3 Ups & 5 Downs From NXT 403

1. Hideo Itami Vs Cassius Ohno

Itami and Ohno's feud has grown through a handful of unappetising backstage segments, but both men have enough experience and quality in the ring to make the actual match an inviting prospect.

The match was believably bad-tempered and was based around the painful-sounding strong style strikes both men make their stock in trade. The meaty thwacks of chops, knees and kicks played particularly well to the Full Sail crowd, especially Ohno's homicidal face kick.

The match's ending was its weakest point, but a clean finish wasn't a probable outcome if the feud is to be continued. Like so much else on the card, it looks likely to conclude at TakeOver.

Hideo Itami finally got some character development as he went full scowling villain on Ohno, who gamely took a spirited beatdown after the bell.

NXT has had better main events lately, but this one was believable and impactful in the ring and succeeded in intensifying a feud that badly needed a dose of passion.