Bálor made his debut on the November 6 episode of "NXT" as the partner of Hideo Itami in his feud with The Ascension. He made his in-ring debut on the November 13 episode where he teamed with Itami to defeat Justin Gabriel and Tyson Kidd. After feuding with the Ascension for weeks, Bálor and Itami were able to defeat them at the event on December 11, where Bálor debuted his signature body paint during his entrance.