WWE NXT – 5/25/10
We are down to the semi final episode of WWE NXT. Next week one winner will be crowned, but last night the final four became the final three after another Pros Poll. Find out who went home right here:
Video Package: Highlights of the journey and the end of the road for the four eliminated NXT Rookies.
Matt Striker welcomes the WWE Pros to the entrance ramp, minus CM Punk and the recently fired Carlito.
Striker then welcomes the NXT Rookies to the ring. He informs them that next week is their finale, and tonight, one more person will be sent packing.
Striker then asks each of the rookies who they think should be the next one to go:
- Wade Barrett thinks that the “Ginger Ninja” Heath Slater should go home.
- Justin Gabriel says that on the mic, David Otunga‘s great, but in the ring it’s a different story.
- Otunga returns the favor to Gabriel saying he’s a glorified gymnast who can’t talk on the mic.
- Slater then says that Barrett should go home because no one wants to see his ugly mug.
R-Truth & David Otunga vs. Christian & Heath Slater
WINNER: Truth/Otunga via pin fall after Otunga rolled through a cross body by Slater to get the victory
Michael Cole is in the ring with four security guards. He addresses the attack on him last week by Daniel Bryan (Video Package Shown). Cole says it’s been a traumatic week for him, but he won’t sue Bryan if he publicly apologizes.
- Daniel Bryan comes to the ring. He says that he’s going to apologize and there’s no need for security. (Cole sends security out). Bryan apologizes and they shake hands, but Bryan doesn’t let go. He continues, “I’m sorry that you are by far the worst announcer in WWE history… WWE had it in for me since day one. They paired me with The Miz who by far is the worst pro… You rip me from behind that desk that you didn’t even earn!”
- Cole finally breaks his grip as security jumps back in ring. “You may be the best wrestler in the back, but you’re no longer in this competition. Look in the mirror… Stop making excuses… You didn’t have what it takes to be here… You tapped out of this competition because you’re a loser, and losers have no heart!” Cole slaps Bryan and runs.
- Security can only hold Bryan for so long till he breaks free and chases Cole down, tackling him. Security gets him off Cole and starts dragging him up the ramp where The Miz starts jawing with him. Daniel Bryan gives him a forearm in the mouth and they start brawling on the ramp. Security finally breaks them apart.
Wade Barrett with Chris Jericho vs. Justin Gabriel with Matt Hardy
WINNER: Gabriel via pin fall after hitting the 450 Splash
Pros huddle up to make their decision for the Pros Poll.
Matt Striker is back in the ring with the NXT Rookies and the Pros Poll is revealed:
- Wade Barrett
- David Otunga
- Justin Gabriel
- Heath Slater (Eliminated)
- Matt Striker then asks some of the pros to say a few words as to why Slater is going home:
- Slater’s pro Christian says, “I can’t put a finger on it, but I think you’ve got a great future, just keep working hard.”
- The Miz says, “He never showed us the WOW and he never went all out…”
- R-Truth says, “Truth is, here it’s survival of the fittest!”
- Chris Jericho comments not about Slater, but that it’s only a matter of time before everyone else goes because his rookie, Wade Barrett is going to win the show.
Striker then hands the microphone over to Slater. He reminisces about his time on NXT and brags about beating Chris Jericho, someone who’s beaten Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock in one night.
QUICK THOUGHTS:
After watching the course of the show tonight, I’m not totally surprised that Heath Slater was sent home. He was originally three, he lost and the number four, Justin Gabriel, won so he leap frogged him into that spot. Not rocket science. I’m also not surprised that David Otunga’s still there even though he’s a piece of shit in the ring. My guy feeling is that he’s going to end up winning this damn show only because he’s got the WWE look. Based on total package, Barrett is right where he should be, and I honestly hope that WWE has a moment of clarity and choose him to be the winner next week. Justin Gabriel won’t win the show because he’s a novelty. He’s got one move that makes the crowd go crazy, but it’s not enough to make him a future star for the next ten years.
I’m glad they did the segment between Daniel Bryan, Michael Cole, and The Miz. What I hoped for from the beginning of this show was to see Bryan beat the crap out of The Miz and eventually start a feud with him once the show ended. The attack on Cole again just gets me laughing because I agree with Bryan. Michael Cole is nowhere near the league of Jim Ross and the only reason why he’s on the A-Show is because of JR’s deteriorating health over the course of the past few years. He will never be on JR’s level, and he’s annoying as hell with that damn “vintage” catchphrase!