NXT Is... LayCool?

I've been very vocal about my hatred for Michelle McCool from jump on the blog here, but as you know, I'm not one to repress my mind being changed if something is legitimately entertaining. IF you saw NXT last night, then you probably know what I'm talking about. If not, well, let's just say that for the first time in a long time, something McCool did legitimately entertained me.

I've been in the "LayCool as Kaval's Pros isn't Armageddon people" camp since the pairing was announced. It's actually been better. McCool and Layla on commentary during the Kaval/Alex Riley match was an absolute scream. They play the Valley girl/ditzy woman stereotype up so well, and the contrast with the deep-bass voice and intensity of Kaval is jarring and effective. And hey, the actual match between the two rookies was pretty damn good. It was the best match I've seen on NXT between two rookies yet and the best affair on the show since Wade Barrett wrestled Christian near the beginning of the first season.

Honestly, after last week which felt rushed and almost uneventful until the end, everything clicked on last night's show. Both matches were good, the talking from the Pros worked, and although I would have liked to have heard more in-ring talking from the Rookies, I really liked the vignettes I saw for Kaval and Husky Harris at least. The end angle was really good too, and it was punctuated nicely by Cody Rhodes' cheap shot on Matt Striker. All in all, a teriffic episode.

I think NXT is hitting its stride, and it's finding an identity, which was really brought out by the black-and-white "hidden camera" vignette with Zack Ryder and Titus O'Neill. This is where I think they can really shine in developing NXT as a unique show and not just an afterthought or, as Season 1 was, a prolonged build for a huge, game-changing angle (since really, you can't do that with EVERY season). I think if they let some guards down and we really see the Pros "as they really are" (without completely dropping kayfabe, of course). Hopefully, they continue and the show continues to garner ratings so they can find a new network and continue on.

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