WWE NXT TV Results
April 19, 2011 - Season 5, Week 7
Taped in London, England
Aired on WWE's website
By James Caldwell, PWTorch assistant editor

The cast of Season Five of WWE NXT (Pros):

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

This week's WWE NXT episode opened with Josh Mathews, instead of Todd Grisham, on commentary. Mathews claimed NXT is the best original program on WWE's website. NXT vs. Superstars competition commence. Mathews talked to William Regal and noted Grisham is "on vacation." Vacation? In WWE? How dare someone take a vacation in WWE.

On-stage: Maryse was standing next to the NXT Rookies to introduce them to the crowd. No Matt Striker in the co-hosting role. Novak was still sporting JTG's gear from last week. Maryse plugged this week's challenge: a test of strength in the tug of war. It sounded like a library in the arena as Maryse explained the rules and noted it's worth two points.

Round 1: O'Brian easily yanked Saxton off the podium. Next up, Young and Novak battled. There was some confusion on who won. Everyone remained confused even after a replay, but Novak was awarded the decision. Next up, Lucky Cannon shouted to everyone that it's all about him. Maryse told him to grow up. Titus then screwed up vs. Cannon and was DQ'ed. So, it was up to Maryse on who should get the bye to the finals. She picked Cannon because he's obnoxious.

Round 2: Conor vs. Novak. They fought to a standstill before Novak yanked Conor to the floor. Apparently the Timbalands are doing the trick for Novak.

Finals: Lucky vs. Novak. Lucky screamed at everyone to shut up before he finally approached the podium for the tug of war with Novak. Novak yanked the rope away from Lucky and they just stood on their podium staring at each other. Time stood still here. Lucky was then DQ'ed for who knows what reason, giving Novak the win. And Novak picks up the two redemption points.

Lucky went running down to ringside complaining about being screwed, then Novak grabbed his robe and walked off taunting Lucky. That segment was so bad.

[Break. "That's What I Am" plug.]

In-ring: JTG was in the ring with "his boy," Jacob Novak. JTG talked up his Rookie before handing over the mic. Novak paused for some attempted boos before noting he's very privileged and honored to be an American...after spending a few days in England. Novak's delivery needs so much work. He then pointed to Mr. Regal, which drew a pop from the English crowd. Novak told Regal to stand up and fight for his country right now. Regal smiled, then Novak was interrupted by Conor O'Brian on-stage. Conor, seconded by Kozlov with a taped elbow, said he's learned from his Pro that actions speak louder than words and he's going to shut him up right now.

1 -- JACOB NOVAK (w/JTG) vs. CONOR O'BRIAN (w/Kozlov)

Basic exchange as Regal noted neither Rookie has performed well thus far, so they both need the win here. Novak then landed some offense and tried to taunt Regal, who brushed him off and checked his nails. Moments later, O'Brian rolled up Novak and appeared to score a three count on a small package, but the ref stopped his count. Everyone kind of stopped. They reset the match and went back to the exact same spot leading to the exact same small package finish exactly one minute later to give O'Brian the win.

Afterward, JTG tried to talk up Novak to keep his head in the game. Mathews quizzed Regal on why they have so much tension, then Novak slipped out of the ring and taunted Regal. Novak eventually shoved Regal, who then threw down his headset. Novak ran off and JTG stepped in-between them before Regal could get his hands on Novak. Regal did the throat-slash gesture as JTG helped Novak away.

WINNER: O'Brian at 3:01. They're trying to get over Novak as an annoying heel, which is fine, and building toward Regal getting his hands on Novak after an extended build-up. At least it's something and it could keep Novak from being the first Rookie cut.

[Break]

Announcers: Regal said he's known R-Truth for a long time and people are just now getting a glimpse of Truth's devious side. He said he thinks it's only the beginning. Mathews then fed to the Raw Rebound focusing on Truth's heel turn on John Morrison after Morrison took his spot at Extreme Rules. The video played up Truth being conflicted and tormented in the post-match. ... Back to the announcers, they plugged Cena vs. Miz vs. Morrison for the WWE Title at the PPV.

Backstage: Byron Saxton talked to Yoshi Tatsu about not wanting to see him get hurt with Maryse. Yoshi thanked him for his concern and noted Maryse makes him feel happy. Maryse walked in and asked Yoshi what he's doing tonight. "I'm free," Yoshi replied. Maryse asked Yoshi if he wants to go shopping with her. Yoshi agreed, smiled, and Maryse planted a kiss on his cheek. Loverboy Yoshi stared off in the distance as Saxton transitioned right into wanting to talk tag strategy. Is that the first instance of tag team strategy discussion on-camera in years?

[Break]

In-ring: Hornswoggle's music brought out Horny along with Titus O'Neil. Regal got Mathews up-to-speed on what's happening here with Darren Young already in the ring with Chavo Guerrero. On the mic, Young noted Chavo never could beat Hornswoggle during their run-in years ago. Chavo then brought up Young's earlier comments that he could beat Horny with his arm tied behind his back. Chavo pulled out a rope and tied up Young's left arm, giving Young a puncher's chance with his right hand. Chavo then noted Young's other comment that he could beat Hornswoggle blindfolded. Young asked why he was trying to make him look like a fool. Chavo then pulled out a blindfold and covered Young's eyes as Mathews wondered why Young's Pro is trying to screw him over. Regal said it's to teach him a lesson.

2 -- HORNSWOGGLE (w/Titus O'Neil) vs. DARREN YOUNG (w/Chavo Guerrero)

As Young stumbled around the ring, Hornswoggle kicked Young in the shins repeatedly. This is what Young's career has been reduced to. Young then took a peek as Chavo distracted the ref, giving him an opening to boot Horny in the face. Young tried a top-rope move, but Horny headbutted Young to the mat. Young shifted his body into position and Hornswoggle came off the top with a tadpole splash for the pin and the win. After a replay of the finish, Young complained to Chavo about his dumb luck.

WINNER: Hornswoggle at 1:36. Is Hornswoggle the only protected babyface they have on the roster? Just a bit for the kids trying to get that "ha-ha comedy heat" on Young that will never allow him to get over.

[Break]

In-ring: Yoshi and Saxton made their way to the ring with Maryse positioned ringside. Mathews, dumbfounded by what NXT has become, asked Maryse what's going on with her and Yoshi. Maryse just giggled and smiled. Tyson Kidd's music then brought out Kidd and Lucky Cannon for the main event tag.

3 -- TYSON KIDD & LUCKY CANNON vs. YOSHI TATSU & BYRON SAXTON

Cannon and Saxton started things off, but Cannon refused to luck, demanding to get a piece of Yoshi. Saxton finally obliged tobring in Yoshi, which drew an interested look from Maryse setting a battle for her honor. Yoshi landed an early kick to the thigh, then Lucky scampered to the ring apron and tagged out to Kidd. "Shut up!" Cannon shouted at the fans who questioned his toughness. Lucky's showing something new each week. Yoshi then dominated Kidd, drawing Lucky's ire. Regal was so great with his rambling (not a negative) dry commentary about nothing that just trailed on and on. It didn't matter what he was saying; Regal's delivery was just so great.

Yoshi and Saxton tagged in and out working over Kidd as Regal noted this show is so tough for the Rookies because they have a very short window to make a connection with the crowd. Kidd then took control on Saxton as Lucky clapped it up for his Pro. Saxton then cut off Kidd and clotheslined him over the top rope, drawing a shift in emotion from Cannon. They cut to break with Cannon telling no one in particular to shut up.

[Break. Awesome Kong vignette Week 2.]

Back from break, Lucky was working over Saxton while complementing his own work and making sure Maryse was paying attention. Lucky continued to work over Saxton as Regal continued with his dry commentary about nothing. The heels began trading tags working over Saxton while Lucky kept telling the crowd to shut up. As Tyson worked over Saxton, Lucky noted to Maryse that he's "Winning." He added, "Come over to the 'Winning' side." His heel delivery was terrific.

The heels resumed their in-and-out tags working over Saxton as Regal sold he was blushing after Maryse shot him a look. "This...is...all...about...me!" Lucky told Saxton in-between punches. Regal noted Kidd will take Lucky to the back afterward and go over what went right & wrong in the match like a good Pro. "Unlike JTG," Regal said, before adding he thinks JTG is untalented.

Yoshi finally took a hot tag at 10:00 and cleaned house on Kidd while Lucky stood on the apron. Yoshi scored with a roundhouse kick, but Kidd kicked out in time. Lucky then distracted Yoshi, who nearly walked into a pin from Kidd before recovering and nailing a knee to the face for a close two count. Lucky then walked over to Maryse and tried to showboat for her, which distracted Yoshi. Yoshi tried to wave off Lucky, which resulted in Yoshi turning around to take Kidd's cradle spinning neckbreaker for the pin and the win.

Afterward, Lucky talked trash in Yoshi's face before Kidd and Lucky walked away with the win. Byron checked on Yoshi as Maryse walked over to ringside selling mild concern with Yoshi. They signed off with the heels standing tall.

WINNERS: Kidd & Lucky at 11:33. Well-done for a long-form tag match. Cannon was absolutely terrific playing his heel role, Regal added a tremendous amount to commentary, and they continued to play up the love triangle that has dominated NXT this season. Nice build toward Yoshi eventually stepping up to fight for Maryse's honor. The show has deviated from the original idea to focus on the Rookies to focus more on the Pros, with the Rookies getting some shine in the process, so this was fine. (*1/2)

We welcome your 0-10 score and comments on this show for an "NXT TV Reax" feature in the Torch Feedback section of PWTorch.com. To contribute your thoughts on NXT, email to pwtorch@gmail.com using our Feedback form.

We suggest these recent related articles...

JAMES'S WWE NXT REPORT 9/30 - Week 182: Balor & Joe in Dusty tournament, Ciampa and Gargano in singles matches, final "Takeover" card, more; Overall Reax

JAMES'S WWE NXT REPORT 9/23 - Week 181: Vaudevillians defend NXT Tag Titles, Kana introduded, lots of promos, Takeover build, more; Overall Reax

WWE NXT RESULTS 9/23: Vaudevillains defend NXT Tag Titles, Kana/Asuka formally introduced, Breeze, Eva Marie, more