James Caldwell, Torch Assistant Editor (6.0)

WWE isn't quite there with the new reality show concept. The competition at the beginning of the show this week was entertaining after the individual promos standing on stage. However, they're missing the interaction between Rookies and Pros, and they're also missing behind-the-scenes video packages adding more depth to the characters so the audience will actually care about eight random men carrying a keg around the ring.

The individual keg carries were entertaining to watch, but after that, WWE threw out three random matches before going to the Heath Slater vs. Kane main event. I would have preferred a longer form tag match using four or six of the NXT Rookies. Individual Rookie vs. Rookie matches just aren't entertaining for the WWE audience that doesn't know much about the Rookies to begin with.

The lack of Pro involvement was fine this week, as WWE heavily focused on the Rookies throughout the show, but WWE is continuing to miss opportunities to create more tension between Rookies and Pros to create more compelling TV and an emotional investment in the characters. At the end of the day, Kane being the focal point of the show was off as well. No way Slater should have gone over Kane, but if the Pros aren't going to be featured on the show, then why put the focus on a "Pro" who's not even on the show? There are certainly more bugs to work out with the show, but I'm at least intrigued to see what we're actually going to see from week-to-week.

Dominick Mayer, PWTorch.com Contributor (6.5)

First thing's first: Exactly why is Kane on NXT taking down rookies? I mean, I'll always maintain that Kane needs a real push, but this isn't what I had in mind. Oh well. This having been said, the show was good. The opening segment could have benefited from the event allowing them all a bit of mic time, but it was still a solid twenty minutes of face time with the rookies alone. (Side note: I'm glad they're phasing out the Pros; it's late enough into the season that it should be getting to sink or swim time.) The matches were mostly good, though I'd love to see a few episodes feature ten-minute showcase matches, pairing the more experienced guys with the less so. I'm willing to meet the show's gimmick halfway enough now that this is starting to be enjoyable.

Greg Parks, Torch Columnist (6.0)

The keg carry had its moments, but I fear it was just too long of a segment with guys not enough people care about to really interest the fans. It was a risky move for a show that isn't doing that great in the ratings. I do like how there seems to be more of an "unscripted" feel to the show at times, especially with interviews.

The matches weren't much to speak of. Daniel Bryan continues his push by losing every match. I'm sure WWE is building up to him finally winning and hoping he gets a good crowd pop off of that. While I'm also in favor of letting the rookies loose by themselves in the ring, I think the pros do need to appear in some capacity, whether it be in training videos with their rookies, or something. They need to delve more into the relationship between the two parties.

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