WWE NXT Alt. perspective report
April 12, 2011
Taped in Albany, N.Y.
By Justin James, PWTorch contributor

Last week's NXT was pretty bad, but at least there was only one challenge. So far, Titus O'Neil (nine) and Darren Young (seven) are dominating the race for "redemption points," but last week, Byron Saxton picked up four points. Titus O'Neil (surprisingly) and Lucky Cannon (also surprisingly) are leading the pack thus far - Titus with outstanding ring work and Cannon with a great character. Watching the previous NXT season, you never would have expected this.

Byron Saxton (Yoshi Tatsu)
Conor O'Brian (Vladimir Kozlov)
Darren Young (Chavo Guerrero)
Jacob Novak (JTG)
Lucky Cannon (Tyson Kidd)
Titus O'Neil (Hornswoggle)

[Q1]

Pre-credits, WWE aired a video package summarizing the season's story regarding Maryse so far. After the credits, Striker introduces Maryse, who kissed him on both cheeks. She seems to be softening her character. Striker asked Maryse if she is staying or going. Maryse says that she doesn't take orders from anyone, and that she's had plenty of millionaires in the past and can get plenty more. Maryse then dumped Ted. There's about a half dozen snide jokes to be made here about whether NXT is a bigger loser than DiBiase.

The Rookies come out for the infamous "power of the punch" challenge for four points.

- Saxton: 649
- Novak: 456, very funny since right before, Maryse said that he could beat Saxton and asked him to "be a man"
- Young: 469 - Maryse says she can do better
- O'Brian: 770
- O'Neil: 801
- Cannon: Takes the microphone and says he isn't a clown and that he's here to win championships, so he gets DQ'ed.

Titus O'Neil wins, and Grisham reminds viewers that Oneil is unbeaten in the ring and now has 13 points.

Striker asks O'Neil for his thoughts, but Cannon gets the mic and tells Maryse that she should be with him. Yoshi Tatsu comes out and gets in Cannon's face. Cannon cuts a viciously delivered promo on Tatsu, and challenges Tatsu, who accepts. Cannon invites Maryse ringside for the match.

Up next, Young vs. O'Neil.

Before that is a trailer for "That's What I Am" starring Ed Harris and Randy Orton. It looks like "The Wonder Years" with a dose of "Everybody Hates Chris" and "Better Off Dead," but not funny. Orton's role in the trailer is about five seconds. It's clear that this is a departure from WWE's policy of having the wrestlers as the headliners for their films. Ironically, Orton is probably one of their better choices for a leading role based on his ability to emote.

1 -- TITUS O'NEIL (w/Hornswoggle) vs. DARREN YOUNG (w/Chavo Guerrero)

On the way to the ring, Young cuts a heel promo on Hornswoggle. He refers to himself as an "NXT Superstar." Wow, that's an oxymoron. He calls Hornswoggle a pint-sized joke.

[Q2] Young quickly gains control with some aggressive work, but then settles into a headlock that O'Neil gets out of. Young regains control. O'Neil gets back on top and launches into his high speed, power offense. On commentary, Regal explains the background behind O'Neil's barking, saying it's a fraternity thing. Young gets control again, but Hornswoggle distracts him from the apron. O'Neil rolls up Young for the win while Regal runs down Young on commentary. Young attacks O'Neil and hits a gutbuster from the fireman's carry position, then starts threatening Horswoggle. Chavo talks Young down and tells Young to leave Hornswoggle alone. Young eventually let's Hornswoggle go.

WINNER: Titus O'Neil in about 3:00.

[c - "Tough Enough" ad]

JTG is in the ring and introduces Jacob Novak. JTG tried to polish the turd that is Jacob Novak's character and fails. Regal notes the silence from the audience. Novak comes out looking like "Slam Master J." Regal says he pities Novak and says that JTG is doing nothing for Novak (no kidding). The crowd is dead silent despite JTG's effort to get them pumped up. Novak says that JTG isn't helping him and dressing him like a fool. Novak points to Regal and says that he hears what Regal's been saying. He asks Regal for his opinion, but Regal just shakes his head. Novak challenges William Regal to a match, Regal says that he'll turn Novak into "a bloody vegetable." Regal's facial expressions through this are amazing.

[c - "The True Story of WrestleMania" ad]

2 -- BYRON SAXTON (w/Yoshi Tatsu) vs. JACOB NOVAK (w/JTG)

Basic match. Regal explains that he is absolutely furious because he wants to try transitioning to an announcer role and get away from the ring. In the ring, Saxton forces Novak out of the ring, but Novak gets the upper hand on the outside and throws Saxton in. Regal seems to be beyond angry on commentary, excellent work. Regal explains that he wipes his feet before entering the ring because the ring is his temple and he respects it. Novak with a leg scissors while Regal continues to be quietly enraged at Novak. Saxton gains control and his a few shoulder tackles and a bulldog for two. Saxton goes to full speed with Novak in the corner, but Novak powers out. Novak with some boots to the chest and one to the head which is good for the pin.

WINNER: Jacob Novak in 5:00.

[Q3] [c - "Degeneration X: One Last Stand" ad]

Replay of Edge's retirement speech. This was worth re-watching.

[Q4]

Maryse joins the announce team and gives Grisham a kiss on each cheek. Maryse says that Tatsu is like a five-year-old and runs down his accent.

3 -- YOSHI TATSU vs. LUCKY CANNON

Trash-talking by Cannon to start, so Tatsu takes him down. Cannon begs off then throws Tatsu through the ropes. Cannon with some quick offense and a cover for two. Cannon stays on top of Tatsu. Maryse says that Cannon is too vain for her and isn't sure about his money situation. Regal starts flirting with Maryse. Cannon takes Tatsu outside and Tatsu throws him into the ringpost. Back in the ring, Tatsu hits his hard chops and axe handle take down. Rapid kicks from Tatsu. Yoshi his the top rope spinning heel kick for the win.

WINNER: Yoshi Tatsu in about 4:00.

Post-match: Maryse enters the ring and taunts Cannon, then, kisses Yatsu full on the lips. Yoshi sells excitement and shock. He reacts like a boy in an anime as Maryse walks up the ramp.

Final Reax: As usual, Titus O'Neil looked good in the ring, Lucky Cannon was very good as a character, and William Regal was amazing in the announcer role. His behavior after Novak's challenge to him was simply sublime, I truly was not sure if he was selling or being real. It's hard to understand why they are suddenly putting another announcer into the middle of a feud and continuing to make Maryse the center of the show. Then again, Maryse is more interesting that any of the Rookies.

O'Neil feels like the ringer to win the show, which makes sense; another season of NXT might give him the final polish he needs to be ready for WWE, while Lucky Cannon is already prepped to be a mid-card heel. He reminds me very much of Alex Riley on NXT 2 or Wade Barrett on NXT 1 - decent enough ring work with an good understanding of being a heel character, combined with confidence on the mic.

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