NXT Season One Thoughts!
So season 1 of NXT ended last night, with Wade Barrett winning the competition! My feelings for the whole season started high, stalled to a mid season low with the challenges, hit an all time low when the eliminations began, picked back up when Daniel Bryan attacked Michael Cole, and settled to a state of contentment by last night’s episode. Here are some highlights of what I liked and what I didn’t.
Spot On! Wade Barrett winning!
With Daniel Bryan eliminating himself (…or management eliminating him) I think Barrett was the clear winner out of the remaining competitors, with enough in ring savvy and the ability to talk without his words sounding awkwardly rehearsed (I still shudder at Otunga’s “mashed potatoes” line).
Botched! The Stupid Challenges!
I don’t think ALL of them were stupid, but I think anyone would be hard pressed to defend the keg carrying contest and obstacle course. I think another thing that hurt them was the inconsistent prizes, like Barrett winning entrance music that was never played, Gabriel winning immunity when he was no where close to being eliminated, etc…
Spot On! The Pro Interaction!
I think the Miz/ Daniel Bryan relationship not only helped bring Bryan into the WWE looking like a star, but it also helped the Miz actually look like a real pro. They both benefitted from it, and I think the same could be said for Jericho and Barrett, and the Straight Edge Society and Darren Young. Okay, well maybe it didn’t make Darren Young a star, but it was fun to watch. And I imagine the interactions will get even better in Season 2 with Laycool and Kaval.
Botched! Bringing Fan Voting into the Second Season!
If they have legitimate fan voting in the second season, heels will never win! That was one of the things I hated about the later seasons of Tough Enough and the Diva Search. Good thing they’ll probably rig it!
Spot On! The Daniel Bryan/ Michael Cole Storyline!
I’m not as into the heel Michael Cole persona as some people I’ve heard talk about it, but Bryan’s shoot interviews kept me from changing channels (too much) while challenges were going on. Now if only they’d get someone to teach Cole to slap better…
Botched! The Lack of Swerves and Surprises in the Rankings!
The rankings never really changed that much throughout the show. The people on the top stayed on the top (except, of course, for Bryan) and the people on the bottom stayed on the bottom. The only real shakeup with the Pro’s voting was Darren Young beating out Skip Sheffield at the first elimination. Hopefully in the future they’ll take a note from other reality shows and just reveal who the bottom two contestants are when it comes to eliminations.
Spot On! The Variety of Contestants and Pros!
Whenever I watched Tough Enough I always felt like the contestants looked way too similar. It was nice to see wrestlers of different sizes, experience levels, and backgrounds in NXT. And I also liked that the Pros ranged from World Champions to lower card wrestlers. It looks like they will thankfully continue this trend in Season 2.
Botched! No Vince!
I certainly wouldn’t want him in every episode, but I can’t believe they never had Vince McMahon come out on NXT to harass the rookies! If he can come out on RAW for a few minutes to ruffle Bret Hart’s feathers, you would think he could find time to show up on NXT!
So overall I think NXT Season One was somewhat inconsistent, mostly good, some bad, and a little too long, but I still find myself looking forward to Season 2. I just hope they don’t try and shoehorn all the eliminated competitors into the main shows anyway like they did for all the diva search flunkies. Maybe after a few more seasons they can do an “All Stars” show if NXT even lasts that long.
Oh, and my pick to win Season 2? Percy Watson.