[OFFICIAL] NXT Aftermath, Review, and Ratings Thread

[Layorz]

Actually I disagree, despite being a huge Jericho mark. This doesn't tear Jericho down too badly, as it wasn't Slater beating Jericho so much as it was Slater outsmarting Jericho. It'll be interesting to watch what Jericho does in this weeks Smackdown.

The triple threat match was really well done, and Tarver and Sheffeild really had me into it with their promos.

Disappointing to not see Bryan in a match. I'd really like to see him start getting some hard fought wins.

 

[#Britton#]

i enjoyed the show, the rookies challenge was worth watching and the matches were quite entertaining. One thing annoyed me though, Micheal Coles commantry was CRAP,
In Gabriels match he said that he was the first 1 to pin a pro (regal) but in Slaters match he said Slater was the first 1 to pin a pro (carlito), and when slater was being choked against the ropes he also said 'there is Slater obviously impressed with his pro'. 3 cock ups in 1 night, but i could be making mountains out of mole hills. But apart from the commantry i was impressed with the show.

 

[Ferbian]

I must admit I absolutely loved this episode.

First of all, while it would probably be considered a little bit ridiculous, I must admit I kinda marked out for it, I found it to be hilarious watching them flop around, what Michael Tarver so nicely described as a huge balloon.

As for the wrestling stand point, I must admit I also liked that, the triple threat was pretty good, and now I know RAW Undertaker vs Jack Swagger is gonna most likely win match of the week in our match of the week review, but I will definitely be putting this one up as a memorable consideration, also the Gallows involvement put a nice twist into a potential feud, or some nice tension in there.

The Main event was firm, and it had a good ending to it, I love how Jericho always goes berserk on that show, on the microphone, over a loss, or a Liontamer to his opponents.

And of course to top off the "MTFO" part of the show that I think made it so awesome: The video segments of people praising Barrett and Slater (of course more will come) and I love how they all seemed legitimately in love with Barrett, this just shows that this dude will go far, and with a huge factor to the fact that the actual pro's seem to love this guy.

I think Barrett will be number 1 on the poll next time, I really do.

Of course there's one, or well it's really two things I didn't like about the show, the fact that two of the 4 first matches in the "giant balloon" wouldn't have the winner "gloating" to the sound of NXT's (crappy) theme song.
And we didn't get to hear Wade Barret's theme song, I was looking forward to it.. guess we'll see it sooner or later.

Voting: B+

 

[Honkey_Kong]

Actually I disagree, despite being a huge Jericho mark. This doesn't tear Jericho down too badly, as it wasn't Slater beating Jericho so much as it was Slater outsmarting Jericho. It'll be interesting to watch what Jericho does in this weeks Smackdown.

The triple threat match was really well done, and Tarver and Sheffeild really had me into it with their promos.

Disappointing to not see Bryan in a match. I'd really like to see him start getting some hard fought wins.

They should've let Slater have a hard fought defeat. That way he looks good, and Jericho doesn't lose. Especially when he's got a big match with Edge on Sunday they need to give him momentum for. Losing to a rookie doesn't give him that.

Overall I was more impressed with the wrestling from these guys (except Otunga, he's just as bad now as he ever was).

 

[The Doctor]

Good episode as usual. The different ways the rookies handled the challenge was interesting and fun (and Daniel Bryan made me laugh). The matches were all totally solid and fun, and Sheffield's finisher is awesome.

The little video packages where the pros talk about the rookies are excellent. It was a great idea introducing them. Whoever thought of it needs a raise. They give you more and more insight into both the rookies' characters and the pros thoughts and they further storylines. They're fun to watch, too.

A completely entertaining hour of wrestling, which is par for Tuesday nights. Looking forward to the Otunga/Truth match next week as well as whatever challenge may come and the new standings in the ranks.

A

 

[Ferbian]

Sheffield's finisher is awesome.

That's the only thing I disagreed with Doc, it didn't look like much if you ask me, looked like an otherwise regular move to be honest, didn't catch me as a proper finisher, but then again, it could grow on me with time, just hasn't when it's the first time I see it.

But yeah, the episode was awesome, the challenge was pretty decent, I really enjoyed hos Otunga handled it actually, as opposed to the others, which had me a little bored to be quite honest, except for Wade Barrett, cause I think it was a great move of WWE to remind us "hey this guy is obsessed with money"

The wrestling was pretty decent also, not perfect, but it was decent, and holy shit, I didn't notice until tonight what a push they've given Darren Young, even considering how careless the crowd is of him, he's not 7-2, the biggest win/loss record (on the positive side, not negative side).

Again, loved the small segments for the different wrestlers, but I have to admit the one for Daniel Bryan disappointed me, simply showed this isn't WWE NXT it's Tuesday Night Bryan...

Decent, I'll give it a B.

 

[Kenny Powers]

I'm not going to knock off anyone that enjoys the show, I just can't get into it. I like the concept overall, and I think WWE has done a good job with the video packages showing the pros talk about the rookies. I just find the competition boring. The matches leave a lot to be desired too since they are so short. The competition usually takes up half the time. I understand the rookies have to go through the initiation, but who wants to see wrestlers talk about flowers or selling programs?

What is in store next week? The rookies are going to scrub the toilets? I just think there are better ways to showcase the rookies besides having ridiculous challenges like keg races or the American Gladiator challenge. The show is turning out to be more of a game/reality show then a wrestling show. I guess that is the point, but I don't think NXT will have a future after this season.

I do get a chuckle out of Michael Cole calling Daniel Bryan a tool though and Josh Matthews telling Cole he is the spitting image of a tool. Is it too much to ask for the number 1 pick of NXT, Daniel Bryan, to win one match? Eliminations can't come soon enough.

 

[mr.ready]

I wonder who Michael Tarver upset backstage, to deserve to humilation he recieves week in and week out, as a result of the WWE pissing on his career.

However, I thought the show was good this week. I think NXT will become a fixture on WWE Television and used as an outlet to produce young talent.

 

[The Doctor]

I'm going to be totally honest here, it was not a very good episode.

I was looking forward to the obstacle course, but it was not handled well at all. Things were just too slow and boring and silly.

Daniel Bryan is injured, but right now he doesn't look like much of an underdog. Great matches against Jericho and Batista don't count as much if he then goes and gets defeated by Skip Sheffield or Michael Tarver.

Speaking of Tarver, he really impressed this week in my opinion. In fact, the whole last segment impressed. I'm pretty sure everyone was improvising everything, even that fight between Barrett and Young. It certainly wasn't flashy like a normal brawl, it was very "real"-feeling to me. Tarver's promo was great, and everyone else's were good, passsable, or great as well.

It just wasn't a particularly good show. The challenges are good ideas but they aren't executed well. If they were serious challenges they would be just fine. Wrestling challenges, maybe. Or a promo challenge with real subjects.

It was a mediocre show through and through but the ending segment was enjoyable and it wasn't completely horrible. Don't go out of your way to watch it though.

C-

 

[Ferbian]

I'm going to be totally honest here, it was not a very good episode.

I completely agree, I actually considered this episode to potentially be the worst of them yet, the whole challenge was a joke this time, and yes I know you could easily say that "Oh but Ferbian you can't possibly have considered any of the other challenges to be serious business?" hell no, I know they weren't, but at least they were entertaining, I found it boring to watch 8 guys spend at least 10-20 seconds averagely on drinking what was obviously soda, I don't get why they had to call it beverages, just call it soda dammit.

The matches weren't anything spectacular neither, I'm still convinced R-Truth's finisher is nearing the most damn overrated one in the whole company, and it ruined the whole match for me.
The same goes for Michael Tarver vs Daniel Bryan, although I liked the Armbar that was made into a power bomb, but that's about the only thing that was even remotely good about the matches.

The final promo segment was decent at best, although I liked how Michael Tarver pointed out that Daniel Bryan is overrated (I had hoped for him to actually be worth the watch on NXT, and actually be used properly, cause we all know he's able to do stuff in the ring, but I think it's ridiculous they won't let him show case it properly) and Daniel is slowly starting to bore me if they don't start using him properly, I might as well agree with his comment this week "I deserve to be off the show"

I'll give it a D

 

[Saritafan]

Such a bad episode. The obstacle course was a joke since it took them like an hour each just drink that cup of soda, I kept thinking in my head "now he's finished, oh wait no he's not, now he definitely is, wrong again". what was the drink supposed to do, make them pee themselves because I doubt anyone wants to see that

I only liked the ending, I have a feeling micheal tarver won't be eliminated first next week, I think skip sheffield will. Daniel Bryan saying that he deserves to be eliminated first was a real laugh because all he's doing is trying to get sypathy from the crowd and make them think "poor Bryan"

overall, I give this show a C-

I can't wait until next week, seeing the eliminations is why I even watch NXT

 

[Jack-Hammer]

Yeah, overall it just wasn't a great episode of NXT. I think that the challenges are now getting tiresome and I'm hoping that this is the last week that they have them. They started them up after the first Pros Poll, so maybe last night was it. I'm intrigued to see what's gonna happen next week. I think the overall concept of NXT is fun, but there are some bugs that need to be worked out. I'd love if we ultimately got some real, in depth insight into the personality of each Rookie and I'd love for things to be more personal between them. The brawl last night with Barrett and Young is a perfect example. These are guys that are competing to be a star in the biggest wrestling company in the world. Egos need to be bruised, Rookies need to be on edge, tempers should flare, even pros could get into each other's face, etc. I think the emotional aspect is what's missing from NXT overall. There's not enough of a connection between viewer and Rookie.

 

[Foodapoodas]

I loved NXT after the first show. I saw wrestling and a lot of potential.
Now, the novelty value has warn off. But here is what annoys me the most, it didn't have to (at least not so soon) The generic personalities wouldn't annoy me if the show continued to be revolved around WRESTLING. 'Daniel Bryan' can put on one hell of a match, but it's almost as if they don't want him to.
Before waching the latest NXT episode, the last time I ashamed of watching wrestling was when I had to witness Teddy Long's sickening acting when he got 'kidnapped' by the Undertaker. But for the first time since having WWE available to me, I turned off the show. When? During Daniel Bryan's struggle do drink a figgin soda. That was terrible.
I just get the feeling WWE don't care about NXT anymore, and as a result, I don't either. Big big fail here, big fail.

 

[MisterRob]

Interesting NXT show tonight. I'm actually thinking the three that were eliminated are obviously not gone from the WWE at all, but they're actually the ones the WWE has something in store for right now while the remaining NXT rookies continue with the competition and continue on the NXT show. Daniel Bryan is gone, but I think it's quite likely Bryan Danielson will make some kind of debut on one of the other shows and get on one of the brands, perhaps even feuding with the Miz to start off. I think Tarver may actually be worked into something, and from his final interview I really think him being the next Virgil is possible.. he talked about living in his car, finding ways to earn money to feed his kids, etc.. so that could work entirely into Ted Dibaise Jr. manipulating him into being his 'virgil' because Tarver has no choice. And from Sheffield's exit I could totally see him making an impact on one of the other shows and in a far different character then he was portraying, the guys got the size and appearance, he's even ready by wrestling standards (and I quite like his finisher!)

I think this is just the start for those three guys, personally. We'll see!

 

[Ferbian]

I liked this weeks episode a lot more than I have liked any of the episodes in the past few weeks, the eliminations were definitely the right choice, and I think that it will be very exciting to see who's going off next week.

I liked the segments that was put forth, all of them to be honest, very strong segments if you ask me, and ultimately had quite a few mark-out moment for me.

The matches was decent, nothing memorable, nothing special, but they put on some fine showings, my favorite was Otunga vs Justin Gabriel, a decent showing from both.

Overall I liked this episode, and I think if they can capitalize on this next week, the show might remain interesting again.

B

 

[Jack-Hammer]

NXT threw a few curves last night that nobody really saw coming and I thought it made the show more enjoyable. I didn't think Daniel Bryan would be eliminated due to gaining a pinfall over Santino on Raw and I was a little upset with that at first. However, I stayed tuned to the show to see what would happen. Bryan gave a really good promo and it looks as though "Daniel Bryan" is simply no more and Bryan Danielson will be on the scene soon. Danielson did seem to be different in his promo last night than at any other time on the show. For the first time, he really seemed confident.

The overall show was interesting and the feeling that each episode now has a purpose gives NXT a boost. The matches were interesting, short and to the point and the eliminations of Tarver and Sheffield were the right calls to make.

 

[Ferbian]

This week's episode was pretty good I have to admit, it had some decent wrestling going on, and yet another round of eliminations.

The elimination was pretty obvious, and I have to admit I liked the extra bit they kinda added to the elimination factor of bringing back the eliminated people, I found it to be annoying that Michael Tarver was interrupted to move on to Bryan Danielson, while I think it was a decent promo by Tarver, I definitely feel that he could've gotten a little bit more time, but I think the fact that Bryan got allowed to cut such a promo, and tell almost everybody off, I absolutely loved it.

As I said, the matches were decent, Darren Young vs Wade Barrett had a good look to it I feel, and it was pretty well handled.

Same really goes for Heath Slater vs Justin Gabriel, good ending, and I liked the show of respect after the match, solidifying the fact that they're both still faces.

And I especially liked the part where all the pros got to say their part in what they wanted to see when choosing the winner, which I think added a little more depth to the whole storyline of itself, I'm still convinced this is very limited when it comes to scripting stuff, really convinced.

And ultimately, I liked the reintroduction of the promo video's about the wrestlers and how people think they're doing.

Great episode if you ask me, watch it if you haven't: B+

 

[Kenny Powers]

This episode of NXT is what every NXT show should be. Wrestling mixed with shoot promos from the pros and the wrestlers. I loved seeing the pros talk about who their picks were and why and who needs improvement. Probably the best thing I have seen on NXT or even WWE in a while was Danielson calling out Michael Cole. It was like he was saying what was on everybody's mind talking about Vince's infatuation with big wrestlers and how that only wrestler's made by the WWE machine were the ones that had a job.

He called Cole a poor man's replacement for Jim Ross screaming at him showing his emotion. Daniel Bryan may have came in NXT mild and unimpressive, but he left with a bang. I am actually excited to see next week's episode so I can see Michael Cole get his ass kicked again. I hope they continue to make every episode as intriguing as this one. There is no need for silly obstacle course competitions, just let the pros and wrestlers say what they really think about each other and their performance.

 

[Ferbian]

In my opinion, WWE has found the way of keeping NXT fresh, they eliminated the challenges, and they're constantly promoting the fact that "someone is getting eliminated" I'm liking the small comments that everybody is bashing towards each other when explaining who they want eliminated.

The show was good tonight, some good promos were cut, especially the Bryan Danielson promo on Michael Cole, absolutely awesome once again, something tells me the next move for Bryan, is to have Cole tapping out, for the comment he made "you're the only one who tapped out on this show"

Some decent matches, but nothing out of the ordinary although, which isn't really surprising, but it was decent nonetheless.

Great show, really kept the momentum going from last week, and while it wasn't as good as last week, it was definitely up there. B

 

[Saritafan]

I can't wait until this season is over, the whole thing has been stupid. Who the hell wants to see Daniel Bryan and micheal cole fighting every weeK??? It's not entertaining, it's embarassing and i hope these 2 get over each other already

NXT as a whole has been very bad imo, while I like the rookies on the show, the show itself has been nothing but childish kindergarden fights, it's basically whoever can get the best insult wins.

Wade Barett, Otunga, and Gabriel in the finals??? WWE did a good job there, these 3 deserve to be in the finals. Heath slater will be fine, we all know he'll debut on smackdown soon, like WWE actually expects us to believe that every rookie who gets eliminated will be fired

Honestly, I have NO IDEA who will win, it's anyones game

 

[The People's Peep]

The season finale is done and the WWE didn't throw any surprises at us. Barrett won and he gets the title shot. The triple threat match to start the show was pretty good. Only problem was that Barrett got both pins. After he pinned both of them, I was 100% sure that he would win, even more so with Otunga getting pinned first.

The best parts of the episode were the promo challenge and the bickering between all of the pros. Both Otunga and Barrett were very good during the challenge, but Barrett was the better of the two. His shit factor line was possibly the best thing said on NXT. The pros had me laughing the entire time they were arguing and the laughter culminated when Punk just walked out. It got a little confusing, but it was still entertaining.

The rest of the show consisted of videos and promos about next seasons pro and rookie pairings, and I must say, I am very excited for next week. Some of the pairings are going to be very fun to watch. Alex Riley quickly made himself my favorite rookie and I love that he is paired with The Miz. Laycool and Kaval should be fun as well. The videos were only the tip of the iceberg with these rookies and next season/next week should be just as good if not better than the inaugural season. All thats left to do is go find some videos of these rookies and prep for next week.

As for this first season, this last episode was very anticlimactic and it didn't keep the streak of some great episodes over the last few weeks. I will cut some slack because there wasnt too much to do. But I give this episode a B-.

 

[Kenny Powers]

There was no surprise what so ever I think that Barrett was going to win. I mean if anyone was surprised by it then maybe they have been living under a rock for the last few weeks. I'm glad it happened though. I was afraid we were going to see a swerve and Otunga would be the winner. Otunga has the look, be he is still very green in the ring and on the mic.

Barrett just destroyed him in his promo. Gabriel has a good luck and athletic ability, but at the end of the day is a poor man's version of Jeff hardy. The season started off to a rocky start, but these last few weeks have been really entertaining. I just hope we get the same intensity in Season 2 as we have seen in Season 1.

 

[Trill Co$by]

I'm going on record to say that I believe Darren Young should have won NXT. I mean, the guy had the best storyline to work with... with the whole anti-Straight Edge getting the win over CM Punk's chosen one. Plus, the guy had great matches every single time.

Wade Barrett would've been my runner up, meaning eventually WWE would hire him but just not now... Even still, I can honestly say that I am extremely happy that Mr. Hudson didn't get the spot.

 

[Ferbian]

I'm actually happy that Wade Barrett won, I liked this episode, it had a decent triple threat match that did prove that Wade Barrett is the better man, and it established him just a little bit more already.

I don't see the reason why we had to know the eliminated rookies were present at ring side, they didn't have any involvement in the show with the exception of 1 question and a brief promo, which only proved again that Wade Barrett was gonna be winning this season.

I think the fact that we didn't see Michael Cole and Daniel Bryan do some kind of face off hurt the episode, because it's been the obvious focus point of the last few weeks.

I liked how William Regal seemed to tick off on the rest of the rookies, Chris Jericho being all calm, I didn't like although that they mentioned the "live microphone" thing as if there was something obviously scripted about what they said.

Decent episode, wasn't really anything impressive, but it was decent C+

 

[klunderbunker]

NXT
Date: June 8, 2010
Location: St. Petersburg’s Times Forum, Tampa, Florida
Commentators: Josh Matthews, Michael Cole

It’s the season premiere tonight so it’s likely just a way to get the guys established a bit and associated with their pros. Also, we’ll get the fallout from last night’s epic Raw. Let’s get to it.

Theme song is the same.

Striker is in the ring and introduces the Pros and Rookies.

The Miz – Alex Riley

Riley is a jock character so kind of like Swagger and Nowitski in a way. For you old school fans, think Varsity Club.

John Morrison – Eli Cottonwood

Eli is a freaking giant and allegedly a bit insane. He looked….a bit out there. He has NO physique to speak of.

Cody Rhodes – Husky Harris

He’s the less talented of the Rotundo (IRS’ son) Brothers. He's rather fat. That’s all I’ve got.

Team Laycool – Kaval

This should be good if nothing else as Kaval is more commonly known as Low Ki. DAMN Laycool looks incredible tonight.

Mark Henry – Lucky Cannon

Uh he wears green. That’s all I’ve got.

Kofi Kingston – Michael McGillicutty

It’s Joe Hennig, Curt’s son. He’s AWESOME, but has a dumb as hell name.

MVP – Percy Watson

Watson is very uh….flamboyant. Yeah let’s go with that.

Zach Ryder – Titus O’Neil

Think Ahmed Johnson in purple tights. There you go. Ok I’ll give it to him: Ryder’s theme is addictive as hell.

The fans have 50% of the power tonight. I think I like that. The season is 12 weeks long rather than I think 16 like last time. THANK YOU! First Pro’s Poll is in 3 weeks and first elimination is in 6 weeks. We get a big brawl before things even start. Morrison hangs away from it which is smart.

Back from break we talk about last night a bit more but without anything definitive. I’ll be waiting for that later.

Eli Cottonwood/John Morrison vs. Zach Ryder/Titus O’Neil

The pros start and almost immediately it’s rookie vs. rookie. Cottonwood is indeed freaking huge. These guys are both monsters and you know Vince is dying here over their looks. Morrison comes in and O’Neil has something close to a fit on the floor. To say they’re green as possible would be an understatement. Cottonwood puts on the worst headlock I’ve ever seen. However I should preface this by saying I would definitely believe they’ve been told to not use all their best stuff so early. Cottonwood kicks Ryder and Starship Pain ends O‘Neil. Post match the fans are asked what they think of Cottonwood which gets a very limited reaction. Miz says they failed.

Rating: D+. Not great here as it was more about the pros than the rookies which is never a good thing. Like I said though with it just being one match so far, you really can’t judge much at all. I wasn’t that impressed though, but I’d put that more on how the match played out than anything else.

Cole continues being a total dick. There’s something going on here.

We hear from Riley in one of those promos that are actually really good at introducing the characters. Riley is VERY cocky and it’s working quite well. He can talk if nothing else.

Cody Rhodes/Husky Harris vs. Percy Watson/MVP

Watson actually wrestles in his glasses. Ok then. Cole points out that Rhodes’ rookie is the son of Mike Rotundo who got beaten up by Rhodes’ father last night. So it’s old vs. old and new with new. Yeah Cole just made my head hurt. Watson and Rhodes start. If Watson can wrestle even decently he’ll be a star with his look and charisma. Harris is fat. Like VERY fat.

Ah good he’s not in there long so we get more Rhodes. Somehow he’s the best option. We come back from a break and MVP still hasn’t been in. The rookies botch the hell out of something as Harris goes for a senton back splash but Watson rolls the wrong way so in other words Watson rolled into it instead of away. MVP comes in and Ballin hits on the fat man. Watcon comes back in and hits a nice jumping spinning DDT for the pin. I’m not huge on him but he’s got a decent finisher. Post match the rookies argue with Rhodes running his mouth. He doesn’t like Harris and I can’t blame him. MVP says he’s proud of Watson for getting himself out of trouble. That’s true.

Rating: C-. Better but not great. The main thing here was that the rookies got the focus rather than the pros which is the point. This came off much better and Watson got to be in some trouble. Harris I just don’t see working out at all on here. Then again I don’t think he works out ever but that’s just me. I don’t like Watson as much as everyone else but he’s ok.

We get a profile on Hennig as I’m not going to call him that other name. He looks and acts JUST like his dad and it’s working like a charm. This guy is awesome and he was in FCW. I’m sold.

The Rookies and the Pros are having a major staredown but we’re going to look at the end of last night’s show. Apparently we’re just going to reair it. That works. Cole running like a coward is still great. This feels like a gang riot which is what it’s supposed to be entirely. I missed this last night but they beat up FINK! There goes Robert’s shirt. That’s just a great visual. Otunga had a box cutter or something. There are people chanting ring the bell. Really? This is somewhat clipped for the sake of time. I didn’t notice Lawler being under the tables last night.

We ask the rookies about last night. Kaval says that’s how you make a statement. Cannon says they were cowards but they made a statement. Harris says he doesn’t care because he’s here to win and that’s it. Striker is shorter than all of these people. Riley sneezes twice because he’s allergic to Striker. Watson says it should have been one on one instead of a beatdown. Cottonwood says Cena deserved it.

That was intimidating. O’Neil says Season One should try that on one of the Season Two rookies and then calls out Ryder. This was odd. Hennig tells everyone to answer the question. Damn his look is awesome….and Striker cuts him off. The pros are worried about an attack or something….so they beat the hell out of the rookies. As in their own rookies. Cole calls it an initiation and the pros posing ends it.

Overall Rating: D+. Not terrible I guess, but this was more about setting the stage for the season than the actual show or rookies themselves. The wrestling was pretty weak to be kind to it but the final segment was pretty good. The video KILLED this though as it just went on too long. I’m looking forward to the rest of the season though so they got that right. Not bad but it could have been better.