1/21 WWE NXT Results: #1 Contender’s Tournament Kicks Off, Finn Balor & Hideo Itami in Action

First Round Tournament Match

Finn Balor vs. Curtis Axel

Axel goes right after Balor choking him in the ropes until the referee makes them break it up. He throws a hard elbow and continues his assault until Finn connects with a standing dropkick. Axel tries to bail to the outside, but is caught with a senton splash over the ropes. Step-up enzuigiri connects over the ropes, but the referee holds him back as Axel hides in the ropes. 

Curtis keeps control, slowing things down with a rest hold for a minute. Balor breaks free but runs into a knee strike. Axel comes up empty (by a mile) with a top rope elbow drop and is caught by a Pele Kick. Finn connects with the Slingblade, followed up by a running dropkick in the corner. He goes to the top rope and finishes off the match with a double foot stomp. 

Winner: Finn Balor

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