Quick hits on WWE NXT
• WWE promised that NXT Season 5 – which debuted Tuesday night – would “be like nothing you’ve seen before.” Well, yes and no. The concept was new, but we’ve seen all the competitors before. The theme of this season is “redemption,” as six WWE rookies from past seasons of NXT are being given another chance. The rookie/pro pairings are as follows: Darren Young and Chavo Guerrero; Conor O’Brian and Vladimir Kozlov; Lucky Cannon and Tyson Kidd; Byron Saxton and Yoshi Tatsu; Jacob Novak and JTG; and Titus O’Neil and Hornswoggle. Yes, Hornswoggle. With the little guy on the show and the fact that we have six rookie retreads paired with enhancement-talent pros, it almost seems as if WWE is intentionally trying to drive viewers away from this show.
• If you thought the reward for winning the previous season of NXT was weak (a tag team title shot), get a load of this: This season’s winner gets ... a guaranteed spot on NXT Season 6!
• NXT Season 5 does have some redeeming qualities, however. The lovely Maryse has joined the show as Matt Striker’s co-host, and William Regal is doing color commentary alongside Todd Grisham. Regal admitted that he was a little nervous, but he actually did OK for it being his first night at the announce table. He was easy to listen to and insightful. And he was way better than Booker T. has been on Smackdown, although that really isn’t saying much.
• As far as picking a winner for this season, I liked Saxton in Season 5, so I’m going with him. To me, he and Young are the clear favorites.
• O’Brian has dropped his rat gimmick, which is a wise move. He came across well during his video package.
• Cannon was a bland babyface on Season 2, so I’m all for him being a heel, but I don’t think he has the personality to pull off wearing the feathery robe he had on Tuesday night. He wasn’t very believable when he was hitting on Maryse, either.
• Speaking of hitting on Maryse, that’s exactly what Tatsu was doing backstage. It was shades of Torrie Wilson and Tajiri.
• Young looked good in his win over Novak.
• The O’Neil-Cannon match was serviceable. After Hornswoggle’s interference cost Cannon the match, Regal said: “That lousy little swine. Why did he need to get involved?” Couldn’t have said it better myself.
Comments
Titus O'Neil, huh? Let's hope he "makes it a win" this time.
Posted by: Cliff | March 10, 2011 12:45 AM
I think the best part about Regal's commentary was one of two things; that he was refreshingly positive for a heel announcer and didn't bury anyone or that Regal is not Michael Cole.
I can't decide.
Posted by: Dan | March 10, 2011 7:17 AM
I'm so surprised that Hornswoggle is a pro. :D
Posted by: Sharan | March 10, 2011 8:29 AM
I remember when Vince first announced NXT saying how it would revolutionize TV or something to that effect.
Excuse me for an hour or so while I laugh at that.......
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It amazes me that VKM has any credibility left these days.
WWE is no no better than TNA. They just make more money.
Posted by: AMC | March 10, 2011 9:27 AM
So the winner gets a spot in season 6? That must be the weakest reward ever.
I suppose Maryse could be a reason to watch this, but I'd rather see more of her on Raw/Smackdown.. And Maryse probably can't outwheigh seeing Hornswoggle every week, so I'll pass on NXT another season.
Posted by: Are | March 10, 2011 6:17 PM
I watched the first episode, but doubt I'll be making much of an effort to do so againl. No wonder there were no promos on the other shows.
Cannon'ss re-boot is awful. There is no rhyme or reason to his heel character. With the robe and the preening, I initially thought he was trying to be a flamboyant Adrian Adonis type. Then he became the cocky d-bag type by refusing to participate in the challenge and hits on Maryse. He's aimlessly forcing heel cliches so badly I'm almost embarrassed for him.
I'm glad to see O'Brian dropping the ridiculous rat gimmick. His video package was pretty moving, so hopefully he can develop his post-rat character a bit and show something in the ring. He at least more unique and convincing with the scraggly mountain-man beard.
I guess Young shouldn't complain about being on this show, because he probably would've been future endeavoured otherwise.
Posted by: Go Fish | March 10, 2011 8:33 PM
Funny thing is I couldn't watch NXT even if I wanted to up here in Canada. It tells me I'm not in the right geographic region or something. However, from what I hear week after week I'm not broken up about it.
Posted by: Matthew | March 11, 2011 1:03 AM
I will tune in every week just to see what Maryse is wearing.
Posted by: Julian | March 11, 2011 3:57 AM
It was just announced: The winner of NXT Season 7 gets a bag of hair and a single serving bag of Cheetos.
Posted by: michealdeff | March 11, 2011 6:57 AM
So, the winner is basically forced to be a lifetime NXT participant. I imagine the participants are having nightmares... about winning...
Conor O'Brian, you have 2 minutes to convince the WWE universe you have what it takes to be a WWE superstar by telling us what the color yellow means to you. Go!
I think it's a safe bet there won't be an NXT season 6.
Posted by: Ruzious | March 11, 2011 1:41 PM
FYI, Lucky Cannon's has not been re-booted, it's more or less his gimmick in FCW, where he is the current champ.
All of the previous NXT castoffs still work down there (even the divas), so don't feel too bad for them when they get eliminated. The episodes are very watchable, I have no idea why they just don't show them instead of this pointless bury-fest that is NXT.
Guys like Drew McIntyre, Mason Ryan and Sheamus should consider themselves fortunate that they were able to make it through developmental without having to go through this cruel & unusual punishment.
Posted by: Trevor | March 12, 2011 1:43 PM