WWE NXT Overview

Tonight, Eli Cottonwood was eliminated by the WWE pros and the WWE Universe. Unhappy with the news, Eli attacked Husky Harris and later, the other remaining rookies.

Inside the ring, Showtime Percy Watson and Husky Harris picked up wins over Zack Ryder and Kaval, respectively, and Michael McGuillicutty extended his winning streak to 5-0 over Eli Cottonwood (before he was eliminated).

WWE NXT: Shot by Shot

Even without Hulk Hogan and Jim Ross, I think WWE’s newest opening is the best one yet.

Did anybody notice Mark Henry mouthing something into the microphone while Matt Striker was introducing the NXT rookies?

Eli Cottonwood at least has a sense of humor in wearing a shirt that says, “MUSTACHE,” on it after his abysmal Talk the Talk session a few weeks ago.

Striker has the NXT rookies talk for 60 seconds about anything but not why they shouldn’t be eliminated tonight.

You know, I hate the fact that a lot of WWE’s promos are scripted. But on nights like tonight, when a bunch of rookies are out given topics on the spot…maybe they should have scripted promos.

And as I typed that, Alex Riley nailed his promo about ripping on Kaval for being a Morgan Freeman voiceover wannabe, and Showtime Percy Watson as a cheap Eddie Murphy. Man, he really looks like a more stacked version of the Miz.

Kaval’s wasn’t spectacular, but I was impressed that he mentioned how he competed as Low Ki for 10 years.

Josh Matthews and Michael Cole mention that Zack Ryder’s rookie Titus O’Neill got eliminated. I wonder if they’ll do a stipulation in the future where when the rookies get eliminated, so do the pros.

Showtime Percy Watson pins Zack Ryder after a floatover DDT and a big splash. It was a lot of offense by Ryder until the end. Yeah, I still think Percy should wrestle with the glasses on.

Apparently Eli Cottonwood is going to be more ridiculous than he’s led on so far. After forcing him to review footage of his abortion that was his run through the obstacle course last week, John Morrison tells him he has a chance to make up for that against Michael McGuillicutty. Eli has one word for him: “Mustache.” Oh boy. On one hand, it showed more personality. On the other, why do we need another creepy tall guy? Are they looking to fill the void after Snitsky?

We are reminded that since he won the obstacle course last week, Michael McGuillicutty is immune from elimination tonight.

Those elbows from Eli looked STIFF with that corner cameraman up there.

In reference to where the source of the name “Eli Rottonwood” came from, Michael Cole says it’s his duty as a journalist to protect his sources. I know wrestling is full of characters, but that is a ludicrous statement.

McGuillicutty makes the McGuillibuddies happy tonight and advances to 5-0 with a swinging neckbreaker on Eli, but Eli actually had a really good match, I thought.

Ashley Valence is a “colleague” backstage and couldn’t be any more dry.

Husky Harris bumps into Lo…oh, sorry…Kaval backstage, leading to an altercation. I think Husky’s written lines are good but I don’t think his delivery is there yet.

Laycool’s expressions during Kaval’s match with Husky Harris are fantastic. Kaval took a great bump for a Harris clothesline. The match isn’t long, and the finish comes when Kaval is concerned with Laycool when Husky inadvertently knocks them off the apron. Husky hits a nice suplex into the ring followed by his big senton splash. Another solid, effective win for Husky.

I didn’t get to see RAW last night, but after reading some reports, I bet seeing John Cena’s Summerslam team disintegrate in a few minutes was a hell of a lot better than watching it for two hours.

The NXT Rookies are ranked as follows…

1. Michael McGuillicutty
2. Kaval
3. Alex Riley
4. Showtime Percy Watson
5. Lucky Cannon
6. Husky Harris

Eli Cottonwood is eliminated. Striker asks him for comments, but Eli attacks Husky Harris. The rookies help Husky out, and as Eli wins, he shoves John Morrison.

The show ends with the rookies’ comments on their standings, all clamoring for #1. Riley attacks McGuillicutty, and the rookies brawl. Cottonwood reappears and they’re all brawling to end the show.