WWE NXT: Episode 2 Recap

Review and recap of the second episode of WWE's newest weekly sports entertainment program, WWE: NXT on SyFY.

The show opens with a recap of last week's debut episode.

Dave Otunga (w/ R-Truth) vs Darren Young (w/ CM Punk & The Straight Edge Society)

This is a rematch from last week, in which Otunga squashed Darren Young. Nothing spectacular, as both guys are still green. The commentary strongly puts over Otunga's celebrity ties-name dropping fiancée Jennifer Hudson and Usher. The Straight Edge Society actually gets involved in the match, despite their disdain for their rookie charge, and Young picks up the win. Darren Young def. Dave Otunga via yet-to-be-named -finisher (reverse faceplant suplex). After the match, Otunga shoves R-Truth. This fits in with the classic 'Hollywood Heel' direction they seem to be going with him.

Spotlight on Daniel Bryan, focusing on his submission skills and training with Shawn Michaels. Bryan guarantees that he will headline a future WrestleMania.

A recap of the Chris Jericho/Daniel Bryan match from last week, as Michael Cole and Josh Matthews continue to bicker over the merits of Daniel Bryan. They are definitely going with a divisive commentary team on WWE NXT, an old school throwback on a new school show.

Backstage, the Miz confronts Daniel Bryan and promises that Bryan will respect him. He arranged a match between Daniel Bryan and Chris Jericho's rookie, Wade Barrett.

Matt Striker is interviewing David Otunga when R-Truth interrupts. He returns the shove that Otunga gave him earlier, and the two begin to brawl.

WWE Heavyweight Champion Chris Jericho introduces his protégée, rookie Wade Barrett.

Wade Barrett vs Daniel Bryan

Jericho sits at the announcers table. Daniel Bryan has his ribs heavily taped, due to the (legitimate) injury he received on the debut episode. Wade Barrett wins a very short match, with the story being Daniel Bryan's ribs were too injured for him to compete. Wade Barrett def. Daniel Bryan via yet-to-be-named-finisher (a rolling suplex, minus the rolling). After the match, Jericho locks in the Walls of Jericho on the helpless Bryan.

Recap of WWE Monday Night Raw and last week's NXT matchup of Christian/Heath Slater vs Carlito/Michael Tarver. Backstage, Christian warns Heath not be overconfident.

Matt Striker interviews Matt Hardy, who gives his stamp of approval to his rookie, Justin Gabriel.

William Regal/Skip Sheffield vs Matt Hardy/Justin Gabriel

Sheffield describes himself as the 'Cornfed Meathead', and he is indeed in peak physical condition. Michael Cole describes Justin Gabriel as cross between Adam Lambert and Johnny Damon. The match is typically carried by the veterans Regal and Hardy, but Skip and Gabriel held their own. The storyline for this match was the different dynamic among the teams. Hardy and Gabriel were very much alike and worked well together; Regal and Skip were polar opposites trying to prove who had the superior method. The arguing between Regal and Skip continues to escalate and Justin Gabriel capitalizes, hitting a spectacular and crowd-popping 450 Splash. Matt Hardy/Justin Gabriel def. William Regal/Skip Sheffield via 450 Splash.

Backstage, the rookies are lined up to be interviewed by Matt Striker. Carlito walks in and spits chewed up apple in Heath Slater's face to close the show.

Overall, another solid effort from WWE's newest weekly show. The wrestling was decent, the angle advancement was smooth, and everyone has a storyline in place. Let's see if they can keep up the momentum.