WWE NXT – 6/15/10

After all the drama that unfolded with season 1, and the initiation beat down we saw last week by the WWE Pros on season 2, how would the new rookies react to things?  Would we see an explosion, or did the rookies learn the meaning of the word respect?  Find out what happened here:

Video Package: Last week’s premiere highlights capped off with a beat down by the WWE Pros on the NXT rookies.

Matt Striker introduces us to the NXT rookies and the WWE pros who all come to the ring.  Striker wants to turn the microphone over to the pros so that they can explain what went down last week.

• MVP speaks for the group.  “What we did last week was an initiation… I’d be lying if I said there wasn’t an underlying message.  You paid for the transgressions of season 1… It will make you better and stronger.  We’ will work hard to teach you, and you will work hard to learn.  Can we move forward?  Are we cool?”  MVP extends a handshake out to his rookie Percy Watson.  It’s accepted.  Other pros and rookies shake hands, except for Kaval.  He gets a sandwich hug from LayCool.

• Matt Striker then reminds them of their upcoming Pros Poll and elimination in the next few weeks.  He has Kaval and Alex Riley step forward because they’re going to square off next!

Video Package: A closer look at Kaval, the World Warrior.

Alex Riley vs. Kaval
Winner: Riley via pin fall after hitting a TKO

• Post match, Matt Striker jumps in the ring for comments.  Riley is excited for his pro, The Miz (not there), because he won the US Title, but he knew that he could win on his own.
• LayCool thinks “Kaval did a good job in his first match, but with our coaching he’ll be flawless!”
• Striker then turns it to the WWE pros sitting on the stage.  John Morrison comments, “Alex looked confident, and Kaval great kicks!”
• Zack Ryder then comments, “I only care about my rookie, but that new announcer chick, call me!”

Video Package: A closer look at Eli Cottonwood, one strange giant athlete.

Video Package: Earlier tonight, Zack Ryder and his rookie Titus O’Neal trying to get on the same page after last week’s confrontation.

Video Package: A closer look at Husky Harris, a 3rd generation superstar with something to prove.

Kofi Kingston & Michael McGillicutty vs. Mark Henry & Lucky Cannon
WINNERS: Kingston/McGillicutty via pin fall after McGillicutty hit Cannon with a wicked Neck Breaker variation

• Striker gets comments from Kofi on Michael, “This is a man with something to prove, and he took a step in the right direction tonight!”
• Mark Henry comments on Lucky, “He’s got a lot of potential… He’ll get there…”
• Cody Rhodes chimes in saying, “Lucky you’re a loser… You’re all style and no substance!”
• Henry fires back in defense of his rookie, “Why don’t you face Lucky?!?”
• Striker runs up the ramp to get Rhodes’ response, “He’d be lucky to last five minutes with me.  I accept!”  Matt Striker then asks Rhodes to comment on what we can expect next week, and Rhodes forearms him in the head knocking him off the stage.
• Wrestlers tend to Striker as Rhodes walks to the back.

QUICK THOUGHTS:

I was very pleased with the Kaval/Riley match.  It’s great seeing Kaval, Low Ki, Senshi, whoever you want to call him back in the ring.  He’s got some brutal kicks, and that Warrior’s Way double foot stop just scares the crap out of me to see.  I’m always afraid for the person who’s got to take that like their chest is going to cave in.  Lucky for Riley he was able to avoid it and get the win.  Kaval really handled that match, and Riley basically just stole it in the end.

From our first looks at McGillicutty and Cannon, I can say that as of right now, I agree with Cody Rhodes.  Lucky Cannon didn’t really impress me too much.  The scary part is I’ve sort of seen a little bit of Stevie Richards when I look at him, and I don’t really feel like that’s a good thing.  As for McGillicutty, he’s got potential.  That neck breaker variation at the end was great.  He’s got a good chance to win the whole thing.

Why do I have a feeling that next week Cody Rhodes is going to lose to Lucky Cannon, and then everyone is going to make the terrible joke that he “got lucky?”