Smark Out Moment

Well here we are, the next season of NXT: number FOUR. First impressions are important, so let's take a look at what we were shown at the start of this new competition.

They've replaced Michael Cole with Todd Grisham, who came off considerably bitter about the situation and kind of pathetic. They've also gotten rid of the jokes, which is a shame as I loved that the past season. But the more important issue here is the set of rookies, detailed below:


I'm disappointed that his pro, Ted DiBiase, wasn't paired up with his brother Brett...however, Clay looks interesting. He's huge, held his own on the mic, and wasn't too bad in the challenge. I'd like to see Brodus become associated with DiBiase, kind of like a bodyguard role. He has the background for it, seeing as how he was apparently a bodyguard for Snoop Dogg. In fact, Snoop Dogg's real surname is Broadus so that may be where he got his ring-name from. We didn't get to see him wrestle, so that's really the only thing that might be holding him back. He's impressive in everything else so far, so if he's as good in the ring as the rest, he'll definitely have a spot on the roster.


I'm not sure what he's trying with his character. He's like a heel that isn't a heel, but certainly isn't a face or tweener. At least they acknowledged his background as a commentator (and apparently, news anchor). He didn't wrestle, so I don't know how good he is there. We'll see, I guess.


Seriously, out of all the fake names to choose, they had to get as close to "Conan O'Brien" as possible? He cut a promo about the fact that he looks like a rat and spoke in a weird voice. Ok. He wasn't in the ring too long...I don't know. I'm not a fan yet.


Michael Hutter...I mean Patrick Bateman...I mean Derrick Bateman, showed that he's not too bad in the ring, not too bad on the mic, and has the look of a superstar. His character is a bit bland right now, but they all are pretty much, so that's nothing to really harp on. Having been paired with Daniel Bryan helps his chances as well as all the other tools listed above, so he's got a shot.


Pretty much all people seem to be talking about is who they think this guy looks like. Is it Curt Hawkins, Josh Mathews, Dolph Ziggler, The Brian Kendrick? Not particularly impressive on the mic or in the ring, but not horrible. He loses his first match, but conveniently wins the first challenge. As of right now, I can't see him winning, but he may end up improving and changing my mind. We're a long time away from the first elimination.


The only man to retain his real name. He let me down on the mic, but he's a potential favorite of mine so far. Decent in the ring, good look to him, doesn't have a ridiculous gimmick (though he did look ridiculous the way he was running). He probably won't win, but I could see him being a superstar.

Seriously, WWE. I'd even work NXT lol