warriors manager Paul Ellering.

The much-anticipated meeting between Austin Aries and Shinsuke Nakamura began with dueling chants from the NXT crowd, and the pair lived-up to their billing. Both men are expected to be challenging for the NXT Championship over the coming months, and thus were desperate to get the victory to prove they're worthy of the shot. However, in a close-fought battled it was Nakamura who picked up the hard earned win with the running knee to defeat the ‘Greatest Man Who Ever Lived’.

The first of two single title matches saw Asuka defend her NXT Women’s Title against Nia Jax. The towering Jax showcased her raw power early on, but it never looked like it would be enough to defeat the popular champion. In the end Asuka’s rapid backhands and kicks cut down Jax, culminating in a blow to the head that saw her get the three-count and retain her crown.

They then showed an interview with William Regal from earlier in the day that saw an impromptu appearance from Bobby Roode who was making his way into Regal’s General Manager office. Prompting speculation we are about to see NXT’s newest signing.

The main event was in keeping with the show’s theme, as the rivalry between NXT Champion Samoa Joe and Finn Balor would finally be settled inside NXT’s first ever steel cage match. Both these Superstars upped their game for this historic encounter; with the steel cage giving an added edge to a rivalry that has spanned three separate TakeOver shows. Joe delivered an impressive flying kick from the top rope as Balor hung from the cage, before ‘The Demon’ replied with a Sling Blade later in the bout when both men were scaling from the structure. After a dramatic back and forth match it was Joe who retained his title using his Muscle Buster from the top rope to finally put away Balor for good.

Full results from NXT TakeOver: The End

Andrade "Cien"; Almas defeated Tye Dillinger

The Revival defeated American Alphas to win the NXT Tag Team Titles

Shinsuke Nakamura defeated Austin Aries

Asuka defeated Nia Jax to retain her NXT Women’s Title

Samoa Joe defeated Finn Balor in a steel cage match to retain the NXT Title

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