WWE NXT Report: June 13, 2010

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There’s really nothing to cover when it comes to Tuesday’s NXT. Nexus beat up more people. That’s about it. When the focus of the show isn’t the focus, how does that help? Hopefully, next week’s show will return things to normal.

WWE NXT Report: July 6, 2010

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“Talk The Talk” Challenge

Are we going to see the same challenges as last season? What’s next? The Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Challenge? Anyways, the winner of this competition would receive a talk show next week. This challenge, unlike the others, is tailor made for the Rookie with the best promo skills. Last season, there was no doubt that Wade Barrett would win (I know, I was there). This time, Percy Watson won by a landslide. His topic, glasses, was served up to him, while the other Rookies received topics such as “moustache” (Eli Cottonwood), “pigeon” (Alex Riley), and “chicken” (Kaval). The story of the segment was seeing who could do the most with the least. Watson, Michael McGillicutty and Kaval stood out, while Lucky Cannon and Alex Riley were somewhere in the middle. Husky Harris and Eli Cottonwood struggled and need to get better.

My only wish was that during McGillicutty’s promo, he would have used his topic, “breath,” to say something along the lines of “you will say my name and perfection in the same breath.” Whenever he mentions his background, he shines. I still wish he was Joe Henning. I miss that guy.

But hey, at least Watson will get his prize. Last season, Barrett won his own entrance theme. That never happened.

“Showtime” Percy Watson (with MVP) v. Michael McGillicutty (with WWE Intercontinental Champion Kofi Kingston)

The Pros are sitting on the ring apron as if they were in a tag match, which is a bit weird. This match was short and really put over McGillicutty as the cream of the NXT crop. What was even weirder than the Pros on the apron was how McGillicutty won (a sunset flip). Watson proved already during the evening that he is the best promo guy on NXT, but his in-ring skills are lacking. Watson is a tag team specialist and needs to branch out as a singles competitor. If he can find himself in the ring without help and pair it with his charisma, Watson would be a future Superstar no questions asked.

Titus O’Neil video package

I don’t understand why there is a package on O’Neil after he was eliminated. The Pro’s consensus regarding O’Neil was that he is an imposing figure, but needs to develop more in all areas of the business. He also needs to brush his teeth apparently. I guess this means that O’Neil will be back after getting some seasoning in FCW. If he does come back, he should be booked as a face.

WWE United States Champion The Miz (with Alex Riley) v. Kaval (with WWE Co-Women’s Champions LayCool)

This was the match of the season thus far. Riding some momentum after putting R-Truth out of action on Raw, Miz put together another great showing against Kaval. I’m sure the “internet geeks” wanted Kaval to get some revenge on Miz for Bryan Danielson, but that didn’t happen tonight. Kaval was also impressive; his reversal on Miz into a crossbody and especially his roll-through into a modified Warrior’s Way looked amazing. It did confuse me, however, to see LayCool trying to get the crowd into the match while Kaval was down. Regardless, Miz picked up the victory over Kaval with the Skull-Crushing Finale. Even in defeat, Kaval has looked exceptional every week and the show is his or McGillicutty’s to lose.

Eli Cottonwood video package

Survey says that Cottonwood is awkward in the ring and not intimidating even at 7 feet tall. My thoughts exactly.

Husky Harris video package

The Pros had more positive than negative to say about Harris. His body type and deceptive speed and agility work in his favor. If only he would stop harassing Matt Striker and start putting quality matches together.

Husky Harris & “Dashing” Cody Rhodes v. Mark Henry & Lucky Cannon

Speaking of quality matches, this wasn’t one of them. Since there was only about five minutes left in the show when this match started, it had to be over quick. Cannon and Rhodes have developed a rivalry. Rhodes goes over again, but look for Cannon to get one on Rhodes in the future.

WWE NXT Report: June 29, 2010

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Just when you thought it was safe, NXT pulls out all of the old surprises. An unexpected elimination? A dumb contest? A new host? We did get the first Pro’s Poll of the new season, but other than that, this episode brought back all of the bad that I had hoped was purged after Season One. Oh well. Let’s take a look.

The Return of the Keg Carry

New host Ashley (who is having some mic difficulties) brings out the NXT Rookies. She mentions that there is a surprise elimination tonight for whoever is in eighth place, but immunity can be won by winning (GASP) the Key Carry. The main problem with last season was all of the twists and turns that “WWE Management” took during the course of the season. During this season’s premiere, Matt Striker spelled out the season’s process. I guess that’s out the window now, too. I don’t want to go too in-depth about the competition. But here were some highlights:

Kaval’s reason for not competing (he didn’t want to wear his body out) makes perfect sense as compared to Michael Tarver just refusing for no reason.

In response to Michael Cole mentioning that he started for four years playing basketball, Josh Mathews said it was because he was home schooled and played by himself. That was HILARIOUS. Point Mathews.

Lucky Cannon wins and receives immunity. Titus O’Neil falls on his ass (or his face, really). I thought we were past this.

Percy Watson video package

Watson is the only Rookie who did not compete, so we get a video package instead. Watson has grown on me. He is very entertaining and he always has a smile on his face. It makes me feel like Watson isn’t a caricature, but just an extension of who he really is. Those are the Superstars who shine through. Watson is still green in the ring, but once he has that figured out, he will be in great shape.

MVP (with Percy Watson) v. Husky Harris (with Cody Rhodes)

Watson joined his Pro, MVP, at ringside for his match against Cody Rhodes’ Rookie, Husky Harris. This match was really slow. The first two minutes was a feeling out process, if you will. A lot of circling and a lot of broken grapples does not lend well to entertainment value. Harris looks a step off with everything that he does. Minus the botched kip-up (which was painful to watch), everything else just didn’t flow. His moves were very basic (elbow drops, scoop slams) and other than his explosive uranage slam, nothing impressed me. MVP wins with the 305 and does an excellent job selling Harris’ offense, which may have salvaged him just a bit. Harris refused to shake MVP’s hands after the match, which makes sense considering his Pro, Rhodes, would do the same.

Lucky Cannon, Kaval & Michael McGillicutty v. Eli Cottonwood, Alex Riley & Titus O’Neil

This was a short match which highlighted Cannon, Cottonwood, and Kaval. Cannon did a great job playing the face in peril while Cottonwood, O’Neil, and Riley beat him down. Cottonwood looked much better than he has in the past, but I’m surprised they put him on the heel team. With a babyface Pro (Morrison), it’s weird to see Cottonwood develop as a heel. Kaval got the hot tag and was able to hit the Tidal Crush and the Warrior’s Way. It’s funny how a man with such a low speaking voice can shriek so loud. Anyways, a good win for Kaval, who won’t be a clone of Bryan Danielson after all.

Pro’s Poll

Here are the results of the first Pro’s Poll:

Kaval

Percy Watson

Michael McGillicutty

Alex Riley

Lucky Cannon

Eli Cottonwood

Husky Harris

Titus O’Neil

O’Neil is eliminated for being in eighth, which is where I had him last week. He gives a great exit promo, but like Cottonwood, O’Neil, though paired with heels, came off as a face. Not that it matters anymore, but just a thought.

Find out what happens NXT on NXT this coming Tuesday. In the mean time, check back tomorrow for my Superstars report.