HeadLocker — Jay Shannon
What Happened on the 5/18 NXT show

Our resident philosopher, Jay Shannon, looks at who was the next kid to get his walking papers on WWE’s Lame Duck Show…NXT.

The dominoes continued to tumble as NXT released yet another pretender to the throne. The five men were on pins and needles as they had to show off for the pros to keep their spot.

Matt Striker brought out the pros to talk about what they look for in the Rookies. They all basically said the same thing: exciting, entertaining and the ability to keep the WWE Universe’s attention.

Darren Young and Wade Barrett were selected to fight, first. Wade, oddly enough, still came out to Chris Jericho’s music. Didn’t he win his own entrance theme, a few weeks back? NXT looked back at the minor little scuffle the two had, a couple weeks back.

Wade Barrett d Darren Young

Wade shoved Young. Young witht he Double Leg Trip. The two started tot he outside but Wade tripped Young, who strick the ring apron. Wade rammed Young’s back into the apron. They got back in the ring and Wade pulled back on the arms. Young got free and hit several hard shots. Flying Shoulder and Inverted Atomic Drop by Young. Scoop Slam by Young. Jericho yelled at his rookie to fight back. Young went for a Full Nelson but Wade fought free. Young went for what looked to be a Tornado DDT but he spun himself around and landed on the apron, drawing Wade’s throat down over the top rope. Young climbed the ropes but Wade shoved him off and kicked him in the chest. Wade hit his Reverse Samoan Drop to seal the deal

Grade: B

Jay’s Thoughts: I think Wade is going to win this one. He is really the only one to “grow” on this show. The other seven basically have remained stagnant in their given personas. Wade could be an absolutely perfect partner for William Regal.

NXT ran a promo video for David Otunga. C.M. Punk was seriously critical of Otunga. Christian and Matt Hardy were still harsh but not quite as brutal as Punk.

Matt Striker was in the ring with Michael Tarver and Bryan Danielson/Daniel Bryan. Striker showed how the two were eliminated for attitude. Tarver whined about the WWE eliminating him they way they did. Striker reminded Tarver that he basically eliminated himself. Tarver said he wanted to be different and that was what WWE wanted. Striker cut his boring rant short.

Striker then turned to talk to Bryan. Bryan said management, not the pros, didn’t eliminate him. Bryan went on a nasty little rant about Vince and the Powers-That-Be not believing in the smaller guys. Bryan really cut loose and said that he was better than this and the WWE deserved better. Michael Cole got his shots in. Miz went off on Bryan for being an indy star. Bryan challnged Miz to a fight. Bryan turned his venom on Michael Cole, calling him a “parrot”. Bryan got right in Cole”s and attacked the loud mouth announcer. The crowd loved Bruan Danielson taring into Cole. I have to admit it…I smiled too.

Jay’s Thoughts: I want to see Bryan Danielson show up on Raw and embarrass the Hell out of Michael Cole. I think Cole is the worst announcer in the business today.

NXT looked back at Danielson tearing up Cole. Cole grumbled about being attacked. Give him some cheese to go with that whine. Jeez.

Justin Gabriel then came out for the next fight. He faced Heath Slater. Slater had new ring gear.

Justin Gabriel d Heath Slater

Slater was sent to the ropes and he Shoulder Tackled Gabriel. Gabriel wanted to Leap Frog Slater when the “One Man Rock Band” went to the ropes. Slater caught Gabriel, in mid-air, and nailed the Inverted Atomic Drop. Slater with a Flying Fore-arm as Cole had a hissy fit and left the arena. Whatever.

At ringside, Slater and Gabriel fought on the floor. Bakc in the ring. Slater worked over Gabriel’s ribs. gabriel kneed free and then RBD Roleld over Slater’s back. Gabriel with a Spinning Heel Kick and modified Roaring Elbow. Slater came back with a Flapjack for two. Gabriel got the botos up abut Slater planted him with the Anderson Spinebuster. Gabriel with a series of kick to rock the Rock Band. Gabriel with a kick to the face into the 450 Splash to take the win.

Grade: B+

Jay’s Thoughts: The fans really have rejected both of these guys. They have great potential but they have remained in the transitional stage in their individual careers.

Josh Mathews sent ti to a video of Skip Sheffield. He grumbled about the Pros seeing him as a threat. That was why, according to Skip, he was voted off the island.

NXT looked at the situation between of John Cena and Batista. Cena used duct tape to keep Batista from getting to his feet during their “Las Man Standing” battle. it was hilarious but Cena recognized that Batista and the critics were harsh for his unique way to win. Cena said to shut them all up he chose an “I Quit” match to end this feud with Batista.

Michael Cole returned and talked about the Over the Limit PPV.

NXT looked at last week’s Pro Poll. Darren Young dodged the bullet, last week. The Pros talked about how Young got saddled with C.M. Punk. Punk said he wasn’t Young’s friend and never would be. The Pros all mentioned that Young just hadn’t reached his potential, yet.

Striker was back with the Pros. Striker said the Poll would be revealed, next.

Striker had the five Rookies at ringside. The rankings were:

1. Wade Barrett
2. David Otunga
3. Heath Slater
4. Justin Gabriel
5. Darren Young — Young is Eliminated

Striker gave the stick to Young to talk to the Pros. Young wanted to thank the fans for the chance to perform. Young told the Pros that he had respect for all the Pros, even C.M. Punk. The fans were mixed in their reaction to his humble speech. They did they “Nah Nah Hey Hey Good-bye” chant. Cole, of couse, had to get one shot in on Daniel Bryan. Young, who looked like Heat Miser with his hair, said that he would be back, some day.

Jay’s Thoughts: So another elimination. I really wish WWE would just have a freakin’ Battle Royal and bring this nightmare to an end. I’m sure a re-run of Star Trek: The Next Generation that could keep me more entertained that this nonsense. I will stick with it to the bitter end, which should be really soon.

Peace

–Jay Shannon
Jade89512@yahoo.com
(5/21/10)