Quick hits on WWE NXT
• There isn’t much to say about Tuesday night’s episode of NXT other than it wasn’t very good. Part of the problem is that I just don’t find this group of “rookies” to be as compelling as those of the previous three seasons. The larger problem with this episode, specifically, is that the two challenges were incredibly dull; a comedy sketch with Daniel Bryan and Derrick Bateman going on a double date with The Bella Twins fell flat; and of the two matches, one dragged (Conor O’Brian vs. Byron Saxton) and the other was just OK (Ted DiBiase Jr. vs. Johnny Curtis).
• The first challenge consisted of the pros sling-shotting t-shirts from the ring to the stage, where their rookies stood trying to catch them. As Josh Matthews so eloquently put it, “The person who came up with this challenge should be shot out of a slingshot.” It was really odd seeing Alberto Del Rio – a guy clearly being groomed for a main event position – participating in something this silly on a show that is only seen online.
• The second challenge featured the pros teaming with their rookies in a game of “Superstar Password.” As someone who enjoyed watching game shows such as “Password” a kid, I actually thought this could be good. Nope. It seemed that some of the rookies were not even familiar with the “Password” concept (They wouldn’t know Allen Ludden from “Bad News” Allen Coage). The idea is that one member of a two-person team is given a word (or in this case, the name of a WWE wrestler), and he then gives a series of one-word clues in an effort to get his partner to guess the word. However, instead of just saying a single word, some of the rookies spoke in complete sentences and Saxton sang entrance themes.
• I think Bateman is a pretty funny guy, but he couldn’t overcome the lame material he was given to work with in the double date segment.
• This should come as no shock: DiBiase lost again.
• Saxton dominated his match against O’Brian, which of course meant that O’Brian would win. I don’t think he’ll be as fortunate next week, though. The second elimination of the season will take place, and my money is on O’Brian getting the boot.
Comments
I think either Saxton or Bateman should win this competition. They both have personality, okay in ring skills, and are somewhat entertaining.
Conor O'Brian is terrible, and it doesn't help by pretending he's a rat.
Brodus is alright, but he's no Big Show (although he is better than Khali or Henry).
I do think that Johnny Curtis has potential, and could one day be over with the fans, but I wouldn't count on him winning this competition.
Posted by: Cory | January 13, 2011 10:19 PM
I'm surprised you like Bateman. I understand his appeal, but I can't get behind anyone doing the Pro-USA schtick that also disrespected the flag (I think it was the second episode where he had a USA flag and threw it on the ground. Ziggler called him out on it, but no one else seemed to notice but me and other viewers.)
As for the competitions, I think WWE is making them 'wing it.,' which is a huge mistake. I think they need to tell the guys what the challenge will be ahead of time and maybe even let them practice. If they did that I think that the challenges would run a lot smoother and be more entertaining.
Finally, I'm rooting for Clay though I can't really tell you why. Maybe its that I like how he combined Snoop's and Ali's real names together (Calvin Broadus and Cassius Clay).
Posted by: Anonymous | January 14, 2011 3:22 AM
Bryan, O'Brian, Byron...I think they have used every version of Brian possible.
Posted by: zach f | January 14, 2011 6:34 AM
"...this silly on a show that is only seen online. "
For whatever god awful reason NXT is still actually on TV in Canada. I wish they would just scrap it and show more vintage WCW shows =/
Posted by: PB | January 14, 2011 8:00 AM
Kevin,
Just one remark: "Alberto Del Rio – a guy clearly being groomed for a main event position – participating in something this silly on a show that is only seen online."
Would be important not to forget that NXT is still broadcast in Televisions across the UK, Europe and the rest of the World... still, I agree with you! :-)
RESPONSE FROM KE: Thanks -- I actually did forget that some people are "lucky" enough to watch NXT on TV.
Posted by: Jorge Botas | January 14, 2011 9:11 AM
Curtis and Bateman might not be future champions, but both stand out as skilled and funny. There's good potential there - at least as tag team specialists - maybe not in the WWE, though.
Posted by: Ruzious | January 14, 2011 1:39 PM
"that some people are "lucky" enough to watch NXT on TV."
Not just on TV but on PAY!-TV, I want to add. At least over here in Germany.
Posted by: XDreamItchy | January 17, 2011 3:15 AM
...South Africa is one of those "lucky" countries... saw the episode where the y had to answer the trivia questions the other day and it was pretty lame how they all had the same kinda delivery on the mike (with the exception of Clay). Everybody want to be like Dwayne...
Posted by: The Mil | January 17, 2011 4:08 AM