WWE NXT: And the winner is ... Johnny Curtis
Based on what I saw of NXT Season 4 – which, admittedly, was only a little more than half the episodes – I’d have to call the result of Tuesday night’s season finale an upset.
The final two were rivals Johnny Curtis and Brodus Clay, with Curtis being named the winner.
Perhaps an even bigger upset is the fact that there will be an NXT Season 5. I figured there no longer was any need for NXT with the return of Tough Enough next month, but according to the announcers, Season 5 – which debuts next Tuesday on wwe.com – “will be like nothing you’ve seen before.”
My early pick to win Season 4 was the charismatic Byron Saxton, but I also was impressed by Clay, who has a unique look to go along with his size, intensity and mic skills. After Saxton was eliminated three weeks ago and the competition was down to Curtis, Clay and Derrick Bateman, I figured Clay was a lock.
I was actually surprised that Bateman was eliminated last week instead of Curtis. Bateman stood out because of his comedic ability, whereas Curtis struck me as a guy who’s a solid worker but is missing the “it” factor. But, like I said, I missed several episodes, so perhaps I would have been more impressed with Curtis if I had seen them all.
After Curtis was announced as the winner, he became teary-eyed, which I initially thought was on overreaction, because it’s not like winning NXT really means all that much as far as who will get a push in WWE (just ask Kaval and Kaitlyn). Then I recalled Curtis talking earlier in the season about his best friend being killed in a car accident and how he is pursuing his dream of being a wrestler for both of them.
For winning Season 4, Curtis – along with his pro, R-Truth – earned a future shot at the WWE tag team championship.
Clay cut a good heel promo on his way out, and I have a feeling we’ll be seeing him on Raw or Smackdown in the near future. I also think it’s very likely that Bateman will get a spot as a mid-card comedy act.
Comments
Clay really improved throughout the competition, but even though he pinned Curtis several times, I never doubted Curtis had the best chance of winning - and rightfully so. He's got a very good look, is the size of most of the big stars, he actually wrestles well, is a good athlete, he's likable, and he doesn't come across like somebody trying to play a part - like at least 90% of the contestants do. Nice to see real emotion out there. And Clay definitely saved his best for last.
Posted by: Ruzious | March 2, 2011 8:10 AM
You didn't missed anything. The man has no personality whatsoever. This must have been a fix. There's no way that Johnny Curtis could have gotten more votes than Bateman and Clay. After the wrong guy won the second season of NXT, the WWE must have decided to fix the votes...
Posted by: Anonymous | March 2, 2011 8:13 AM
I couldn't agree with you more about the lack of a need for NXT with the debut of Tough Enough less than five weeks away. Unless Season 5 ends before Tough Enough begins, I can't imagine anyone watching the former over the latter, especially when it's online.
Posted by: Micah Kleid | March 2, 2011 8:39 AM
well, i guess no need to watch the show. the title of the post just ruined it for me.
RESPONSE FROM KE: Sorry about that, but it's not like I revealed a spoiler -- the episode was already shown.
Posted by: ndugu | March 2, 2011 9:56 AM
they should get rid of NXT since they are bringing back Tough Enough. I rather watch TE than NXT
Posted by: Mike From Dundalk | March 2, 2011 11:32 AM
I had all but forgotten about NXT. Considering most the Season 1 cast and a few of the season 2 losers are on the current roster. The tag team and united states champions are people who lost nxt, while none of the winners has had a title yet. Maybe it's best to be a runner up anyway.
Posted by: Duane | March 2, 2011 11:55 AM
I can't imagine it being anything groundbreaking. The only thing I can think of is they're doing tag teams, which would be good to restart that division.
Posted by: Jay | March 2, 2011 12:55 PM
They made the winner fit the prize, rather than the other way around. It would've been a terrible idea to stick Clay in a comedic tag-team with Rodriguez.
On the other hand, R-Truth is stuck in neutral and Curtis doesn't have much flare individually, so why not pair them up? It's a lot better than the usual thrown-together tag teams we've been getting recently. It's the best outcome for actual story purposes, though it does of course reveal that even the outcome is scripted..
Posted by: Go Fish | March 2, 2011 12:57 PM
Maybe they can bring back the losers from previous seasons of NXT? Though I'm not sure if that would be worth it as anyone with a tiny bit of talent has been put up to the main roster (or, in the case of Kaval, is long gone).
Posted by: Matt | March 2, 2011 1:38 PM
I picked up a couple of things from NXT, not just this season, but seasons past:
1. WWE should feel pretty good about it's PG strategy right now. It's obvious to me that Johnny Curtis was voted the winner because the voting demographic (kids) felt he was the proverbial 'good guy'. Despite the fact that Clay's a monster in the ring and Saxton has far more presence, they were viewed as heels and didn't win over the pre-adolescents who vote for this sort of thing.
2. Even though I feel that the WWE did not want Curtis to win, it's somewhat noteworthy that they didn't attempt to skew the vote so that Clay or Saxton would win.
Overall, it doesn't really matter because Curtis was not the obvious choice and should be buried in short order.
How do you like your hero now kids?
Posted by: Trevor | March 2, 2011 1:45 PM
I get the feeling that most of the NXT thing is just a work. For example, when Diggler switched rookies right before Novak got eliminated seemed like a way to keep Ziggler on the show and continue to give him opportunities to work on mic skills. Similar situation for Clay, he obviously was one of the favorites, but DiBiase seems like hes on the way out and Del Rio's guy was a lock to go, so switch em up and keep the entertaining Del Rio around til the Rumble. Then you had the open mic challenge a week ago that took place in Clay's hometown. Finally, it seems like the past few runners up have lost because they don't necessarily need that little extra push. Going forward who really needs a tag team title program with an established partner and who can stand out on their own?
Posted by: Bill H | March 2, 2011 2:15 PM
** Not in Canada **
well, i guess no need to watch the show. the title of the post just ruined it for me.
RESPONSE FROM KE: Sorry about that, but it's not like I revealed a spoiler -- the episode was already shown.
Posted by: ndugu | March 2, 2011 8:41 PM
ndugu - NXT only airs on WWE's website. It aired at the same time for everyone in the world with internet access.
Posted by: Go Fish | March 2, 2011 10:02 PM
Like you said, even worst to see him winning was to know there will be another one.
Posted by: Kainsmoney | March 2, 2011 11:29 PM
shut up curtis was a good wrestle and he workis his a** off in nxt so give him a break
Posted by: Razzle | March 3, 2011 2:40 AM
JOHNNY CURTIS FTW
Posted by: Anonymous | March 3, 2011 2:41 AM
Go Fish, you're wrong about that actually. NXT only airs on the WWE website for IP addresses from the USA. That's because other countries still show NXT on television.
And ndugu, if you don't want to be spoiled by something you haven't seen yet, then don't visit a wrestling blog or website beforehand. Duh. Surely you can wait until you've watched NXT before you read Kevin's thoughts on Raw.
Posted by: Anonymous | March 3, 2011 3:15 AM
He's going to need a tag team partner. How about he changes his name to Curtis Interruptus and bring back Val Venis to tag with him?
Posted by: Steve | March 3, 2011 12:11 PM
sorry people. I guess I'm old fashioned. I still watch my wrestling on a tv.
Posted by: ndugu | March 3, 2011 12:50 PM
I know you didn't see a whole lot in Curtis, Eck, but from the start i thought he was quite impressive.
He has an outstanding look, he can talk, he seems intelligent and quick-witted and his work is solid.
It's definitely a surprise that he went over Clay, but i guess the logic is that Curtis needs the 'title' more than Clay going forward.
Posted by: John | March 4, 2011 9:54 PM
How do you like your hero now kids?
Posted by: Trevor | March 2, 2011 1:45 PM
**** Nice touch Trevor,who's next ? Grandma's and handicapped folks? Weak.
** Not in Canada **
well, i guess no need to watch the show. the title of the post just ruined it for me.
RESPONSE FROM KE: Sorry about that, but it's not like I revealed a spoiler -- the episode was already shown.
Posted by: ndugu | March 2, 2011 8:41 PM
***** ndugu---they don't have the internet in Canada? Yikes! Think then speak-comment.
Maybe they can bring back the losers from previous seasons of NXT?
Posted by: Matt | March 2, 2011 1:38 PM
Either you are clairvoyant or you watched the show,they announced that next season would indeed have losers from past seasons competing on season 5,good idea--not sure,depends on who they bring back I guess,and who they add.We shall see.
Lastly on the whole NXT bite back should be canceled,it's terrible etc etc. I really think that either most everyone here including you Kev is severely jaded or simply feels a need to criticize to make a comment. Do as you must it is certainly a free country where you can and should be able to post your opinions freely,however I find a few things a little odd,one would be the complete double standard set by many when commenting on WWE,TNA and the almost non-existent coverage of ROH,another is why can't we take these shows for what they are?Sure NXT is campy,silly and borders on ridiculous at times but seriously throughout wresting history when hasn't wrestling been like that?And what's wrong with it? I think that the NXT concept and show has it's merits and fills it's space,is it AAAAA wrestling no,is it supposed to be? I don' t see it that way,to me this is a low cost way of the WWE to try out new concepts,and when they fail(and many do miserably) try another and considerably low cost if at any cost at all,monetarily and to their reputation. The whole Nexus deal which has no spawned 2 factions,a US Champion,etc etc seems to have paid big dividends.Brodus Clay will indeed end up paying huge dividends,how long who knows but even short term how much money do you think that ends up translating into the McMahon family coffers?I would think a good deal. What came out of Tough Enough,well The Miz did but that was much much later,numerous Diva's,which for my money doesn't mean crap to the supposed wrestling that gets hammered and criticized endlessly especially to the newer companies,and yes TNA is still new in wrestling company terms.All said I think NXT has it's place,plays it's role(even quite well at times) and provides entertainment.Yes in a minor league way but entertainment still,for the many reasons stated above. Should they have spent money on producing a show of the development companies they work with,I think they should,but Vince knows that it would be endlessly criticized,have much bigger production and talent costs,and take away from letting these young guys but loose and screw up. By using this same type of talent in the NXT concept Vince risks pretty much nothing,the wrestlers are technically in a contest,not directly involved or technically employed by WWE so when they mess up it doesn't reflect on the company. That's my rather long winded take on this and will likely get shot to "H" but so be it,instead of quick 2 sentence comments,criticizing,or trying to be "smart" or an "internet insider",I figured I will occasionally bring out an idea for thought,and if it bothers Mr.Kev then he will block me,but I don't think that is the aim of this site,in addition I have never seen Kev cut off ideas he didn't agree with or people that may even be criticizing him so I have faith that I will be allowed to continue on a limited basis with these longer analytical views.We all love wrestling let's help keep it alive in ALL different types,with all different kinds of ideas,you never know when that underwear might actually stick---metaphorically speaking. Thanks for the blog Kev,we may often disagree but an open forum that is truly "open" is much needed and appreciated by many of us. Thank you.
Posted by: mickfowl | March 5, 2011 6:53 PM
Curtis was very good in the ring and had more personality the final few weeks. Bateman was injured so I can see not giving it to him. And Broadus doesn't need it.
Posted by: Paul C. | March 5, 2011 9:32 PM