Tough Enough
RDLee's NXT Report - The Season Two Premiere
By RDLee
Jun 8, 2010 - 9:20 PM

After last night's WWE RAW, I think it's safe to say not to underestimate the NXT rookies anymore. The season one winner Wade Barrett and all the eliminated members of the show made their mark on the WWE Universe by taking out John Cena, Matt Striker, Jerry Lawler, The Straight Edge Society and all the ringside people in an effort to make an impression. Will the rookies of season two also stand out? Only time will tell and will find out starting tonight.

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We began the show with Matt Striker talking about last night's attack and saying that the graduating class made a bombastic impact. He pondered if the season 2 rookies would do anything similiar to get their names out there. He then introduced the 8 new WWE pro's and their respective rookies.

The Miz introduced Alex Riley

John Morrison introduced Eli Cottonwood

Cody Rhodes introduced Husky Harris (Duke Rotundo)

Laycool introduced Kaval (Low-Ki)

Mark Henry introduced Lucky Cannon

Kofi Kingston introduced Michael McGillicutty (Joe Hennig)

MVP introduced Percy Watson

Zack Ryder introduced Titus O'Neil

This season on the show 50 percent will of the voting will go to the Pro's and the other 50 percent will go to the WWE Universe. Eliminations will begin in 3 weeks.

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John Morrison and Eli Cottonwood v.s. Zack Ryder and Titus O'Neil

Cottonwood reminds me of a green Lance Hoyt (Vance Archer). He has a marketable look but seems like he will be clumsy in the ring more often than not. At the very least he has the size advantage over all the other rookies. Titus didn't show me much tonight but did make me laugh when he barked like a dog when Ryder told him to mid-match. The announcers mentioned how Ryder wants to teach Titus how to pick up chicks and get "Zacked". Back to the match, Morrison picked up the win for his team following a Starship Pain (which he missed yet again) on O'Neil. Matt Striker asked John Morrison after the match about Cottonwood. Instead of answering him he asked the crowd who responded half and half. The Miz told Cottonwood that he was not entertained and that he failed.

Winners: John Morrison and Eli Cottonwood

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We saw a video package for Alex Riley. He is from Georgia. He said he was very fortunate as a young man. His mother was Miss Georgia and his dad was a NY Jet. He is a football champion and has been signing his autograph since he was 16. He talked about he was the total package for the WWE. He claims he has the in-ring skills, the charisma and the mic work to be the WWE's next breakout star. He claimed he is known as the "Varsity Villian" and also said they might as well rename the show Alex Riley and the 7 dorks. I am impressed initially and think he could easily be the David Otunga of this season.

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MVP and Percy "Showtime" Watson v.s. Cody Rhodes and Husky Harris

Percy is like a jacked up Steve Eurkel. I think he potential to be a funny character and love the fact that he wrestles with his gimmick glasses on. That's unique. Cody dominated Percy and tagged in Husky Harris who is a third generation wrestler under the Rotunda family tree. He looks like a Samoa Joe body type rip off. Everyone's favorite Valentine, Cody Rhodes tagged out reluctantly to Harris who blasted Watson with a wicked diving senton but eventually took the fall after MVP got tagged in and hit all his moves. MVP tagged Watson back in who nailed Harris with a Rocky Maivia like wrap around DDT. After the match Cody was asked what his reaction was and he praised MVP's rookie and said he would mold Husky into the next breakout star. MVP said Percy was given the ball and he ran with it tonight. The crowd gave a good reaction to Percy Watson.

Winners: MVP and Percy "Showtime" Watson

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We saw a video package for Michael McGillicutty who is the son of Mr. Perfect Curt Hennig and the grandson of Larry "The Axe" Hennig. No one can understand why on earth they would change his name. He said he that his style is that of "Ruthless Aggression" and claimed that he is bringing it back. He plans on continuing the "perfect" legacy.

We ended the show with all the rookies and pro's back in the ring. Matt Striker showed them the ENTIRE 10 minute clip from last night's RAW of the NXT season one rookies destroying the show in what was one of WWE's best televised segments in recent memory. He asked a few of them what they thought of it. Kaval said it was simply unbelievable but that's how you make a statement in the WWE. Lucky Cannon said it was cowardly, but that is how you make a statement. Husky Harris said he didn't agree with it but didn't care cause he was there to win NXT. Alex Riley kept sneezing and said he was allergic to Matt Striker. Percy Watson said it wasn't appropriate and they should have fought him man to man. Eli Cottonwood said he thinks they deseved every bit of it. Titus O Neil said he dared the season one rookies to come out and try that to them. Michael McGillicutty said that the NXT rookies made an impact and that's all that mattered. Striker cut him off before he could get done talking. Striker than said on behalf on the locker room and RAW that was slaughtered last night, welcome to the WWE, just as he said that Laycool slapped Kaval in the face as the pro's started to beat down the rookies to end the show.  

That's it for tonight, thanks for joining me, come back next week to continue NXT's second season. Have a great week and stay classy!