WWE NXT: February 4, 2015

ORLANDO, Fla. — With TakeOver: Rival just one week away, the NXT Universe’s attention turned toward the semifinals of the NXT Championship No. 1 Contender’s Tournament. Who would move on to the finals at TakeOver next Wednesday when former champion Adrian Neville clashed with the undefeated Baron Corbin, and tag team partners Finn Bálor and Hideo Itami did battle?

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Carmella def. Emma

Acknowledging that things haven’t been going so well for her in recent months, Emma declared that she was returning to NXT to get back on track. However, the bubbly Diva ran into Carmella, who was furious and looking for a win after coming up short against Blue Pants several weeks ago.

Both Divas wrestled an aggressive contest and looked to be on even terms throughout. However, Emma took a little too long to taunt The Princess of Staten Island and found herself trapped in Carmella’s trademark submission, with no choice but to tap out.

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Adrian Neville def. Baron Corbin (NXT Championship No. 1 Contender’s Tournament Semifinals)
The Man That Gravity Forgot had a sound strategy for combating the much larger Baron Corbin, staggering the titan with lightning-fast kicks before darting out of The Lone Wolf’s clutches. The former NXT Champion’s game plan was ended when he ran straight into a huge clothesline from the 275-pounder.

Corbin used his size and strength to his advantage, hurling Neville around the ring with ease. Corbin looked to be in control of the bout until Bull Dempsey snuck up behind him at ringside and rammed him into the steel ring post!

The Lone Wolf still had enough about him to get back into the ring, but he crawled directly into a dropkick from Neville that left him in perfect position for the Red Arrow. That gave Neville the victory and a spot in the finals of the NXT Title No. 1 Contender’s Tournament! Furious after being handed his first loss, Baron Corbin will get a chance at payback next Wednesday, when he faces Bull Dempsey in a No Disqualification Match at TakeOver: Rival!

TakeOver preview: Corbin vs. Dempsey

Bayley def. Becky Lynch

Two of the Divas who will challenge NXT Women’s Champion Charlotte at TakeOver clashed this week, as Bayley battled Becky Lynch. Almost immediately, Becky targeted the injured left leg of Bayley, perhaps trying to put her rival out of action before next week’s title match.

Sasha Banks soon made her way to ringside to keep a closer eye on her friend, but that didn’t deter Bayley. The normally happy-go-lucky Diva showed a new, aggressive side, attacking Becky with no signs of letting up. When Becky scrambled to ringside for a brief respite, Sasha tossed Becky back into the ring and into a Belly-to-Bayley Suplex, costing her the match. The alliance known as Team B.A.E broke down, with Sasha and Becky getting into a shoving match!

Finn Bálor def. Hideo Itami (NXT Championship No. 1 Contender’s Tournament Semifinals)
With Neville watching from the announcers’ desk, Finn Bálor and Hideo Itami set aside their friendship with a chance to face the high-flyer for the No. 1 contendership to the NXT Championship on the line. The two allies showed how well they knew each other, putting on a display of chain wrestling that had the NXT Universe on the edge of their seats.

The two friends launched blow after blow, neither man able to gain a clear advantage, until Itami connected with a rapid-fire series of punches and kicks that looked to finally give him the upper hand. However, Bálor rebounded and sent Itami crashing into the corner with a huge dropkick. That left Itami in position for the Coup de Grace off the top rope, allowing Bálor to pick up the win and take his place in the finals of the No. 1 Contender’s Tournament against Neville next week at TakeOver: Rival! 

TakeOver preview: Bálor vs. Neville

Next Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT: NXT TakeOver: Rival LIVE on WWE Network!

NXT Champion Sami Zayn vs. Kevin Owens ( PREVIEW)

NXT Women's Champion Charlotte vs. Bayley vs. Sasha Banks vs. Becky Lynch ( PREVIEW)

NXT Tag Team Champions Wesley Blake & Buddy Murphy vs. The Lucha Dragons ( PREVIEW)

Adrian Neville vs. Finn Bálor - NXT Championship No. 1 Contender's Tournament Finals ( PREVIEW)

Baron Corbin vs. Bull Dempsey - No Disqualification Match ( PREVIEW)

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