NXT Results: 3/23/10 - Week 5, Rookies Team Up

Heath Slater Remains Undefeated

Next week, the pros will have the first official vote which will weigh in on Win/Loss record; Strength; Work Ethic; and "It" factor. Therefore, in week 5, the Rookies teamed up in 2 tag team main events. Heath Slater (3-0) teamed with Justin Gabriel (2-1) to take on the team of Skip Sheffield (0-2) and Wade Barrett (2-1).

In the standings now, Heath Slater is undefeated, having pinned Pro Carlito in week 3 to really escalate him in the ranks. However, Skip Sheffield is an example of what happens when you cannot get along with your mentor. Unlike Daniel Bryan and Darren Young who don't nessearrily need their mentors to succeed, Skip is possibly at the bottom of the ranks when it comes to all four ranking criterias.

Wade Barrett, who is impressive in strength, work ethic, and has that "it" factor, evened his win/loss score with another loss, because he accidently kicked his tag partner in the face, thus allowing Heath Slater to pick up the win.

The win/loss records are: Heath Slater (4-0); Justin Gabriel (3-1); Wade Barrett (2-2); and Skip Sheffield (0-3).

Daniel Bryan is the Best Loser

In the main event, David Otunga (2-1) teams with Darren Young (2-1) against Daniel Bryan (0-4) and Michael Tarver (1-1).

Otunga and Young are evenly matched when it comes to win/loss records unlike Daniel Bryan who hasn't won a single match since coming to NXT. Yet again, wins and losses are not going to be the only criteria when it comes to ranking these rookies. On his first day, Daniel Bryan went one on one with The World Heavyweight Champion Chris Jericho; and last week he took on The Great Khali. Daniel Bryan's ability to take on current and former World Champions speaks a lot about his work ethic, experience, and the overall "it" factor to one day main event WrestleMania.

David Otunga, a carbon copy of Ezekiel Jackson, which includes the same uranage finisher, has become known as the A-lister. Obviously a reference to his celebrity status, which in the WWE could mean everything. If WWE were to sign Otunga, then perhaps the ratings would boost, especially if assigned to RAW along with the Celebrity Guest Hosts angle. But what happens when it is time to release him?

When Michael Cole compared Daniel Bryan's plain personality along with the plain red trunks against the celeb status of Otunga, there was an indication of what WWE may be about nowadays. Does the fact that Daniel Bryan was trained by Shawn Michaels mean anything? How about being mentored by William Regal at the start of his 10-year indie wrestling career? Somewhere down this terrible mainstream road that WWE has undertaken, wrestling ability must stand for something.

As for his tag partner for the night, Mr. 1.9 is oblivious for the most part as his short temper towards Luke Gallows cost Daniel Bryan a tag, thus allowing Otunga to get the Uranage victory. Yet, Michael Tarver isn't all bad, since during his first dispute with Gallows, he side stepped a sneak attack attempt by Darren Young and managed to get the upper hand.

Darren Young, with his Dragon Ball Z hair style, has yet to gain the respect from his mentor C.M. Punk. But that has not stopped him from amounted victories. C.M. Punk's refusal to acknowledge his rookie just makes Young work that much harder to impress his mentor. Which is what Skip Sheffield should be doing instead of apologizing.

The win/loss records are: David Otunga (3-1); Darren Young (3-1); Daniel Bryan (0-5); and Michael Tarver (1-2).

Who will come out on top next week as the Pros have their first vote, ranking the rookies thus far.

NXT Results: 3/16/10 - Week 4, Competition Picks Up

Justin Gabriel and Matt Hardy vs. Darren Young and C.M. Punk

In week 4 of the NXT competition to crown the next break out star, we learn that the pros will be conducting the first round of votes in two weeks. Yet, we still do not know what that means exactly. Will someone be voted off NXT? And if that person is voted off, what of their pro? Will he get a new rookie, or return back to the locker rooms?

The opening contest was a tag team match pitting team Hardy against Team Straightedge. Matt Hardy, or sensi, having his rookie sport the new Matt Hardy t-shirt, is not really teaching Justin to be a star. Because the things Justin does in the ring are exactly what made Evan Bourne popular in ECW, before the reality sank in that there is no cruiserweight division in the WWE. If Justin looks to make an impact, he'll have to prove why the fans should pay to see him.

C.M. Punk not exactly liking his rookie, but throughout the course of the match treated him with respect. Darren Young, not at all certain how to get on his mentor's good graces, is becoming more aggressive in the ring.

The match ended with C.M. Punk striking Hardy with the GTS (while the referee was distracted) and Darren Young scoring the pinfall. However, Young did not enjoy his victory because Luke Gallows rewarded him with a Gallows Pole Drop.

Daniel Bryan vs. Khali

What started out as an initial joke between me and my friend came to fruition in week four of NXT. My friend, who has been following Bryan Danielson's career for a long time, stated that he is one of the best wrestlers in the world and could work with anyone. My joke was if he could work a great match with The Great Khali? No one can, is how he responded.

The Great Khali, exhibitiing no wrestling ability whatsoever, defeated the self proclaimed Best Wrestler in the World. Bryan Danielson proved the bible wrong, sometimes David cannot slay Giloath.

And if Daniel Bryan losing to the worst "pro-wrestler" in the WWE wasn't bad enough, then being chokeslammed by The Big Show (sent by Miz) is just a perfect end to a bad say.

Heath Slater vs. Michael Tarver

Heath Slater is coming off with some momentum as he pinned NXT Pro Carlito last week in a one on one contest, but could he outlast Mr. 1.9 Michael Tarver?

Heath managed to provide some interesting offense when he connected with a corkscrew to the outside of the ring. Tarver attempted to ground him, but Heath managed to roll him up for the victory.

Yet don't let the loss fool you, because Michael Tarver attacked Heath from behind and layed him out with a T-Bone suplex.

Wade Barrett vs. Skip Sheffield

Losing his match last week to Justin Gabriel, Wade Barrett is currently 1-1. While Skip Sheffield is on a losing streak because he fails to shut up and listen to his mentor William Regal.

Chris Jericho, on the other hand, loves his rookie because Wade Barrett is a majestic destroyer. And this match was just a sampling of what Wade Barrett is capable of as he struck with an overhead bodyslam.

WWEStrikesBack Picks: Wade Barrett Stays; Skip Sheffield Goes.

NXT Results: 3/2/10 - Week 2, The Pros will Judge the Rookies

Otunga not a fan of the Truth; Straightedge assist for Young
David Otunga w/R-Truth vs. Darren Young w/Straightedge Society

Welcome once again to WWEStrikesBack's NXT blog post. Last week was the inaugural episode which surpassed the ratings of any past episode of ECW on ScyFy, and is growing into a phenomenon. NXT Host Matt Striker, who can also be seen as the color commentator on Friday Night SmackDown, explained another concept to the enigma that is NXT. At the end of the season, all the pros will have a chance to vote for, or against, a rookie of their choosing. However, a pro cannot vote for or against their own rookie. So guys like Daniel Bryan and Skip Sheffield need not worry about what their mentors have to say.

Now, the opening contest was a rematch of last week's squash match between Darren Young and the A-list celebrity, David Otunga. Darren Young has had a hard time earning the respect from his mentor, C.M. Punk. The Straightedge Savior of the Straightedge Society really wants nothing to do with Young because of his "party" lifestyle. As for David Otunga, it may appear that he is on the same page as his mentor, but it doesn't feel that he is paying attention. The match set off in a basic wrestling format, nothing too flashy, possibly a few drop kicks by Young. Otunga delivers some powerhouse maneuvers, a back body drop slam and a scoop slam, but remained grounded through various head locks by Darren Young.

Then the match took a surprise turn when Luke Gallows went to the other side of the ring to confront R-Truth. David Otunga, momentarily distracted, went for a running lariat but was tripped by C.M. Punk on the outside. The momentary trip allowed Young to go for a full nelson powerslam for the victory. The score is now 1-1. Despite the assist, the Straightedge Society walked away without congratulating Darren Young on his first win on NXT.

Then if that wasn't strange, then David Otunga shoving R-Truth, blaming him for the loss, should have raised an eye brow. Later on, during Otunga's backstage interview with NXT Host, Matt Striker, his mentor confronted Otunga telling him that he would not make a name off of R-Truth. The two brawled in the back, making it obvious that David Otunga never had any respect for his mentor, and that is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but.

Wade Barrett is Quality
Wade Barrett w/Chris Jericho vs. Daniel Bryan w/The Miz

After a week's time, the world is talking about Daniel Bryan on NXT. But most importantly, The Best Wrestler in the World taking on The World Heavyweight Champion, who is the Best in the World at What he does, Chris Jericho in last week's main-event. Photos have been posted on wwe.com and all over the web, of the hellacious injury incurred during that match. During a running dive through the middle ropes, rarely seen in the WWE, Chris Jericho slammed Daniel Bryan back-first into the announce table. And the submission master ironically tapped out to Chris Jericho's liontamer (aka The Real Walls of Jericho). This week, Daniel's mentor, The Miz, booked him in a match against Jericho's rookie, Wade Barrett.

Wade Barrett, confident and eloquent in his abilities, hails from Manchester, England and has come to the WWE for big paychecks. Barrett fought in the streets of London for petty cash, and realizes that in order to make the most money, he has to thrive in a global phenomenon that is the WWE. Wade has also expressed in his interview that it doesn't matter host fast his opponent is, because he is 6'5 and he knows how to use his height to his advantage.

Chris Jericho was on commentary praising his protege, with such terms as "majesty," and "arms like an eagle." Chris Jericho is the best possible mentor that Wade Barrett could have ever hoped for, because Jericho elevates and creates stars better than anyone in the business. And Wade Barrett, after pinning Daniel's with a modified fireman's carry slam, will continue to rise to the top as long as he listens to Chris Jericho.

Daniel Bryan, still injured from last week's match, sucked it up and took on the tallest rookie on NXT. Daniel's may be considered the best in the world, but losing two matches in a row is not looking well to the pros, who will judge at the end of the season. Then again, Daniel Bryan was fighting at half speed and managed an impressive running knee strike on the outside. But he was unable to capitalize on another high-risk maneuver, after falling off the top rope.

A South African Hardy?
Justin Gabriel and Matt Hardy vs. Skip Sheffield and William Regal

Thus far, we have seen every rookie wrestle once or twice in the ring, but the main-event showcased the remaining two rookies having yet to make an appearance. The main-event was a tag team match scheduled for one fall. On one side of the ring we had Matt Hardy and his rookie, Justin Gabriel, and on the opposing side, William Regal and his rookie, Skip Sheffield.

Now, WWE presented a special video package interview with Skip Sheffield and what he brings to NXT. At first, just hearing the name, one would have assumed with a surname like Sheffield that he hailed from England, but far from it. Skip Sheffield is a Texan, and not the John "Bradshaw" Layfield Texan, but a heavy-accented southern from College Station, Texas. He says that he is an entertainer and he likes to make people laugh. But at the same time he likes to deliver "knuckle sandwiches, and slices of humble pie" to his opponents. Skip's catchphrase is "Yep, yep, yep, what it do," and no one has been able to figure out what it means exactly, except that it is fun to say in the ring. One man who is not happy with Skip Sheffield is his mentor William Regal, who would have fared better with the likes of Daniel Bryan or Wade Barrett.

As for Justin Gabriel, Matt Hardy has mentioned on his youtube channel that he is suppose to resemble AJ Styles' ring work. But for WWE's sake, Matt Hardy described Justin as a young Matt Hardy, and that he will bring exciting aerial maneuvers to the WWE. A South African Matt Hardy, or possibly an attempt to replace Jeff Hardy? Not quite sure what I'm talking about? Well, in the match, Matt and Justin double teamed on Skip Sheffield which resembled the Omega move. Then Matt Irish-whipped Skip into the corner and set up for a modified Poetry in Motion as Justin went for a cross body. And the finisher screamed Hardy Boyz, when Matt connected with the Twist of Fate on William Regal, tagged in Justin Gabriel, who went for the 450° splash to get the pinfall. Matt Hardy is Justin Gabriel's sensei, and possibly Justin will become an MF'er (Mattitude Follower).

The relationship between Regal and Sheffield started off on a rocky start, but hopefully they can get it together by next week. And as for Justin Gabriel, he reminds me of an aspiring Evan Bourne than anything else. So hopefully Justin can strive above the flashy aerialist, or else he'll become a future jobber.

NXT Results: 2/23/10 - Week 1, Daniel Bryan Learns the Hard Way

Daniel Bryan's Personality Test: Fail

Welcome to the premiere post of WWE's newest concept NXT. Let's get underway with what exactly is NXT? NXT is a new concept where WWE plucks out eight rookies from FCW and pair them off with eight WWE pros from SmackDown and RAW. The show kicked off with The Miz introducing his Rookie, Daniel Bryan, an "Internet darling" and famous in the "minor leagues." Daniel's first task: enter the arena along to Miz's entrance theme, introduce himself, and come up with a catchphrase.

According to The Miz, the WWE Universe may not be aware of Bryan's lack of personality. Daniel explained how he wrestled for ten years and he finally has a shot in the WWE. His catchphrase was two words: I'm sorry, sorry that The Miz is his mentor and not William Regal. Daniel Bryan would then come up with another catchphrase directed towards The Miz, "You either tap, or you snap." The Miz then slapped some personality into Bryan, and rightfully so.

In an interview with the host of NXT, Matt Striker, Daniel expressed his dislike for The Miz and claimed that he would make it into the WWE without his help. Sure, Miz came from a reality show before coming to the WWE, but The Miz evolved in the 4+ years he has been here. Miz is after all a current-multi title holding champion, and he always anticipates the unexpected. The main event tonight: Daniel Bryan versus The World Heavyweight Champion, Chris Jericho.

Official Theme song of NXT: "Wild and Young" by AmericanBang

Despite the loss, Carlito is a winner

The inaugural NXT match was a tag team competition set for one-fall; Christian and Heath Slater versus Carlito and Michael Tarver. WWE showed a video package for both Heath and Tarver to explain a little of where they come from. Heath Slater describes himself as a rock band without any instruments; however, he looks like a guy suffering from H.A.D.D.. Heath is unique with his Sunkist hair, flailing of the arms stretch out, and his tongue hanging loose. His dream is to become a WWE superstar, and he looks to make it on NXT.

Michael Tarver is known as Mr. 1.9 seconds, because that's how fast he can knock someone out. He should shorten that to Mr. 1.9, because it's obvious that his quick striking abilities attests from his training in mix-martial arts. Which, if any Rookie looks as if they belong in UFC, it would be Michael Tarver.

There was a difference in style between Christian and Carlito's mentoring, even though Christian's team won the match, Carlito had the better method. Michael Tarver is by far the stronger of the two, so Carlito allowed Tarver to wrestle most of the match in order to build endurance. Christian noticed that Heath was lagging and called for the tag, in which he finished with a Killswitch to Tarver. Carlito lucked out by having an amazing rookie of such stature, but the failure lied in Carlito's poor tag team abilities. As for Heath Slater, the man jumps around like a jackass and should learn the rule: less is more.

David Otunga is overrated; Darren Young needs a prayer

David Otunga's video package was longer than the Rookie vs. Rookie match up between Otunga and Darren Young. Otunga claims to have the personality of The Rock, the cerebral text tile of Triple-H, and the power of John Cena. He has a famous fiance, Jennifer Hudson. He graduated from Harvard Law School, and has been to the white house twice this year. As far as Otunga's celebrity status is concerned, I don't give a damn if the man knows famous people, it is what you do inside that ring which will determine if you are as good as you say.

C.M. Punk has stated that he mentors only Luke Gallows and Serena, and if Darren Young wants to be mentored, then he will have to pledge to lead a straightedge life. Darren Young, obviously the polar opposite of C.M. Punk, is known as a party animal - which would most likely include one of the three things that the Straightedge Society is against. By the end of it all, I see Darren shaving off that ridiculously spiky hair of his.

Without any guidance from C.M. Punk, Young fell prey to the "A-lister" Otunga. In a match that lasted no more than a sip of coffee, Otunga did not resemble The Rock, or Triple-H, nor John Cena; he resembled a carbon copy of Ezekiel Jackson with a poorly executed Ura-nage. Just because he's met the president doesn't mean squat when it comes to the WWE.

NXT Main-Event outshines RAW program

In the main-event, the World Heavyweight Champion went one on one with Daniel Bryan. As we have seen earlier, Daniel Bryan has no charisma or mic skills, and he is shortest man in the entire NXT roster. But a more pressing matter is the total lack of respect that he has for his mentor, The Miz. Daniel feels that he is owed something with his 10-year wrestling career, performing in the indie circuit. It's all good that you elevated your wrestling ability for a decade, but he hasn't been inside the WWE long enough to become accepted by the WWE Universe and WWE locker room.

Daniel Bryan did have an impressive outing with the World's Champion, Chris Jericho. Interesting set up since Chris Jericho is the Best in the World at what he does, while Daniel claims he is the Best Wrestler in the World. Chris Jericho is on a far higher scale than Bryan, and there is a difference between a pro and a rookie. Daniel Bryan focused all his outrage against The Miz towards Chris Jericho, and it was seen when Daniel slapped Jericho in the face and started executing drop kicks and running kicks to the chest.

Daniel, however, went a bit off course when he made a running dive through the ropes, only to be flipped kidney-first against the announce table. If you wanted to know the difference between and a a pro and a rookie, there you have it. But instead of cutting your loses, Daniel Bryan seemed to feed off of that pain and managed to lock Jericho in the center of the ring with a heel hook. Jericho's agony was etched on his face as he scrambled towards the bottom rope; Daniel hoping to make it known that he is the Submission specialist and you only have two choices, you tap or you snap. But it was Daniel Bryan who would tap out to Chris Jericho's liontamer. And if losing your first high-profile match wasn't bad enough, than Miz added insult to injury as he started beating down his rookie for lack of respect.

Despite the loss, Daniel Bryan and Chris Jericho delivered big on the premiere episode of NXT, outshining the entire RAW line-up.

Next week: Matt Hardy and Justin Gabriel come to NXT