WWE NXT 9/8/11: Results, Review and Analysis

The 23rd episode of WWE NXT season 5 is in the books. We still have three rookies remaining - Derrick Bateman, Titus O’ Neil and Darren Young. We had three intriguing matches this week, which featured all three NXT rookies and three established WWE superstars. Here is a detailed analysis of what had transpired in this week’s episode of WWE NXT.

Segment 1: Darren Young confronts Matt Striker

Darren Young attacks Matt Striker

This segment had Matt Striker kicking off NXT by announcing yet another NXT challenge (sigh!). Young interrupted Striker and said that he was pissed off by the stupid challenges on NXT. He proclaimed that he had dominated NXT for the past 23 weeks. He attacked Striker with an egg which was brought for the challenge. He then challenged Matt Striker for a match later in the night. I liked this segment because of the only fact that I second Young’s opinion on the ridiculous NXT challenges. I had a feeling that NXT is being shunned off by many mainly because of these challenges. Kudos to Young for pointing out that. I’m not a big fan of either Matt Striker’s in-ring skills or his commentary skills. But I was happy for the fact that, atleast Matt has got something to do in WWE programming other than being a crappy show-host.

segment rating: 3/5

Match 1: Tyson Kidd Vs. Justin Gabriel

Singles Match

How many of you knew that Justin Gabriel was a part of NXT Season 1! I knew it. Justin Gabriel went on to become a member of the Nexus faction headed by Wade Barrett. He was also a member of the Corre faction and currently, he is a smackdown brand wrestler. Justin was introduced as a NXT alumni before starting of his match against Kidd. Two high fliers in a match is always a treat to watch and so was the case in this match too. Both men utilised their high flying skills to the core to execute several high risk moves. In the end, it was Justin Gabriel who got the victory via pinfall after hitting the 450 splash on Kidd. A highly entertaining match which highlighted the ability of both men. It’s a pity that they aren’t being featured regularly on Smackdown to showcase their talent to a wider range of audience.

Winner: Justin Gabriel

Match Rating: 4/5

Justin Gabriel gets ready to hit the 450 splash on Tyson Kidd

Match 2: Darren Young Vs. Matt Striker

Singles Match

This match wasn’t as exciting as the earlier one. Both men had their moments in different parts of the match but neither managed to capitalize. Eventually it was Darren Young who turned out to be the winner after finishing off Striker with a spinebuster. A very short match but the time was enough for Young to prove to Striker that he was the better of the two.

Winner: Darren Young

Match Rating: 2/5

Match 3: Titus O’ Neil Vs. Derrick Bateman

Singles Match

We had yet another main event in NXT which featured Titus. This has been happening for weeks and my opinion is that Titus doesn’t deserve it. Darren Young is much more talented than him. Yet again Titus was victorious against Bateman who was slightly offcolour during the match. As expected Bateman was pissed off by his loss and hence vented out his anger by attacking Titus. Titus retaliated with ‘the clash of the Titus’ and Hornswoggle too joined the party by hitting his frog splash. The show ended with Hornswoggle, AJ and Titus O’ Neil celebrating in the ring. It was disappointing end to yet another disappointing episode of NXT.

Winner: Titus O’ Neil

Match Rating: 3/5

Titus, Hornswoggle and AJ celebrating after the match

NXT Rookie Records:

Derrick Bateman:

• Win/loss record: 3-2
• Redemption Points: 0

Darren Young:

• Win/loss record 8-14
• Redemption Points: 7

Titus O’Neil:

• Win/loss 13-7
• Redemption Points: 30

The Bottomline:

It has to be said that WWE NXT is improving week after week. There are no more ridiculous challenges which is a welcome change. I felt that the matches featuring NXT rookies lacked quality. If that area could be rectified, NXT could be as fun to watch as any other WWE show.

Show Rating: 3/5