Quick hits on WWE NXT
• I admit that I lost interest in this season of NXT a while ago and I haven’t seen all of the episodes, but I try to make it a point to watch when I know there are going to be eliminations. On Tuesday night’s show, Byron Saxton was eliminated, so now we’re down to three – Derrick Bateman, Brodus Clay and Johnny Curtis. Pretty much from the beginning I thought either Saxton or Clay was going to win, so obviously I’m surprised that Saxton sent home this early. From what I’ve seen, he has more charisma, is a better talker and has a better look than any of his fellow NXT rookies. But he is still green in the ring, so it’s probably for the best that he spends some more time in developmental. I’ll be very surprised if he doesn’t end up on Raw or Smackdown at some point.
• Even though Saxton is a heel, the crowd booed when he was eliminated. The crowd turned against him, however, after he cut a heel promo on his way out. While he was making his way up the ramp, Dolph Ziggler – Saxton’s pro – went nuts and cut a scathing promo on him for being eliminated. That was by far the most intensity that I have ever seen Ziggler show on the mic.
• Ziggler had a couple good lines on this show. When R-Truth came out, Ziggler yelled, “Milwaukee, Wisconsin,” an obvious shot at R-Truth for his flub on Raw Monday night, when he said that he was in Green Bay when he was actually in Milwaukee. Tuesday’s show was in Green Bay. Also, during a “Price is Right”-type competition, Saxton went over on one of his bids, and Ziggler said, “That’s the first time Saxton’s ever been over.”
• The two matches on the show – Bateman defeated Saxton, and Clay defeated Curtis – were serviceable, but nothing more than that.
• Pros Alberto Del Rio and Ted DiBiase Jr. were not on the show, as Ricardo Rodriguez and Maryse, respectively, took their places. I suppose this show is beneath Del Rio at this point. I have no idea why DiBiase wasn’t there.
• For the “Price is Right” segment, NXT Season 3 rookie Divas A.J. and Naomi played the role of the models holding up the merchandise. A.J. got very little reaction from the crowd, and Naomi got no reaction whatsoever.
• Daniel Bryan was wearing his U.S. title belt over his street clothes. Now that really did make him look like a nerd.
Comments
I believe the reason Dolph is better on the mic on NXT is because it is only an online show and there is much less pressure
Posted by: Cory | February 9, 2011 11:15 PM
Saxton has a better look than Johnny Curtis? I know Curtis lacks that x-factor but he's got the best look in the current season, easily.
I never bought into Saxton, though.
Obviously he's a good looking guy and has some charisma but he was ordinary in the ring, seemed to lack knowledge of the business and struggled to speak off the cuff.
Posted by: John | February 10, 2011 1:10 AM
I wouldn't feel bad if I were A.J. or Naomi...nothing ever gets a reaction from NXT audiences. I'm pretty sure the loudest reactions are piped in, except for the usual cheap pops from mentioning the host city or its sports teams.
Other than Clay and Bateman, all the rookies are duds. Even the winner's prize is a dud. Yet another thrown-together tag team challenging for the title? What else is new. I can't imagine Del Rio lowering himself to the tag team level, and Bryan probably would have to drop the U.S. title first. It makes me wonder if Curtis couldn't sneak out the NXT win if only because he's the best fit for the prize.
Posted by: Gp Fish | February 10, 2011 1:51 AM
"I suppose this show is beneath Del Rio at this point. I have no idea why DiBiase wasn’t there."
Not sure if this was supposed to be funny but I almost spit out my coffee when I read this...
RESPONSE FROM KE: Yes, that was my attempt at a joke.
Posted by: Tyler from Charlotte | February 10, 2011 8:24 AM
I usually agree with Eck, but I think he missed the boat on this season's NXT. Like I said last time, Saxton was the weakest of the final 4, and Bateman and especially Curtis have shown very good potential.
Saxton's exit was a bit embarrassing, but it's a hard situation for these guys. Apparently, they really don't find out that they're eliminated until it's announced on tv, so you can't expect them to look sure of themselves - I think Saxton was genuinely fighting tears before going into action.
Posted by: Ruzious | February 10, 2011 9:10 AM
I was quite surprised by this as well. I have been less than impressed with Johnny Curtis and thought he was on his way out. Maybe R-Truth really DOES have something over on WWE which keeps him on TV, and he's passing that along to his padawan.
Derrick Bateman has turned out to be quite the pleasant surprise, I find him to be quite entertaining. Can't see anyone taking it away from Brodus Clay at this point.
Posted by: Trevor | February 10, 2011 12:59 PM
I haven't even seen ads for NXT on Raw. It's turning into Heat and Velocity.
Posted by: Cliff | February 10, 2011 3:01 PM
"I suppose this show is beneath Del Rio at this point."
Me too.
Surprising it is not below Ricardo or Maryse as well at this point since no body cares.
Posted by: AMC | February 10, 2011 3:16 PM
I lost interest in the whole concept when the commentators kept going out of their way to belittle the season 3 competitors every single week.
Sounds like I'm not missing much by not watching this season..
Posted by: Are | February 10, 2011 4:30 PM