I noticed that there was no thread last week for NXT, and none yet this week, so I took it upon myself to start one this time.
You can now vote for the first elimination on nxt.wwe.com as next week one of the rookies will be eliminated. Johnny Curtis has immunity.
Michael Cole came out towards the end of the show to endorse his "good friend" Brodus Clay. Some highlights:
"Ladies and gentlemen, I'm glad to see things haven't changed since I left NXT. This show still stinks.
"My vintage vinegar will be the top condiment selling condiment in 2011. Sorry JR."
"I'm here to tell you all you internet geeks and nerds out there voted for Kaval to win NXT Season 2, how did that work out for you all?"
"For all you Cole Miners out there, we're taking applications right now ladies and gentlemen, for a Cole Miners mascot for 2011. Send all of your resumes via twitter to wwejoshmatthews - only serious applicants need apply."
I haven't decided who I am going to vote for yet. Either Brodus Clay or Byron Saxton I think.
I saw the clip in question and it was unquestionably awesome. I'm assuming this was a nice tryout for when they eventually decide to go full, balls-to-the-wall heel with him and he delivered.
Of course, I have to question the wisdom of bringing up Kaval. Sure, it was great for heel heat, but do you really want to hammer home the point that the fans' choice ultimately doesn't mean anything?
Yea it's stupid to "hammer the point home" about the fan's votes being worthless, but like always when it comes down to choosing between business-sense and ego, Vince has to be Vince.
Common sense would say he's probably better off not bringing up Kaval's name a few times in the past week. The guy can only be a competitor to you now, so why not move on and let the audience forget about him asap.
I'd say they were "Daniel Bryaning" Kaval, except they didn't mention Bryan's name more than once after they Daniel Bryaned HIM.
Still, if they need to name a mystery partner by, say, Backlash...
EDIT: Sorry, I haven't watched NXT since episode 1 of this season, so I have nothing to add there except "golly, it's weird to see them dudes on Smackdown when I'm not keeping track of ANY of 'em"
I've caught all the episodes but it's not appointment internet television anymore. It's just not the same with Todd instead of Cole. I will say, Conor O'Brian being a human rat, SEE is still super-intriguing. And Derrick Bateman and Johnny Curtis both have dry, irreverent senses of humor which is pretty rare in loud, exaggerated pro wrestling. I liked it when THIS happened: