We open with the Rookies being introduced, one by one, and then the Pros, one by one (except for Miz). When they're all in the ring, MVP suggests that they let bygones be bygones and look forward. Oh, sure, AFTER you get your licks in you want to move on? The Rookies agree and everyone gets handshakes and hugs. It only takes a little kibble to get the new litter to roll over, I guess.
Kaval vs. Alex Riley: LayCool would like us to know that Kaval is "cute" and "cuddly"! Kaval raises a dubious eyebrow, ha. LayCool join Josh Matthews and Michael Cole on commentary and are really excited about Kaval, "ooh"ing over his impressive moves and everything.
Riley gets some power moves in, but Kaval controls much of the match with kicks, stomps, and Mongolian chops. Kaval misses the Warrior's Way -- double footstomp off the top rope -- and Alex Riley scoops him up for a sort of F5 for the pin.
Kaval got a video package before the match where he talked about his decade plus of competing, including before 40,000 fans in Japan; surprisingly, this does not raise Cole's ire, and both announcers are impressed with him (and with Riley as well). LayCool says that Kaval is good, but they're going to make him "flawless!"
Video package for Eli Cottonwood. He likes to hurt people.
Earlier today, Zach Ryder went to Titus O'Neil in the locker room and made nice with him. Ryder said, "I'm kinda new here, too, and I've been here three years." He told O'Neil that he has to show everyone respect.
Kofi Kingston & Michael McGillicutty vs. Mark Henry & Lucky Cannon: Lucky Cannon, they tell us, was in a coma for several weeks after getting hit in the head with an iron bar. He also holds the world's record for tying his shoelaces! Wow! Michael McGillicutty's last name is his mother's maiden name, so there's a mystery explained.
Dull match. Cannon and McGillicutty are completely personality-free in there. Cannon misses a crossbody and McGillicutty grabs a FAST spinning neckbreaker -- really nice! -- for the win. So, one cool move and that's that.
After the match, both Henry and Kingston re-affirm their support in their Rookies -- a running theme this week. On the stage, Cody Rhodes, when asked his opinion, runs down Cannon like nobody's business, telling him he has a dumb face and is a loser. Cannon looks about to cry, but Henry comes to his rescue and suggests that Rhodes take on Cannon in the ring.
Matt Stryker runs up the ramp to get Cody's reaction. Cody accepts -- but he needs a week to get ready. Then Rhodes forearms Stryker in the back of the head, knocking him onto the ramp -- OH, Stryker rolls of onto the concrete floor! Rhodes walks off while the other Pros check on the dejected Stryker.
--K
Last 5 movies seen: The Book of Eli *** - Mermaid *** - Youth in Revolt **1/2 - Shutter Island ***1/2 - From Paris With Love **1/2
Cody Rhodes is kind of the Carlito (and Regal, kind of) of season 2 in that he has nothing else going on right now angle-wise except for this show.
Alex Riley being so quick to put his arm around Matt Striker was weird after last week's revelation that Riley was allergic to Striker.
Anyone who thought the Laycool-Kaval pairing was meant to bury Kaval was totally wrong. It is one of the most endearing and adorable things ever in WWE and I hope it goes on forever.
It's cool that even with ECW gone, we had Regal and Christian on last season of NXT, and this time around, 6 of the 9 pros are former Extremists. A little cold comfort Tuesday nights on SyFy.
Mike McGillicutty certainly does not have the perfect hairline.
Originally posted by AlbySureAnyone who thought the Laycool-Kaval pairing was meant to bury Kaval was totally wrong. It is one of the most endearing and adorable things ever in WWE and I hope it goes on forever.
I hate LayCool. Just to be clear. Having said that, I agree. Their interaction with Kaval is very amusing. Aw, they really like the little guy. McCool was also really good doing color with Cole and Mathews; she was sharp and very quick witted (Layla, not so much). The way Kaval behaves with LayCool reminds me of pretty much the only thing I'd heard about Low-Ki from years ago, Tammy Sytch once ranting about him being disrespectful in the locker room because he didn't offer her a seat or shake her hand or something. But then, consider the source of that. Kaval seems very, very respectful and reserved as LayCool fawns on him and pinches his cheeks.
Originally posted by It's FalseIf every episode ends with Stryker getting hurt, this goes right back to my DVR queue.
I requested Striker stepping in a bear trap, but I'll take any bodily harm befalling Striker.
Better show this week since we got to see the better in-ring workers of season two in the ring.
After being attacked by rookies and pros alike, Striker will have no choice but to bring back BIG DADDY V to watch his back.
How great was Titus O'Neill with the "uh, make it a win" callback, and how great was Zack Ryder saying he didn't care who wins but the new ring announcer is hot.
If this is too close to fantasy booking, I apologize.
I'll predict that Kaval will be used to break up LayCool. They'll have some tension over being co-champs eventually, but they'll also have tension over Kaval favoring one over the other.
Long Island Iced Z and LayCool are amazing. I could see Kaval taking over as the Rey Mysterio of the WWE once Rey retires.
Why all of the Striker hate? I hate his interviews, but his commentary on ECW was knowledgeable, nostalgic, and entertaining. Id take him over Cole any day of the week.
How long until they reveal that slamming Lucky Cannon's head into the steel ring post will render him comatose?
I'm surprised that they not only acknowledged that Kaval has competed around the world (complete with footage) but that he's also won titles around the world. I think they might have mentioned Daniel Bryan holding titles in the past but I'm pretty sure they never actually showed video footage of him with the belts.
McGillicutty's finisher wasn't so much a neckbreaker as it was him doing a corkscrew while spiking Cannon's head into the mat like a football.
I'm curious as to where they go with Cody. After the draft, he seemed to step it up in the ring, introducing a few new moves and now they seem to be focusing on his character on NXT. (Where the hell has he been on Smackdown, anyway? He wasn't even involved in the everyone-on-the-roster battle royal which even included Finley.) I also like the UNCOMMON across the collar of his jacket.
If the WWE writing team were comprised of high quality literary authors, Michael Cole ripping on Josh and claiming to have experiencing "talking to hot women" would be foreshadowing the revelation that Michael Cole is in love with the Miz but as it stands, I'm going to assume that Cole actually thought he was being funny.
And is "liposuction" really the best insult Morrison could come up with to explain why The Miz wasn't at the show? Even "having his hemorrhoids checked out" would have been an improvement. Morrison really is the new Kidman on every level.
So far, there doesn't seem to be any obvious standout but it probably took a few weeks before it was clear that Wade Barrett was legitimately a complete package, so we'll see.
I too love the Kaval/LayCool interaction but it was so weird seeing him at the start of the show. With him standing around all the other NXT rookies, it looks like someone had to bring their younger brother to the playground because their folks couldn't find a sitter. He IS tiny.
He did have a great match though. It has been a long time since I saw him wrestle in TNA and I forgot how impressive he was.
-- 2006 Time magazine Person of the Year -- -- July 2009 Ordained Reverend --
Originally posted by CaptaincubaWhy all of the Striker hate? I hate his interviews, but his commentary on ECW was knowledgeable, nostalgic, and entertaining. Id take him over Cole any day of the week.
ECW Striker was two years ago though. His commentary on Smackdown can be a mixed bag and still good sometimes, but his PPV work is distractingly terrible and the NXT hosting puts me in an irrational rage.
Originally posted by InVerseAnd is "liposuction" really the best insult Morrison could come up with to explain why The Miz wasn't at the show? Even "having his hemorrhoids checked out" would have been an improvement. Morrison really is the new Kidman on every level.
Miz has long been dissed for his lack of abs, I think that was an inside joke between Morrison and Kofi.
So far, there doesn't seem to be any obvious standout but it probably took a few weeks before it was clear that Wade Barrett was legitimately a complete package, so we'll see.
Kaval is the one who knows what he's doing and who they mess with because of that, Alex Riley is the company project, and Michael McGillicuddy is the well-rounded guy. See: Danielson, Otunga, and Barrett.
Riley is worlds better than Otunga though, don't get me wrong.
I don't really know why, but I still love this show. It's the best hour of ... em ... sports entertainment each and every week. Laycool continue to be flawless. And Kaval had a great showing. It reminded me of Daniel Bryan's first match on NXT. I now just hope Kaval won't end up like Daniel did.
Originally posted by InVerseHow long until they reveal that slamming Lucky Cannon's head into the steel ring post will render him comatose?
Not until after the first time Lucky Cannon sees Sheamus carrying his steel and/or iron pipe and falls into a catatonic state. Later, one of his wrist bands will be removed to reveal a tattoo of the word "Fella", the last thing Cannon heard and the only thing he remembers about the man who attacked him and stole his life while he defended his friend.
I am largely unfamiliar with the prior body of work of Zach Ryder, but two weeks of NXT Season 2 have convinced me that he's the best and most complex character in the company. The sincerity beneath his bluster during the secretly taped moment with his rookie shows that he cares for his charge, even if the only good advice he can offer him is "DO THE DOG BARK!"
The beginning match between Kaval and Alex Riley was a pretty good match to start things off. Both have good in-ring ability while needless to say, Riley also the charisma and some decent mic skills.
I will admit, I was really skeptical of LayCool and Kaval (or just LayCool in general) but it seems this wasn't a bad idea after all.
The tag match was okay but enjoyed the really quick neckbreaker McGillicutty did to finish the match and pick up the W.
I guess we all know who the pro villain is with Cody Rhodes. This show could keep Rhodes relevant for awhile and even interesting.
That owned it. Watching Darryl just sit there and take it without having anything to fire back with while Tazz ripped him a new one was just pure fun. Though admittedly it does make Taxx come off like one hell of an asshole.
Thread rated: 5.39
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