WWE NXT Results 07/27/10

WWE NXT results from Corpus Christi, TX:

The show opened with highlights from the weeks past with the various rookies competing. The narrator talked about how tonight was the second big elimination of the season. Matt Striker was in the ring as the pros were already seated up on stage. Striker introduced each of the rookies one-by-one and they came down to the ring to join Striker. He reminded them of tonight's poll which is 50% fans, 50% pros.

Striker told them they'd get to prove themselves physically later on tonight, but first they'd each get 1 minute to talk about whatever they wanted, except for "why they shouldn't be eliminated". Lucky Cannon talked about "friends" and how nobody used to care about him, but now he's somebody. Cottonwood talked about "eyes" and how he can look in anyone's eyes, including The Undertaker. Husky Harris talked about how he doesn't have the physique of the other guys, but he fights like he's got the body of an army tank and the engine of a Ferrari.

Kaval spoke about "dreams" and how it's not the size of the fighter but the size of the fight in him. Team LayCool was impressed. McGillicutty used his time to confront The Miz who called him 'mediocre' on last week's video package. McGillicutty told Miz he'd show him he's awesome. Miz told him get a contract first but until then he's a wannabe. Next up was Alex Riley's topic was 'Starbucks'. He talked about how he won't cater to the WWE fans like many of the other rookies and said he's the star there while the others are a bunch of "Starbucks" employees. Percy Watson talked about working hard and having fun with a bunch of "oh yeah's" thrown in.

They rolled a video package on Percy Watson which included WWE Pros' commentary on him.

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Showtime Percy Watson vs. Zack Ryder

MVP was on the apron as Watson's mentor for the match. Late in the match, Ryder went for the Rough Ryder on Watson but Percy tossed him across the ring. Watson hit the face first DDT on Ryder followed by a huge splash move for the win. Cole said Watson's the first rookie to beat a pro on Season 2.

Winner: Showtime Percy Watson wins via pinfall over Zack Ryder.

They showed Morrison backstage coaching his rookie Eli Cottonwood. He told him about moving forward and talked about reviewing video footage. He showed him how he got DQ'd in last week's obstacle course challenge after falling off the balance beam and pushing past the referees. Morrison told him some are calling him "Eli Rottonwood" now. Morrison told Eli to focus on tonight's opportunity to beat McGillicutty who's undefeated. Cottonwood said he has one word in mind. Morrison asked if it was "intensity" but Cottonwood said it's "Mustache".

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Cole and Matthews reviewed last week's obstacle course challenge highlights. Michael McGillicutty had the best time to win it and gained immunity in this week's elimination.

Michael McGillicutty vs. Eli Cottonwood

After sustaining a lot of damage from Cottonwood, McGillicutty finally grounded his opponent. He worked over his legs, then came from against the ropes to hit a huge dropkick. Next up he hit a swinging neckbreaker on Cottonwood to take his 5th win and stay undefeated.

Winner: Michael McGillicutty wins via pinfall over Eli Cottonwood.

Ashley Valence was backstage where she talked about how the pro's poll will work tonight with the WWE fan voting. She then introduced a Kaval video package. Most of the pros had good things to say about his in-ring skills, but some were down on his personality. Team LayCool said they need to work on his frown but he will be the next breakout star.

Team LayCool was with their rookie backstage asking where his pink shirt went and why he wasn't smiling. Just then Husky Harris came walking through and bumped into Kaval. He said he didn't see the small fry standing there because he's just not noticeable. Team LayCool started yelling at Harris and he asked Kaval if he lets his girls do all the talking for him. Kaval said all his talking will be done later in the ring.

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Kaval vs. Husky Harris

Team LayCool was on the apron as was Cody Rhodes to support their rookies. At one point in the match, Kaval was up on the corner and Husky Harris fell against the ropes knocking Team LayCool off the apron. Kaval got on the apron checking on Layla and Michelle, so Harris grabbed him and shoved him into the ringpost. From there, Harris did a suplex from the apron, then his running Senton Bomb to finish Kaval.

Winner: Husky Harris wins via pinfall over Kaval.

Striker came out saying he hopes LayCool is ok. He told the WWE Pros to gather up and tally their votes. Striker said when the show returns the next elimination will happen.

---

They showed a review of WWE Raw last night with the Nexus taking out a team of 7 Raw superstars in an elimination match, as a Summerslam preview. The show ended with Team WWE all at odds in the ring, fighting each other.

Michael Cole and Josh Matthews discussed the known Summerslam matches so far.

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WWE NXT Poll #2

NXT returned with all the rookies in front of the ring, bottom of the ramp. Striker said it's time to reveal the new NXT Poll, in which Michael McGillicutty is the only one safe from elimination.

WWE NXT Poll #2:

1)Michael McGillicutty
2)Kaval
3)Alex Riley
4)Percy Watson
5)Lucky Cannon
6)Husky Harris
7)Eli Cottonwood

Cottonwood looked dejected when the poll results came up on screen. Striker asked if he had any parting comments for the WWE Universe. Instead of talking, Eli walked over and kicked Husky Harris in the gut. Cottonwood started beating up his fellow rookies. Alex Riley jumped on his back and tried to stop the angry giant. Eli tossed Lucky Cannon down and then walked up the ramp. John Morrison tried to calm him down but got shoved.

Back at the ring, Matt Striker asked some of the remaining rookies their thoughts. Husky Harris said he's on the warpath and isn't sure what else he can do to show he's stepped things up. Alex Riley talked about how he'll jump the top two spots in the poll. McGillicutty and Riley ended up in an argument and then a physical altercation with McGillicutty getting the upperhand. Lucky Cannon tried to break things up. Eli Cottonwood came storming back down to the ringside area. He attacked both Cannon and Husky Harris. Cottonwood kneed Lucky in the gut and tossed him into a guardrail. NXT ended with complete chaos near the ring.

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WWE NXT Results 07/20/10

WWE NXT results from Little Rock, AR:

NXT opened with footage from earlier today with Matt Striker going through a timed obstacle course. It included tires, a hurdle, push ups and pushing a WWE cart up the ramp. Michael Cole narrated that next week will be the next "NXT Poll" as determined by the Pros and WWE Universe, with another rookie eliminated. Tonight's obstacle course winner gets immunity from the elimination.

MVP was in the ring for "The VIP Lounge" talk show to start off NXT. MVP said normally he'd be popping the champage right now, but he has an issue to address tonight. MVP called out his rookie Percy Watson. He said his rookie took initiative last week, and even though MVP wanted to pound on him, he thought about it more. He said the MVP who debuted on Smackdown years ago would have done the same thing. MVP asked Watson if he's learned anything. Watson said his go-getter mentality took over last week, but he respects him and apologizes. MVP and Watson made up, slapping hands.

Matt Striker came out to interrupt their celebration. He said since there's a poll next week they should take a moment to explain why Watson should be #1. MVP and Watson made their case, with Watson saying he's always fought and clawed his way to get to where he needs to. MVP said Watson's got all the in-ring tools and the personality to go with it. Cody Rhodes and Husky Harris were out next. Rhodes admired himself in the mirror before promoting his rookie as a "body of a tank with a ferrari engine." Harris said he's not like the long line of WWE stars with a six pack and chiseled physiqe, he said he keeps it real though. Striker said up next Harris and Watson will show their stuff in-ring.

---

The showed a video of Lucky Cannon with the Pros giving their thoughts on him. The Miz called Lucky "forgettable". Cody Rhodes said he's got the size and athletic background.

Percy Watson & MVP vs. Husky Harris & Cody Rhodes

All the other pros were now seated on stage to take notes on the rookies tonight. Josh Matthews said the NXT poll on WWE.com opens tomorrow at noon and will stay open all week.

The two rookies ended up brawling on the outside near the hurdles of the obstacle course. It brought MVP and Rhodes out to pull them apart, but MVP clocked Rhodes in the face right before a commercial break. Rhodes had control of Percy in the ring out of break.

In the closing moments, MVP hit a Facebuster on Rhodes before knocking Harris off the apron. He hit the Ballin Elbow drop on Rhodes. Harris got back on the apron to distract so MVP went back over to punch him. That moment allowed Rhodes to set up near the corner. As MVP charged, Rhodes elbowed him then hit a hard kick to MVP's head off the corner, KO-ing MVP. He tagged in Harris telling him "show them why you're #1". Harris hit a running Senton Bomb on MVP and scored the pinfall.

Winners: Husky Harris & Cody Rhodes win via pinfall over MVP & Percy Watson.

They had a video on Michael McGillicutty with the Pros weighing in on him. MVP said he's got the fire and the spark. Team LayCool said he's as close to perfect as it gets, but he's not "flawless". Morrison said personality and charisma-wise he hasn't seen much from him. The Miz said his daddy was good but Mike's mediocre.

---

Cole and Matthews reviewed what happened to Mark Henry last night from Wade Barrett of Nexus. They showed highlights with The Nexus members arriving on the ramp to distract Henry on the corner. Barrett got Henry on his shoulders to slam Henry down for the pin. Cannon was without his Pro for tonight's matchup.

Striker was in the ring with Lucky Cannon and Miz/Riley. He got their thoughts on why each rookie should be voted #1. Cannon said he won't try to convince anyone he's the best, that's opinion, but he's had the time of his life entertaining all the fans. He gave them a thank you. Riley talked about the WWE Universe doing the right thing for WWE and voting him in. Miz said take it from the future WWE Champ, Riley's the next big star.

Lucky Cannon vs. Alex Riley

Riley made quick work of Cannon in their singles match. After Cannon missed off the corner on a splash, he hit the mat hard. From there Riley was able to finish him off. Riley had Cannon on his shoulders then spun and slammed him down.

After the win Miz and Riley looked down at Cannon on the mat. Miz teased using the briefcase on him, then both guys left the ring. Suddenly, Miz rushed back into the ring and smashed Cannon in the gut with the MITB case. He placed it down on the mat, then did a repeat of what he did to Sheamus on Raw, with a Skullcrushing Finale of Lucky's face into the case.

Winner: Alex Riley wins via pinfall over Lucky Cannon.

As The Miz and Riley were walking up the ramp, Morrison and Kofi were up to confront Miz for what he did. Miz showed them the briefcase to say he's Mr. Money in the Bank.

---

Matthews thanked "I Fight Dragons" for the 2010 Money in the Bank theme song "Money" available at iTunes. They launched into the Raw Rebound which featured the John Cena versus Nexus story. Cena went to the ring asking for a truce but Nexus wouldn't have it. Wade Barrett asked Cena to join Nexus but he refused the offer. They told Cena to get out of the ring like a coward or get a big beatdown. Cena left, but then told them he will take down every last one of them. Cena brought out his team he assembled of WWE Superstars. Cena has a 7-man-team including Edge, Chris Jericho, John Morrison, R-Truth, The Great Khali and Bret "The Hitman" Hart. There will be a 7-on-7 match at Summerslam.

Matt Striker was up on the ramp with John Morrison, Eli Cottonwood, Team LayCool and Kaval. They each got time to present why they deserve votes. Morrison told a story of how he was at an airport watching the NXT rookies walk by when a little kid asked him mom "who is that?" about Cottonwood. Morrison said he's worth the WWE investment. Cottonwood walked over to Striker and asked who he's going to vote for a few times, finally Striker said him. Team LayCool did their "Flawless" bit saying no other rookie has them. Kaval said he's got the ability to go toe-to-toe with the best WWE has to offer like Randy Orton, Evan Bourne or Rey Mysterio.

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NXT Rookie Obstacle Course

McGillicutty was up first for the obstacle course, but Striker gave he and Kofi a chance to speak to the WWE Universe first. Kofi said no rookie in the competition is hungrier. Kofi called the WWE fans the McGilli-buddies. Mike said he's the only undefeated, perfect 4-0, and told the WWE Universe to make the perfect choice by voting him.

The obstacle course had a series of tires, hurdles, ten pushups in a yellow square, walking a balance beam and pushing a WWE cart up the ramp.

Obstacle Course Results:

Michael McGillicutty - 26.7 sec
Alex Riley - 40.3 sec (Riley fell off the balance beam and had to go back)
Eli Cottonwood - disqualified by the refs for not repeating obstacle he missed
Lucky Cannon - 28.2 sec
Kaval - 29.1 sec
Showtime Percy Watson - 31.5 sec
Husky Harris - 40 sec (Harris didn't take the obstacle course seriously)

Michael McGillicutty won the obstacle course challenge to become immune from next week's elimination. WWE Universe can begin voting as of 12PM EST on WWE.com Wednesday.

WWE NXT Results 06/29/10

WWE NXT results 6/29/10:

Host Ashley Valence was up at the top of the ramp to open the NXT show. Ashley informed fans about voting which starts tonight at 10PM on WWE.com. She introduced each of the NXT rookies one-by-one and they lined up on the top of the ramp. Ashley's intros were rather quick for the names of the rookies.

Ashley revealed that in a surprise move whoever is ranked last tonight will be eliminated. Cole and Grisham joked that maybe Ashley should be eliminated. She kicked it over to Matt Striker, who announced tonight's first Season 2 Challenge - "The Keg Carry".

Results for tonight's Keg carry:

Michael McGillicutty - Eliminated DQ (dropped keg)
Lucky Cannon - 12.7
Percy Watson - 13.0
Eli Cottonwood - 13.3
Kaval - DQ'd said the keg weighs as much as him and he wouldn't risk his body unless it's in the ring for the fans.
Titus O'Neil - DQ, tripped and fell
Husky Harris - DQ, dropped keg

Striker asked him if he got hurt on that. Husky grabbed the mic and stared at Striker telling him he was brave to ask him a question this week. Husky said to back off and he'd worry bout himself.

Alex Riley - 13.8

Lucky Cannon won immunity in the first challenge so he can't be eliminated tonight. Matthews said only four guys finished the challenge without a DQ. He and Cole sent it to the background story video on Showtime Percy Watson.

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MVP vs. Husky Harris

Michael Cole mentioned that Rhodes was embarassed by Husky Harris on Smackdown this past Friday due to his weight and lack of good body image. During the match, MVP gained control after a running kick took out Harris in the corner. Harris fell to the outside and Rhodes went over to give him a pep talk as NXT went to break.

Husky was able to take control after break using a variety of moves to wear down MVP. He went for 3 pin attempts after one move with MVP kicking out. MVP finally rolled out of the way on Husky's running senton bomb attempt. MVP hit the facebuster on Husky followed by the Ballin elbow drop. He appeared to hurt his side though. Husky went at him, but MVP still was able to hit the 305 for the victory.

Dashing Cody Rhodes looked upset over his rookie's loss on the outside. Cody got in the ring as MVP was offering a handshake to Husky. Husky told him he was close to a win, then left the ring without shaking hands.

Winner: MVP wins via pinfall over Husky Harris.

---

Matthews and Cole talked about the big news of the night, one NXT rookie gets eliminated tonight, but it won't be Lucky Cannon. They showed the keg carry highlights with O'Neil falling and McGillicutty dropping the keg. Lucky Cannon won it with a time of 12.7 seconds.

Kaval, Lucky Cannon & Michael McGillicutty vs. Alex Riley, Titus O'Neil and Eli Cottonwood

Titus slapped Cottonwood's back to make a tag. Eli just stared at Titus before finally going to the apron.

Things got frantic as McGillicutty snuck into the ring to take down Riley. Cottonwood rushed at MCGill, but he dropped down pulling the top rope for Cottonwood to fall out. Lucky Cannon and Titus ONeil battled with Cannon scoring a dropkick. Kaval was legal and got to the top rope. He jumped off the corner and landed with both feet on Riley's chest, then pinned him for the win. Matthews called Kaval's finishing move "The Warriors Way". Team LayCool celebrated on the ramp over Kaval getting the win.

Winners: Kaval, Lucky Cannon & Michael McGillicutty win via pinfall over Alex Riley, Titus O'Neil and Eli Cottonwood.

Striker said fan voting is wrapping up on WWE.com. He told the Pros up on the stage to huddle up and put together their first vote as NXT went to break.

---

Recap of WWE Raw showed the attack that Ricky Steamboat, Mike Rotundo, Arn Anderson, Michael PS Hayes and Jerry Lawler suffered in the ring from the Nexus group. Steamboat was taken away on a stretcher, while others were helped to the back. Nexus was without its leader Wade Barrett who was at the WWE HQ to discuss what had happened by his NXT crew.

Matthews/Cole discussed Money in the Bank PPV with Cena vs Sheamus and the MITB match with 8 guys from Raw brand.

---

All the rookies were lined up in front of the ring, bottom of the ramp. Striker told Lucky Cannon he's safe tonight, but it was time to find out the official NXT Poll.

1) Kaval
2) Percy Watson
3) Michael McGillicutty
4) Alex Riley
5) Lucky Cannon
6) Eli Cottonwood

The first six were revealed. Striker had Husky Harris and Titus O'Neil step forward. He talked about how whoever is left remaining after this poll will know he just has to work harder. Time for the final reveal:

7) Husky Harris
8) Titus O'Neil

Striker interviewed Titus asking him to tell the world why they're wrong. Titus told them to take every opportunity to make their life the best they can. He got a good reception from the crowd for the classy going away speech.

Striker told the remaining contestants now the competition will intensify. Titus O'Neil gave Ryder a hug up on the ramp before heading backstage for his exit.

---

WWE NXT Results 06/22/10

WWE NXT results from Manchester, NH:

After the usual NXT intro video, Michael Cole said we're one week away from the first NXT vote. He said at ringside are he and Josh Matthews. Cole kicked it over to the newest member of their broadcast team, Ashley Valence who was in the ring. Striker wasn't in ring to start things off like usual. Early on, it's tough to tell if Matt Striker is no longer the host, and Ashley is. No explanation given as to her role. Ashley talked about the Pros and fans getting to vote and said voting will open one week from tonight at 10PM EST on WWE.com.

Ashley introduced the WWE Pros next one by one John Morrison, Cody Rhodes, Team LayCool, Mark Henry, Kofi Kingston and Zack Ryder. Ashley said it was time for the first match of the night. The Miz and Alex Riley arrived to the ring, followed by MVP and Percy Watson.

Percy Watson & MVP vs. Alex Riley & The Miz

During this contest, Watson and MVP had a nice doubleteam move to slam Riley to the mat, the MVP tossed him out of the ring. Miz jumped off the apron and got in Riley's face telling him to get back in the ring, causing Riley to glare at Miz.

Later still, Watson escaped Riley for a tag to MVP. MVP hit the Ballin' Elbow drop, but couldn't hit the 305 finisher. MVP rushed over for a tag to Watson, and Riley tagged in Miz. Watson hit an interesting splash move on Miz. It eventually broke down in the ring with MVP taking Riley out over the ropes. Miz dropped Riley against the top ropes then hit Skullcrushing Finale for the pinfall win. Miz started talking trash in Watson's face on the mat, so MVP rushed in to get him away. Riley is now 2-0 on NXT.

Winner: The Miz & Alex Riley win via pinfall over MVP & Percy Watson.

Josh Matthews introduced the NXT background video on rookie Titus O'Neil, who is a former pro football player. Zack Ryder brought out Titus O'Neil for the next match.

Michael Cole said later tonight they'll update what happened last night to Mr. McMahon on Raw at the hands of the NXT season 1 guys.

---

Michael McGillicutty vs. Titus O'Neil

Zack Ryder and Kofi Kingston were at ringside to watch their rookies square off. Early on O'Neil picked up Mike and Mike responded with a slew of punches to the head. O'Neil rammed him against the corner to take control. Late in the match, O'Neil hit a scoop slam, but as he went for the splash, McGillicutty put up both knees. From there, O'Neil got up crouching. McGillicutty ran from against the ropes and hit a spinning neckbreaker for the pin. Mike is 2-0, while O'Neil is 0-2.

Winner: Michael McGillicutty wins via pinfall over Titus O'Neil.

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Josh Matthews reminded fans to check out WWE.com for results from Fatal 4Way PPV.

Kuval vs. Eli Cottonwood

Team LayCool was at ringside for the match. John Morrison accompanied Eli Cottonwood to the ring for the battle of David vs. Goliath. Kuval went for the quickness early on, while Cottonwood went for the power moves, tossing Kuval face first to the corner turnbuckle. Cottonwood put Kuval near the corner ropes, where Kuval managed to lock on some sort of submission hold. It was illegal so the ref forced him to break it off.

Kuval continued with quick strike attacks, while Cottonwood appeared to be in pain. Kuval had an impressive springboard kick from the ropes, and also a jump off the corner to drive both feet into the back of Cottonwood's head. However, Eli kicked out Kuval's pin. He picked him up and smashed Kuval to the mat for the win.

Team LayCool chased Kuval as he walked hurt up the ramp, acting concerned over their rookie.

Winner: Eli Cottonwood wins via pinfall over Kuval.

Next up was a background video of NXT rookie Lucky Cannon who was once in a coma for weeks, but learned to walk and talk once again.

---

NXT returned backstage with Kuval looking to be in serious pain. Michelle and Layla helped him up. They told him he lost twice but third time's a charm. Team LayCool presented Kuval with a gift, a pink property of LayCool T-shirt.

Matt Striker had finally joined the commentators at ringside. Josh Matthews brought up how Striker is not all smiles after what happened to him due to Cody Rhodes last weekend. They reviewed Mike McGillicutty defeating Lucky Cannon last week in a match. Cody Rhodes gave his opinion from up on the ramp, criticizing Lucky as all style and no substance. Mark Henry stood up for his rook and told Cody to take on Lucky. Cody said he accepts but needed a week to get ready. Striker asked what we can expect from Cody Rhodes. Rhodes ended up clubbing Striker down off the ramp.

Josh Matthews asked Striker his thoughts about last week after seeing the footage. Striker said he'll keep it professional and chalk it up to Cody being heated over Mark Henry's challenge. Striker said "Let's move on." Michael Cole moved on to bring up last night's Raw and the NXT beat down on Vince McMahon. They showed the beatdown in the ring once again.

Michael Cole said an email has been received from the new "anonymous" GM of Monday Night Raw. The statement said "these actions will be met with the appropriate consequences."

Lucky Cannon vs. Cody Rhodes
Five Minute Challenge

Cody got on the mic prior to the match saying they will have a five minute challenge to see if he can even last five minutes in the ring with him. The countdown clock started up on screen as Cody shoved Lucky into the corner and pointed towards the big screen. Michael Cole talked of the achievements of Cody Rhodes including former tag champ and son of Dusty Rhodes. Mark Henry and Husky Harris were at ringside to watch.

Rhodes continued to stay in control and at the 2:30 mark he put Cannon up in an interesting submission hold on his back. Cannon managed to escape it and use a schoolboy pinfall attempt. Cannon seemed to be building some momentum with a huge boot kick on Rhodes. Rhodes kicked out at 1:41. Cannon jumped off the corner but Cody dodged him, then came back with his own spin kick to the head of Cannon. Cody followed up with Cross Rhodes to win by pinfall with 1:02 remaining on the clock.

Winner: Cody Rhodes wins via pinfall over Lucky Cannon in 3:58.

---

The show closed out with Striker in-ring with all of the NXT rookies, asking for them to present final cases to get fan votes. One-by-one the Season 2 rookies got 45 seconds to speak. When it came time for Husky Harris he told Matt Striker he doesn't need to talk for 45 seconds. Harris knocked Striker down before delivering a sentaun bomb on him. Harris left the ring and headed backstage with his pro Cody Rhodes. The first NXT voting will be next week. Fans can start voting as of 10PM EST on Tuesday 6/29/10 at WWE.com.

Raw Revelations - NXT crew roughs up Bret Hart!

On Monday Night Raw this past week, Wade Barrett and his NXT crew were back in the ring. This time it was because Barrett said Raw GM Bret Hart demanded an apology. Instead of an apology, Barrett and company all stood behind what they did, saying they were treated like animals on NXT so that's how they acted on Raw. Barrett said they made a statement that has everyone still talking, but that it wasn't just about John Cena. From there, Bret Hart came out to the ramp, and listened as David Otunga presented a list of demands they had, or things would keep getting worse. Those demands included WWE contracts for all of them, fancy dressing rooms and travel accommodations.

Hart laughed off their requests, and then proceeded to fire Wade Barrett. He told the rest of the NXT troop to hit the road, or he'd bring the cops in. Of course we all saw what happened later in the show. Cena called them all out, then had backup from the Raw roster as they drove off the NXT stars. Later still, during the main event, the arena went dark while the entire Raw roster was up on stage to protect the inner arena and main event tag teams (Cena/Orton vs Sheamus/Edge). That left the backstage unprotected, where the NXT guys ripped apart the equipment and kidnapped the GM. They loaded Bret Hart into a limo so it could crash around the garage and shake him up. The show closed with Barrett telling Hart they want an answer by Sunday, most likely about getting all his NXT cronies signed to WWE contracts.

I think we can fully expect to see the NXT guys signed to WWE contracts. It's a good storyline (although it's been done before with WCW), but again it makes the whole NXT competition seem pointless. Why make fans sit through weeks of real time competitions, if all of the guys will end up being part of WWE anyways? The competitions they had between one another were definitely not staged. Was the point just to preview them all so the fans could adjust and be ready for this new angle? I think many of the guys will work well in WWE though, so we'll have to see what Bret Hart decides to do, and what it brings forth with the NXT stars. Having new guys for fresh matches won't hurt at all.

Another issue - The explanation of why Daniel Bryan wasn't part of the NXT crew any more was that "he showed remorse". Barrett said he won't be seen with them ever again. Is that supposed to mean, they ordered a hit on Daniel Bryan Mafia style, or gave him concrete shoes and dropped him in the ocean? I think a much better explanation could have been used with Michael Cole saying he pressed charges and Bryan isn't allowed near him due to a restraining order. Or even that Bryan was arrested and had pending legal charges. At least that would tie several loose threads together. The whole Daniel Bryan attack on Michael Cole makes more sense that way too, but the writers chose their way. It also would have given Bryan a way back in to WWE. Even John Cena seems in favor of him being around.

As for Season 2 of NXT, it's been better than Season 1 so far. There's been more interactions with Pros and Rookies and some of the new talent is very intriguing. I like the variety of personalities of these guys more so than most of Season 1. Again, many of these latest NXT rookies seem like they have potential for a future WWE gig. My early favorites would have to be Alex Riley, Eli Cottonwood, Kuval and Michael McGillicutty. I can see the fans favoring Percy Watson or Kuval. Kuval got some oohs and ahs out of the crowd Tuesday night despite losing to Riley who seems like a good heel. Michael McG looked good with his finisher, but he really needs to change up the name though. It's a doozy, especially for those of us recapping his matches!

Tuesday's episode of NXT had a good close with Cody Rhodes knocking host Matt Striker down. Wonder if anything will come out of this from Matt Striker, or if he'll stick to commentary and hosting?

We're heading towards the Fatal 4Way PPV full speed, so there should be plenty to come on Friday's Smackdown and possibly Superstars. Stay tuned for the blog's predictions for this Sunday's big PPV event!