Tony Donofrio, PWTorch.com Contributor (7.0)

This was, by far, the best edition of NXT since its debut show. The fact that we actually found out what these eight rookies are fighting for was outstanding. I also liked that we now get to see a weekly poll based on the votes of the Pros. So much was advanced in this one week that I have to ask why couldn't we have gradually progressed to this point, which would have helped keep the rating strong? Regardless though, a very strong showing for NXT.

There were only two matches on this edition but both were strong. Chris Jericho on commentary for the first was absolute gold! Having him in on commentary almost made Michael Cole seem tolerable. As for the match itself, it was very good. Having Wade Barrett get the win was a smart move and helped set up the rest of the rookies to turn on him later. I'd like to hope that Jericho "screwing" Christian out of a potential win could lead somewhere in the future too. But, I've seen how much Vince McMahon apparently likes (or should I say, dislikes) Christian since his return and would be surprised if he ever uses him to his maximum potential.

The battle royal was also a good way to spotlight the rookies and also served as a creative way to pick next week's host for Raw. I know that David Otunga was the best choice based on his D-list celebrity status, but I really thought that this would be where Daniel Bryan picked up his first win. He should have at least been one of the final two in the ring to further what was started in the opening segment between him and Otunga. All in all though, a big night for NXT. I doubt that it'll get a ratings pop this week because this was all unadvertised. However, if what came out of it is properly promoted on Smackdown and Raw, next Monday, maybe there is hope to salvage the ratings.

Dominick Mayer, PWTorch.com Contributor (6.5)

MUCH better show this week. Now that we can safely assume that they're no longer attempting some semblance of internal logic as far as the rules of these shows (after the released rankings), we can focus on the key part of this idea: Who'll get a WWE "contract"? At this point it's going to be both Bryan (because of his accomplishments) and Otunga (because of the mainstream attention he's nabbing). Wade Barrett will probably make it through as well, he has that look that Vince enjoys so very much.

Jericho was golden on commentary as has been said repeatedly on the site, but can I just acknowledge that Michael Cole on this show is pretty excellent? I'd LOVE to see the higher-ups allow him to be this self-deprecating on Raw. It's just nice to see that he knows what people think of him, and is jovial enough to play on it. Plus, for as much as everybody wants to pan him, he's not Adamle bad and Lord willing never will be.

Greg Parks, Torch Columnist (8.0)

The show begins and ends with Chris Jericho on commentary. I don't know HOW Vince McMahon let his banter with Josh Mathews and Michael Cole make it on air. That said, it was the most entertaining commentary I've heard....well, forever probably. And it didn't hurt that the tag match they were calling had good action too. I liked the subtleties and stories shown in the match, like Regal shaking his countryman's hand, C.M. Punk reaching over R-Truth's hand for a tag in the corner, etc.

The first segment threw a lot of information at the viewer, but it was good that they actually got it across so people watching knew what to expect. I thought that the winner of the contest getting a PPV title shot was huge news. WWE must like what they see from at least one of the contestants to put them in that position so early. David Otunga winning the battle royal and getting to host Raw allows NXT to get some big-time pub on WWE's most-watched show, to hopefully drive up the ratings of the SyFy show.

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