100% agree with you about Cole being a heel authority figure.

I absolutely hate listening to Cole as an announcer - but after watching him and Danielson on the mic, I -WANT- to see him continue to interact directly with the rest of the roster. Cole actually has quite a presence in the ring and incredible intensity when he starts projecting anger. Honestly I was more on edge listening to him get angry than pretty much any of the top heels in the company. I really thought he was gonna snap and lose his $h1t at some point.

Michael Cole as the new Raw GM? Please? ANYONE ELSE IN THE WORLD as the new Raw announcer? Please?

"Cole said that Bryan’s attack was the most traumatic thing that has ever happened to him. Really? I seem to remember a disturbing scene with Heidenreich and Cole in a closet some years back."

My thoughts exactly. And I remembered that he got beat up by somebody since I vaguely recall Taz in the ring talking about a wrestler beating up his 150 lb. broadcast partner, but I forgot who did that particular deed.

"WWE wasn’t about to give away Punk’s first appearance sans hair on NXT."

It would've helped ratings, though, and NXT needs a ratings boost more than Smackdown. I half expected Punk to come out wearing his hoodie.

I'm not so sure that Bryan is getting the right exposure here. How am I supposed to get behind him as a face (which is what I think WWE wants) when he whines about being held back after compiling a 0-10 record? (I know it's booked, but the show seems to be intent on keeping kayfabe). Then, he targets an ANNOUNCER to vent his frustrations on. I'm not sure what was accomplished by having Cole make great points about Bryan saying "tap or snap" and never submitting anyone or having the WRESTLER scream "be a man!" at an ANNOUNCER as if goading him into a fight. Some "hero".

Its a shame Daniel Bryan doesn't have more size on him. After this mini feud which is going over very well I see him getting buried in the mix.

I think its strange that the most interesting angle to me in wrestling right now is Daniel Bryan and Michael Cole. I had kind of tuned out of NXT, but this angle brought me back. I have been a fan of Danielson's for a while. I love watching his matches, especially with Nigel. He seems to be showing more personality in WWE.

I don't know how much you can push a 180 lb guy in WWE, but if he is one of my favorites currently.

I totally agree with you about Cole. I could see him as the GM of Raw when Bret's run is over. If there were such things as heel managers these days, he'd be a good fit there. He could add a lot to a guy like a Mike Knox or Shelton Benjamin.

Either way, I can't wait to see the Bryan/Mix Feud. And hopefully down the road, a Punk/Bryan Feud. I think Bryan will come out looking the best of all the NXt guys

It was great, how a big part of the crowd chanted: "Kick his head in", when Cole sent his security out of the ring.

Good points about Cole being an on-air heel authority figure. I agree with you on that. The segment was very good, but in my opinion, didn't top last week's confrontation, as far as acting and mic work is concerned.

I always just assumed Cole secretly liked Heidenreich's poetry.

I'm fascinated by this Michael Cole heel turn. Traditionally, it's the color announcer that plays the bad guy.

The Miz-Danielson/Bryan pull-apart was done very well, also. TNA can take some lessons.

"Cole said that Bryan’s attack was the most traumatic thing that has ever happened to him. Really? I seem to remember a disturbing scene with Heidenreich and Cole in a closet some years back. “Stone Cold” Steve Austin beat him up pretty good one time, as well."

Ha, I thought the same! Maybe he blocked that whole episode from his memory.

*Cole said that Bryan’s attack was the most traumatic thing that has ever happened to him. Really? I seem to remember a disturbing scene with Heidenreich and Cole in a closet some years back. “Stone Cold” Steve Austin beat him up pretty good one time, as well.*
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And what about all the official hellos he received from the Kliq. I don't want to say anything but that my friends, is gonna leave a mark. =D

I thought Otunga's match was very good, and how amazing is Wade Barrett? He's so far above the others it's not even fair, including his easy, natural mic work.

Cole was superb last night, you're right that WWE should get him out from behind the announce table. VERY compelling, intense, and convincing.

He could be a weasely, beaureaucratic middle-management type, always hiding behind a team of muscled-up enforcers, and he can make last-minute handicap matches and use annoying corporate-seminar jargon to tell the babyfaces they can't get their title shot because of a paperwork problem.

I was surprirsed at how good Cole was!

Bryan v. Cole round 2 was build on last week, but I thought you left out the other, perhaps more important, movement on this angle: Bryan finally scrumming with the Miz as he walked back up the aisle. I hope that's one more step towards a full-on post-NXT feud between them.

By the way, any word whether Miz still has real heat behind-the-scenes, or has he earned his stripes? It was hilarious the week before when Regal and Punk were laughing and nodding in agreement that Bryan was better than Miz. Seemed like they were just goofing (in appreciation of the real-life resumes), but it prompts the question. I know you weren't a fan for awhile, but Miz is one of the few newer guys who'll get me to stop fastforwarding the DVR these days. It's fun watching him draw such great heel heat from the crowd...

RESPONSE FROM KE: Yes, the Bryan-Miz pull-apart, which I forgot to mention, also was good. I don't think it was as good as the Bryan-Cole deal, though. As far as Miz having heat, I think he definitely had it when he first got there, but now I think it's more in a joking way.

The Daniel Bryan/Michael Cole segment has been one of the best segments in recent years. Michael Cole has really surprised me the last few weeks. If everything is handled correctly and Cole does become a GM for some brand (perhaps Hart's successor on Raw), we could have the next "Austin/McMahon" rivalry.

Thank you for saying what nobody else seems to be saying. I am now convinced that Cole is a phenomenal performer. You are so right that he needs to be used as a heel authority figure.

Gabriel seems like he's just a LITTLE green. He is just a half-a-step below where he needs to be.

Which is, of course, a couple steps above where Otunga is in the ring.

But these short matches don't really give us much time to see what the rookies can do on NXT. Maybe that's why Gabriel looked more impressive last night than before -- he had more than 2 minutes to show what he could do.

Stick him in a mid-card tag team on Smackdown and let him grow, I think he might be able to be an Evan Bourne type.

Otunga? I just don't see it.

Wade Barrett is about the same technically in the ring as Gabriel, but he is better on the mic and he's bigger, so he looks more impressive. If WWE keeps him alongside Jericho for a few weeks, I think he could get some heat as a heel.

Still think Barrett is going to win, but Barrett, Otunga and Bryan will find their way to the WWE, with Gabriel (maybe) getting a look in a few months.

Man! Daniel Bryan story line is the most compelling story line in sometime. Although there are good story lines between Edge and Orton, and Punk and Mysterio, Bryan story line is the most compelling since Orton was terrorizing the HHH and the McMahon’s. I hope they make the most of this story line which will do great for Bryan, Cole, and the MIZ.

I wonder if this story line was planned all along or if this was a last minute change. I am not crazy seeing Bryan loose to the other rookies and go winless but if this story line results in him becoming an impact wrestler and getting some great wins, then someone in the WWE creative team needs a promotion.

By the way, is it me or does it seem like the MIZ has heat with wrestlers back stage and isn't respected as much as he should be or may like to be. It seems like every time the Miz is insulted, other wrestlers go out of character and agree with the insult. Last week, Regal and Punk went out of their heel character and agreed with Bryan. Then Regal did it again this week by agreeing with Miz being the worst pro. Normally heels don't take the side of faces at the expense of another heel or for any reason. Then you have the Big Show 's punch to the side of Miz’s which looked kind of real. I would be interested on how the locker room feels towards MIZ. For the record, I like Miz but I can see his back round being an issue for the other wrestlers.

Hey Kevin-do you know if the guys voted off NXT(besides Bryan) are going back to FCW?

RESPONSE FROM KE: Yeah, I don't think they're being released. I'm guessing that just about all of them end up in WWE at some point.

Another tremendous segment between Bryan and Cole, with The Miz getting into the act this time. The upcoming finale seems like a good place to finally put on that Bryan/Miz match they've been teasing since the very beginning of the show.

When Daniel Bryan was leaving the arena, he clocked Miz. That punch looked legit. And the Miz is turning into one of the best guys on the mic in WWE.

Many pro wrestling purists pine for the days when wrestling revolved around Jack Brisco and Dory Funk Jr. Chain wrestling for an hour in their underwear.

However I'm glad to see the WWE step outside of the box with a close-to-home feud between Michael Cole and Daniel Bryan.

Traditionally, I don't like seeing announcers become characters as it makes it more difficult for them to put over WWE Superstars and storylines, especially as heels.

But Michael Cole gets (unfairly) criticized for being Michael Cole as it is, so kudos to the WWE for owning it.

I can't believe I'm about to type this but Cole was fantastic in his and Danielson's segment. Was his security team developmental wrestlers and if so do you know who they were?

Kevin I agree with you on a lot of things specially when it comes to David Otunga. My husband and I have been saying from the start that Otunga was going to get judged very hard by the public. All they know is his great better half JHUD, and the trashy reality show he was on. David Otunga has held his own in the ring and he is very serious about the sport. He is a very smart man and he came in with a super gimmick that is working very well for him. Otunga is going to become a big star in the WWE in the furture to come. I can say a lot of HATERS are HATING because they are all caught up in his personal life. David Otunga is the total opposite of his gimmick on NXT. JEALOUSY is a form of sickness and mental illness.

I wonder how much of the fights between Danielson and Cole and The Miz was a work. It looked pretty intense.

RESPONSE FROM KE: I'm pretty sure it's all a work.

What happens to this program after a winner is determined?

RESPONSE FROM KE: I believe there will be another "season."

The new tag team on Raw made NXT a joke, seeing as you can come into WWE, attack a champion and get a title shot.

I'm not so sure that Bryan is getting the right exposure here. How am I supposed to get behind him as a face (which is what I think WWE wants) when he whines about being held back after compiling a 0-10 record? (I know it's booked, but the show seems to be intent on keeping kayfabe). Then, he targets an ANNOUNCER to vent his frustrations on. I'm not sure what was accomplished by having Cole make great points about Bryan saying "tap or snap" and never submitting anyone or having the WRESTLER scream "be a man!" at an ANNOUNCER as if goading him into a fight. Some "hero".

Posted by: Paul in Allentown | May 27, 2010 6:55 AM

This is a reaction that I've seen from a lot of fans, which makes the angle with Bryan kind of tricky yet all the more compelling.

I think of Daniel Bryan as more of a non traditional baby-face. Bryan is an IWC hero. He's pretty much saying the things a lot of people in the IWC are discussing online: Michael Cole isn't that great of an announcer, JR should return, the WWE favors big guys over smaller guys regardless of talent level, etc. Bryan also mentioned that his real name is Bryan Danielson, not Daniel Bryan (which is something I hope they address again). I'm personally indifferent towards Cole and JR as announcers (Heenan or Ventura with Gorilla Monsoon was the standard).

Bryan can appeal to more casual fans if they sympathize with him for being criticized constantly by Cole and the Miz, and now he is just not going to take it anymore. Cole has mocked Bryan's ring work, which is justified. However, Cole ridiculing Bryan's lifestyle (vegan, bookworm, etc) is not. Cole hasn't attacked anyone else on NXT in that way, so Bryan has a reason to be upset with Cole.

I think Bryan's aggression will now be directed more towards the Miz, with Cole throwing cheap shots while standing behind Miz. This could really put Cole in the sorely missing heel manager position, shades of Gary Hart or Colonel Parker.

I can say a lot of HATERS are HATING because they are all caught up in his personal life. David Otunga is the total opposite of his gimmick on NXT. JEALOUSY is a form of sickness and mental illness.

Posted by: norma | May 27, 2010 5:20 PM

Some people may dislike Otunga because of his lifestyle, but I really can't imagine that many wrestling fans are fuming that a guy dating a celebrity is now on the WWE TV. That would just be petty.

From what I've noticed, most fans are saying that Otunga needs to sharpen up his ring work, but they tend to agree that he has a swagger that works for him as a heel.

I think that he shouldn't have consistently been ranked as number two, because it doesn't seem genuine especially when the pros said that they thought he was fairly green in the ring.

Hey Norma,

While good good on the mic, Otunga is still very very green in the ring. I think that is why so many wrestling fans don't enjoy watching him perform.

I heard Barret doing color commentary on FCW TV and he was superb, as was the match between Bryan and Kaval. Youtube that match!!

BTW, excellent comment BigNasty.

The guy who can't wrestle will win the Best New Wrestler contest. That sums up why the WWE sucks.

The Bryan, Cole, Miz stuff is enjoyable. Bryan has me cheering for him.

My favorite part was when Slater said he beat Jericho and Jericho is a guy who beat Stone Cold and the Rock in the same night. When he said that they showed Jericho and his facial expression was priceless, it was like he was saying why am I jobbing to these guys lol

lol Two things I loved this week when Danielson was laying into Miz:

1) during the verbal confrontation Regal again nodding agreement that Danielson is the better wrestler

2) When it got physical all the pros just stepping back and letting it go. You would have thought Jericho (Miz's tag partner would have intervened at least) Unlike when he went after Cole and Striker was in there straight away to break it up.

BTW Barrett for the Win, Cole for GM and JBL back for commentary.

I figure Wade Barrett will win NXT. But I have no idea what championship he will wrestle for at a pay per view

Any thoughts on who you think the NXT winner will select to face at a pay per view?

And the next breakout star is........................................Michael Cole. From a bit of a rubbish commentator to a great performer. The skirmishes between Bryan and Cole and Bryan and Miz were absolutely genuine looking (I'm sure it's a work though). What a punch to the Miz's face. Brilliant.

For all the grief that Cole gets, it could be worse; Matt Striker could be hosting Raw.

Striker makes Cole sound like JR.

How much can you push a 180lb guy? Anybody look at Rey Mysterio? He was even lighter than that about a decade ago.

I agree that Cole vs. Bryan on the mic was very, very good. One of the best programs I've seen on any wrestling show in a long time.

What was with Kane teaming up with Rey Mysterio a couple weeks ago and them getting along just fine. Does anybody remember the long feud they had a while back while Kane was threatening to remove his mask?

RESPONSE FROM KE: I thought the same thing about Kane-Mysterio.

Otunga has NXT in the bag right now, Im sure of it. Despite being green in the ring, he has charisma, talented on the mic, and a good gimmick. Not to mention R-Truth is our current US champ and Otunga hasnt gotten along with him in the past...perfect matchup for a title bout at the PPV. I certainly think Barrett deserves it, but i dont see him winning it. But that doesnt mean he wont be on the main roster. It will give Chris Jericho something to do, arguing with authority figures (namely new Raw GM Bret Hart) trying to get Barrett on the roster.

Do you see this storyline playing out, Kevin?

Wow, that was an incredibly powerful television.

Cole was superb (much to my surprise), Danielson was ever better.

Both the Danielson/Cole and Danielson/Miz confrontations were the best, most realistic 'scuffle' i've ever seen in wrestling.

And that forearm from Danielson to Miz? Just wow.
Either he accidentally connected or he's got the most realistic strikes in the business because that was easily the most impressive strikes i've seen in wrestling.

I've been jaded by wrestling for a number of years now but this angle really has got me and makes this show a must see for me, something i haven't said about a wrestling show since the late 90's early 00's.