NXT Marks the Spot

On May 11th I had tuned into WWE NXT on Syfy to see who would be the first rookie eliminated as a result of the Pro's Poll. At the start of the show, NXT host Matt Striker revealed that Michael Tarver and fan favorite Daniel Bryan were eliminated from the competition by WWE management due to a lack of self-confidence exhibited the week prior. When asked which rookie should be eliminated from the competition, both Tarver and Bryan suggested it should be them, though for different reasons. Tarver's response was to build his own character, claiming the other rookies would be safer without him present. Bryan was simply being meek, citing that he hadn't a single victory during his tenure in NXT. Regardless, both rookies were eliminated for their responses in addition to William Regal's rookie Skip Sheffield, who would later be eliminated as a result of placing last in the Pro's Poll.

While the departures of Tarver and Sheffield shouldn't have been much of a surprise to anyone, the internet wrestling community went into a frenzy over the elimination of Daniel Bryan, better known to his longtime fans as Bryan Danielson. Many claimed to be done altogether with NXT immediately after Bryan's elimination. I wondered how NXT could recover following the departure of Daniel Bryan who had come in at number one on the WWE Universe's online poll despite no ranked victories to his name. When I say his name, however, I am speaking of Daniel Bryan who the man himself claims is only "a figment of the WWE's imagination". Before being wished the best in his future endeavors, Bryan said that "Daniel Bryan" may be history... but as for Bryan Danielson, "only God knows".

I tuned into NXT Tuesday night with low expectations. The show opened with the WWE Pro's, minus R-Truth and Carlito, sitting with clipboards atop the entrance ramp. The WWE Pro's discussed the qualities that they are looking for in the next break out WWE star, all seeming to touch upon something called the "IT" factor. The "IT" factor is an undeniable attribute that usually can't be taught; you either have "IT" or you don't. You see larger than life superstars like The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin who possess a charisma and presence that sets them apart from others. Coming off of what I felt to be a weak showing last week, I enjoyed seeing the Pro's open the show. Without completely breaking character, the superstars spoke more candidly than they would on RAW or Smackdown. The Miz would stress the importance of charisma while Regal questioned the power of words over pure wrestling ability. Keeping the Pro's at ringside for the duration of the show somehow made the staged reality show seem more legitimate. Hearing the stars speak candidly about the rookies in prepared packages was a nice touch too. It was again interesting to see someone like the Miz putting over rookie "A-List David Otunga" for exhibiting "IT" while highly regarded in ring performer CM Punk said he's a danger to himself in the ring due to his lack of in ring ability. These are the types of Pro / Rookie relationships that make for dynamic and engaging television.

Our first match of the evening was between the first and last placed rookies, Wade Barrett and Darren Young respectively. Chris Jericho escorted Barrett to the ring and shouted commands to both his rookie and the WWE announce team throughout the match. Young's Pro, CM Punk, started to walk down the aisle with him but soon turned back and sat again with the remaining Pro's. While it wasn't the best match in the world, it was far from a poor showing from either rookie. I grow more impressed with Wade Barrett each week and while I can't say I've ever been much of a fan of Darren Young's in ring ability, he had started to grow on me. I enjoyed the pairing of these two as not only was it interesting seeing the first and last place rookies face off but it also continued the mini-feud these two have had over the passed few weeks. You can't help but resent Barrett's being lucky enough to have Chris Jericho as his mentor, especially when Jericho has such a vested interest in his rookie. At the same time, as much as you may not like Young (who placed last in both WWE.com Fan Polls), he was stuck with a mentor who didn't even want to be there in CM Punk. The story behind this match and mini-feud again contributed to my feeling a sense of immersion when following this program. If this kind of thing can be done consistently, and I can't see any reason why it can't be, Tuesday night's may have one of the best solid hours of WWE programming all week.

Third segment into the show and still no signs of goofy obstacle courses or time trials for the rookies. Instead we are treated to in-ring interviews by the two rookies eliminated last week by WWE management, Michael Tarver and Daniel Bryan. Tarver didn't impress me here, and though he was for the most part well spoken, he at the same time didn't say anything of great interest. In fact, does anyone even remember what Tarver had to say? Something about fear, intimidation, and pencil pushers before being cut off by host Matt Striker. The memorable moment here came when fan favorite Daniel Bryan took the mic. After a solid parting promo on last week's episode, Bryan answered his critics who said that he had no personality. Speaking the minds of the internet wrestling community, Bryan cited stories of backstage politics and Vince McMahon's infatuation with muscle heads over talent and ability. He went on to say that he was a self-made man not produced by the "WWE Machine", but is still best for the job. Matt Striker's face during this interview, cringing at many of Bryan's references, raised the tension here. Bryan said that he doesn't have to tell the WWE Universe how good he is. He claimed that Jericho and Regal know how he good he is, and that the Miz doesn't only know that he's good, but also knows that Daniel Bryan is better than his former mentor. CM Punk hand gestured "by a mile" while Regal reiterated to the Miz that he is in fact better than the former United States and Unified Tag-Team Champion. This was far from the end of perhaps one of the greatest in ring promos this year or last. Before leaving, Bryan called out his largest critic, longtime WWE play-by-play announcer Michael Cole. Bryan called Michael Cole a parrot, repeating only what was shouted by McMahon himself through his headset. "You're a parrot", Bryan said to Cole as he stepped out of the ring towards the cowardly announcer. "You're nothing but a poor man's replacement for (Hall of Fame announcer) Jim Ross", he said, before slapping Cole in the corner and attempting a guillotine choke before being pulled away by both Striker and two WWE officials. This wasn't an attack on Cole as much as it was an attack on the mindset adopted by WWE faithful. In my opinion, this segment could not have been executed better. We are seeing the slow introduction and establishment of Bryan Danielson. So far, NXT marks the spot!

We once again now return to in-ring competition, this time between Justin Gabriel and Heath Slater. Though a little sloppy in some areas, these two put on an entertaining semi-fast paced bout. Both rookies look good in the ring though I think they could both use work on the microphone. Gabriel picks up the win here after a nicely executed 450 Splash. The offense heavy match lent itself well to selling the idea that these two were trying to impress their mentors and the WWE Universe. Continuing to focus on the interactions between Pro's and Rookies, it was nice to see Christian and Matt Hardy shake hands after the bout. It was also interesting to note that Michael Cole walked out on Josh Matthews to further sell the Bryan's attack earlier.

Skip Sheffield oddly enough wasn't asked to give an in-ring interview following his elimination from NXT as a result of the Pro's Poll. Instead, we receive a prepared video where the big man spoke to the WWE Universe. Nothing exciting here, as Sheffield pretty much cut exactly the same promo that Michael Tarver had earlier, merely swapping WWE management with the WWE Pro's. Apparently the heels who get eliminated like to suggest that it was due to fear and intimidation in the party responsible for their elimination.

It is finally time to learn who would be sent home. Not a big surprise here as Darren Young places last and is sent home from NXT. The surprise instead was Young's impressive promo at the close of the show. Instead of blaming CM Punk or the WWE Universe, he instead thanked every Pro, telling each one of them that he respected them. He thanked the WWE Universe for the opportunity to perform before them. Despite his professionalism, the live crowd began to chant "Na-Na-Na-Na-Na-Na-Na-Hey-Hey-Hey-Goodbye!" Young didn't break or turn heel in the middle of the promo though. He instead looked out at the crowd as if it may be awhile before he sees them or in-ring action again...but asserted that it will not be the last time they have seen Darren Young!

Overall, this episode of NXT showed me that the program does have what "IT" takes to make for engaging and exciting television. The question now becomes, can they be consistent? I think abandoning the silly challenges and placing more of an emphasis on ring time and character and relationship development definitely benefited the program. I eagerly anticipate next week's episode to watch the stories of NXT continue to unfold...and hey, that's the way it should be.