By Nicholas Jason Lopez

“Notes In Observance” features random thoughts and analysis on recent television shows. Quick results can be found at the bottom of the post.

(Aired 12/28/16)

Osaka, Osaka

– The opening video hyped up the NXT Championship rematch between Champion (at the time) Samoa Joe and Shinsuke Nakamura. Yup, they’d show the entire match again in its entirety (this was even before their steel cage match), but the good part was that we’d see the rest of the Osaka event. A two-hour NXT show on a holiday week? What a gift. By the way, to read our review of the Joe/Nakamura match, check it here.

– The Oney Lorcan-Andrade “Cien” Almas was a treat for the crowd on hand, given Almas’ history in Japan as he wrestled as La Sombra and even defeated Nakamura to once become the IWGP Intercontinental Champion there. Speaking of La Sombra, we were surprised to see him come out with that mask on, as we wondered if he’d play babyface. That didn’t last as he took it off before the bell, maybe as a means to upset the crowd. The crowd was behind Lorcan, but they cheered Almas’ “tranquillo” ropes spot. They booed Almas when he rejected a handshake offer. Pretty good action on both ends as this was a straight-forward effort, maybe lengthier than necessary. This was a live event though, so we can’t blame them. It’s hard to tell if WWE will truly back Lorcan (the guy’s name makes it difficult), but the finish was great (top rope exploder suplex) and Lorcan got the win in Almas’ backyard. We figured this was tailor-made for Almas, but perhaps they have plans for Lorcan in 2017. Time will tell.

– The Aliyah/Liv Morgan-Peyton Royce/Billie Kay match stemmed from their earlier history, as it was the personification of the underlings of the NXT Women’s Division, a constant “work in progress.” The Royce/Kay duo continue to benefit as a team and we saw a taste of that here, as they isolated Aliyah from Morgan as long as possible. Morgan finally tagged in and things picked up briefly, before the heels settled back the momentum. Royce threw Morgan onto Kay’s knee to give the Aussie Mean Girls an overseas victory. Keeps the “Femme Fatales” over. Next.

– The NXT Tag Team Championship match between Champions #DIY and Tajiri/Akira Tozawa looked delectable on paper and we had the country factor with the two well-known Japanese talents. There was mutual respect shown beforehand, as Johnny Gargano and Tozawa exchanged some sleek chain wrestling. Tajiri spit his mist into the air when he got in, as a warning. It spilled down his back though. He showed some veteran prowess when he covered Tommaso Ciampa six times consecutively to make him exert energy. Tajiri kicked around both men and then held them together for two consecutive Tozawa suicide dives. For nostalgia’s sake, Tajiri even gave Gargano the Tarantula. The action quickened as Tozawa delivered snap German Suplexes to both men. In a near-fall tease, Tajiri saved Tozawa after Ciampa delivered a Fireman’s Carry into a backbreaker. Eventually, Tozawa fell victim to Meeting In The Middle (the double kick combo) as #DIY retained. Great match that might’ve contained more drama if this wasn’t a live event/house show. Still a good idea for the television show to rebroadcast this. Fine show of respect from the Champs as they bowed down to Tajiri/Tozawa after the bell.

– The NXT Women’s Championship match between Champion Asuka and Nia Jax served as Asuka’s homecoming, as she came directly from Osaka. The reception for her alone was a treat to see. Asuka oozed confidence like never before, as Jax was put in there probably because they had history together and resembled somewhat of a challenge these days. The action was stalled at points as Jax dominated and shut down any momentum the Champ could get together. Jax even stood up while held in a kneebar. It was interesting to see that the “10” Ref count chants were even a thing in Japan. They never let Jax suffer the Asuka Lock, but Asuka began to fire back and delivered an impressive German suplex. Jax was kicked in the jaw for Asuka to retain.

Quick Results

• Oney Lorcan def. Andrade “Cien” Almas via pinfall 
• Peyton Royce/Billie Kay def. Liv Morgan/Aliyah via pinfall 
• NXT Tag Team Championship – #DIY (Champions) def. Akira Tozawa/Tajiri via pinfall to retain 
• NXT Women’s Championship – Asuka (Champion) def. Nia Jax via pinfall to retain