In WWE NXT's 6th week of competition, NXT host Matt Striker finally revealed the purpose of NXT. The winner of the NXT competition will not only become the next breakout star, but the winner will receive a title opportunity against the champion of their choice at a pay-per-view event. Now the reason that Matt Striker informed the WWE Universe is because the pros had casted their first official vote weighing in on Win/Loss record; Strength of opponent; Work Ethic; and the "It" factor. These are the results of the 1st Pros Poll:8th Darren Young
7th Michael Tarver
6th Skip Sheffield
5th David Otunga
4th Heath Slater
3rd Justin Gabriel
2nd Wade Barrett
1st Daniel Bryan
In six weeks another poll will be conducted, and this time if a rookie is ranked last they will be eliminated from competition. And each week after that a rookie will continue to be eliminated until there are only four remaining. Unsure what the final four will be doing, but we will find out as NXT marches on.
Darren Young, who's dead last on the Pros' Poll, has had a tough time trying to make an impact due to the lack direction from his mentor, C.M. Punk. Daniel Bryan, despite his 0-5 loss record, is #1 on the Pros' Poll obviously due to his tremendous work ethic and strength of opponents, including matches against World Champion Chris Jericho and former World Champion The Great Khali. However, The American Dragon noted Michael Cole for his disparaging remarks on his 10-year indy wrestling career; and mocked a certain "A-lister" for his lack of wrestling ability, despite having "charisma." In the realm of the WWE, charisma tends to be more important than wrestling ability (just look at John Cena and Batista). A feud between David Otunga and Daniel Bryan could be the defining feud between the art of pro-wrassling and sports entertainment.
The Majestic Eagle is the Best in the World, thanks to Jericho!
Pros SmackDown vs RAW 8-Man Tag Team Match
Advertised for the 6th installment of NXT was a SmackDown vs. RAW Pros 8-Man tag team match, followed by an 8 Rookie Battle Royal where the winner will host the following Monday Night RAW.Representing RAW were Christian, William Regal, Carlito, and The Miz, and representing SmackDown were R-Truth, C.M. Punk, Matt Hardy, and Wade Barrett? After Chris Jericho successfully defended his World Title against Edge at WrestleMania, Edge speared Jericho off of the announce table and into the time keeper's barricade. Chris Jericho, despite still being the World Heavyweight Champion, was unable to compete and allotted his NXT Rookie, Wade Barrett, his spot in the match. Chris Jericho revealed later on as he commented alongside Michael Cole and Josh Matthews that it was part of his strategy to allow Barret to gain experience and momentum within the NXT competition.
Chris Jericho did a phenomenal job commentating, as he was unbiased towards everyone in the ring, paying each of them their dues. The WWE Universe loves Matt Hardy because of his drive to rise to the top of the WWE; R-Truth's quickness and agility with various drop and flying kicks makes him entertaining to watch, including the fact that he tried bumping off everyone on the RAW side (friend or foe) in order to avoid a possible pin-cover break; despite the talks of S.E.S., C.M. Punk is a great wrestler seeing as Jericho and him have has battles in the past; William Regal showed mutual respect towards his countrymen, Wade Barret, but refused to fight him, which he did not respect him fully enough to compete against him; The Miz has done alright for himself in obtaining various championships, but his wrestling experience is less than his NXT rookie Daniel Bryan; and as for Carlito, he maintained good offense by wearing down R-Truth and Matt Hardy.
The ending moments of the match came about when Wade Barret broke Christian's cover over C.M. Punk which broke into a melee of finishers and high risk maneuvers from the other pros. Wade Barrett then tagged himself in, which, prompted by the distraction from Chris Jericho, was able to toss Christian with his modified fireman's carry slam. If there was any doubt that Wade Barrett could become the next breakout star, he pinned Christian within this all Pros tag team match. Chris Jericho is the best in the world at what he does, whether its wrestling, commentating, or mentoring the next WWE Superstar.
The A-Lister to Host Monday Night RAW
8-Rookie Battle Royal: Winner hosts Monday Night RAW
The 8-Rookie Battle Royal determined a quick winner within David Otunga, but the methods of these NXT Rookies were, well, rookie mistakes. Due to amazing victory just moments ago, the other 7 Rookies first eliminated Wade Barrett. Michael Tarver was soon eliminated during commercial break; and soon there after, Skip Sheffield tried charging through Darren Young, but was instead tossed over the ropes. Young attempted a high aerial maneuver but was knocked off and eliminated by Daniel Bryan. Heath Slater charged and knocked over and eliminated Daniel Bryan, while also eliminating himself.
The match came down to Justin Gabriel and David Otunga. Aside from NXT, Justin Gabriel has been training and receiving instruction by both Matt and Jeff Hardy. The Hardys are very fond of Justin and believe that he will become the next break out star. However, Justin Gabriel's disadvantage came down to his size and wrestling style. Instead of strategizing how to knock over Otunga from the top rope, Gabriel found it best to execute the 450 Splash. Then he attempted to pick up the dead weight of Otunga and roll him over the top rope. If Justin wants to know how to win a Battle Royal, especially at his size and strength, he should look at tapes of Shawn Michaels and how he did it. David Otunga overpowered Justin Gabriel and won the match. So this Monday Night, David Otunga hosts Monday Night RAW.
Chris Jericho praises his WrestleMania oppoenent Edge. He is a tremendous performer, his drive and determination is second to none. There has never been anyone in the business able to come back from as many injuries as Edge. Came back three months early from his Achilles Tendon injury, won the Royal Rumble and that is an impressive story. Chris admits that Edge has every tool to defeat him except for one, DNA. Chris Jericho has never been injured, but Edge is constantly injured. Chris Jericho has vowed that he will use that flaw to end Edge's career.
As Rey shared his personal life to the WWE Universe and started singing to his daughter Aaliyah on her birthday, C.M. Punk, and The Straightedge Society, interrupted the festivities.
On NXT, Daniel Bryan criticised Miz's career of being carried to the top by his tag team partners. Interestingly enough, this next match showcased those tag partners: The Big Show against John Morrison.
After suffering his first loss at the hands of Darren Young, David Otunga has lost faith in his mentor (R-Truth) without taking the time to realize that C.M. Punk was the cause of the upset. Yet, this week, the two worked as a cohesive unit as they capitalized on the ever growing split between Miz and Daniel Bryan.
Wade Barrett, a personal favorite to win the NXT competition, is rolling with great momentum after defeating fan favorite, Daniel Bryan, last week. This week, he went one on one with Justin Gabriel.
After pinning Alicia Fox last week in a Diva Pajama Pillow Fight Match, Eve Torres scored the biggest victory of her career by defeating the Divas' Champion in a Six-Divas Tag match. The match also included: Gail Kim, Kelly-Kelly, Alicia Fox, and Katie Lea.
In an age of wrestling where new stars need to emerge, comes the rise, fall, and rebirth of The Legacy. Since its formation in 2008, Randy Orton has been mentoring and pushing both Ted DiBiase Jr. and Cody Rhodes.
On a history making Monday Night, where TNA promised the in-ring returns of retirees, Ric Flair and Hulk Hogan, WWE promised a main event pitting the Chairman of the Board, Vincent Kennedy McMahon against John Cena. And not only would McMahon face off against John Cena, but he vowed that he would pin Cena for the 3-count. However, McMahon did not promise that he would actually wrestle John Cena. Therefore, McMahon created stipulations, mid-match, to contour to his benefit.
Last week, Edge competed in one of the most impressive main-events to date on SmackDown, against The Miz. Holding a victory over one-half of the Unified Tag Team Champions, it is only a matter of time before the other-half pays a visit. Most people just assume that it is a tag team thing, collect victories over the dominating tag team and you gain momentum. But there is a significance of Edge taking on The Big Show.
Unlike his Festus in-ring gimmick, Luke Gallows is a competent wrestler. His match against Mysterio was top-notch to what he brings to the Straightedge Society. Despite losing the match, Gallows forcibly latched onto Mysterio and flung him to the turnbuckle. He would then ground Mysterio with a chin lock, evade a crossbody with a throw-a-way slam, and power out of Rey's Dragon Sleeper by inching his body towards the ropes.
The World's Largest Athlete has claimed many a victory with the Kayo punch, but Edge has vowed to spear his way to his 10th World Title reign. The last time these two confronted was during last year's WrestleMania, in a Triple-Threat Match in which Edge was the defending champion. But with the passing of a year comes new rivalries.
Rey Mysterio, in his fourth World title attempt since returning from his suspension, hyped the Scottrade Center for the final Elimination Chamber match of the night. He willingly entered the first pod with hopes of walking out as the World Champion. Then came John Morrison, strutting down to the ring, entered the chamber and gazed at the magnificent structure, as if he were starring up at the Sistine Chapel. Chris Jericho's confidence on becoming the next World Champion was axiomatic; he followed suit by filling in the next pod. And finally, The Undertaker had the most unforgettable entrance of the night because instead of gliding down the ramp as he is most known for, he stormed into the chamber, filling the final pod. Was Undertaker anxious to start the match, or was there a more pressing matter?
Rumors are going around that C.M. Punk will be taking on Mysterio in a hair versus mask match at WrestleMania. It's no secret that Mysterio dropped the I-C Title because of his suspension, so a Jeff Hardy-like storyline can play itself out into a WrestleMania match.
It has been a dream match of mine to see Chris Jericho take on The Undertaker at WrestleMania, but that does not look like the path WWE is going with. Currently, Taker's potential opponents are Shawn Michaels or Edge. At one point, people assumed that John Cena would challenge Taker, as it was teased when RAW went to
Maria has "managed" the likes of Santino Marella and Dolph Ziggler, of course never adding or advancing in their careers. Maria has always been considered a pretty face, and adds appeal to the superstar she manages. She has now set her sights on a career-plummeting Matt Hardy. There are no signs that they are dating on-screen, but Matt Hardy called her his "Special Valentine" and friend.
Chris Jericho's dream of winning the Rumble and headlining WrestleMania was taken away by a returning Edge. The words, "I Have NOTHINHG!" echoed throughout the FedExForum arena. There is no one better in the WWE, I feel, that can deliver on a promo with such life, passion, and hatred. You may beg to differ. You may have a list of people that can who are still with the company. I ask you, when was the last time they cut such a promo?
Who to pick in a match where you have the big red monster, the chosen Scotsman, and the Guru of Greatness? Well in order to determine that let us break it down.
C.M. Punk has lately come off as an anti-Christ figure. Not saying that Punk is a demon, but he twists the words of Jesus to maintain his ego. He preached to his society, "There is no you, without me." Shouldn't that saying go the other way around, methinks?
Perky little Mickie James is complacent with being the new Women's Champion for a fifth time. With months of intense humiliation by the hands of Lay-Cool, the worst is yet to come in the form of The Glamazon.
D-X arrived on SmackDown to defend the Unified Tag Team Titles against the #1 contenders' C.M. Punk and Luke Gallows; however, they ran into some controversy.
For three weeks, C.M. Punk has been turning people over to the straight-edge lifestyle, but Serena has been the only one to show face the following week. Will she eventually be integrated into the divas' division? That has yet to be decided, but that is probably the course of action that will take place after this cult dissipates.
John Morrison lost the Intercontinental Title to Drew McIntyre at the TLC pay-per-view, and lost his rematch on New Years' Day. Can John Morrison defeat the undefeated Drew McIntyre in a No Disqualification Match for the I-C Title?
R-Truth interrupted Chris Jericho, who stated that he would go on and win the Royal Rumble. Truth, who pinned Jericho last week in their tag team match, not only insulted Jericho, but proclaimed that he would win the Rumble. Usually fans are behind fan favorites, but even the fans couldn't see Truth headlining WrestleMania. And Truth has to stop talking with a southern accent, no one can take him seriously as a competitor. He spends more time skipping and jumping rather than winning hard fought matches. I understand whole heartily that the WWE is catering to a family audience, but what happened to hard fought intense matches? What happened to superstars and gimmicks that we could scream our heads off. Where are the future Kurt Angles, the Chris Jerichos, the Shawn Michaels, the Eddie Guerreros, the Chris Benoits, the Stone Cold Steve Austins, the Rocks... what happened to real star power being seriously made in the WWE? Just because it's a family show, doesn't mean that the spirit of true compeition must die with these animated gimmicks.
Last week on SmackDown, Matt Hardy pinned D.H. Smith in a tag team match, turned handicap as his partner Khali was of no use. This week on Superstars, Matt Hardy would go one-on-one with the son of the British Bulldog, David Hart Smith. In Matt's corner was Khali and Runjin, and in Smith's corner was Tyson Kidd and Natalya. Has Matt Hardy fallen so far down in his WWE career that he's tag teaming with Khali? Matt recently went through surgery for his burst intestinal wall because he refused to take time off during a big push in his mediocre career. He went back to back capturing the United States Title and then switching to the ECW Title and reigning as the face of the Tuesday C-brand. He later started a feud with his brother, costing him the WWE title, for a reason. Matt has not, and probably never will, captured a World Title. Etched on the pants of Matt Hardy is an emblem of a key that is suppose to unlock his destiny, but Jeff stole that key long ago. Jeff Hardy, despite his drug addictions and tardiness, has done something that his brother will most likely never accomplish - superstardom. While word has it that Jeff has jumped flagships and will start wrestling on TNA with his friend Shannon Moore, Matt Hardy cannot even manage to build any momentum for himself, as the only Hardy left in the WWE, to grasp the brass ring that has always alluded him. Instead of being in the title picture, Matt Hardy is here on Superstars getting pinned by D.H. Smith.
The opening bout of the night was "The Animal" Dave Batista versus Finlay. You know... we shouldn't even call Batista Dave anymore, because that implies a sign of kindness, which is clearly not the case. Finlay, on the other hand, is tapping into the Celtic Warrior deep inside by sporting the red hair, instead of the Eminem blonde fade. The two had a gruesome back and forth tussle as the action was forced out of the ring. The referee called for the bell after both competitors failed to return to the ring. However, that didn't stop Batista from tossing Finlay into the announce table, the turnbuckle, and finishing him off in the ring to prove a point.
I would like to take this time to congratulate the women of SmackDown for proving that the WWE is not dead when it comes to Women's Wrestling.
The third, and final, tag team match of the night was Matt Hardy and The Great Khali against The Hart Dynasty. Matt Hardy took on Tyson Kidd and David Hart Smith, practically, by himself because Tyson gave Natalya the idea to distract Khali, which she did beautifully. In Khali's defense, you can't hate the playa, hate the game... now if we can only get Runjin to translate.
"Santa" Truth meets the Troops. Santa Clause, noticeably played by R-Truth, asked the troops "What's Up?" And it doesn't matter who Santa Clause is, whether its John Cena or JBL, the Divas will always play Santa's sexy helpers. The Bellas, Layla, Alicia Fox, and Kelly Kelly were the helpers this year, passing around WWE merch and stealing kisses from the brave soldiers who protect our freedom, here in the states.