By James Caldwell, Torch assistant editor

WWE published storyline-driven "exit interviews" with the three NXT Rookies eliminated this week, including Bryan Danielson ripping on the "Daniel Bryan" character created by WWE for the NXT show.

"Daniel Bryan is a figment of the WWE's imagination. Daniel Bryan has never been anywhere except WWE. Daniel Bryan has lost every match he's ever been in," Danielson said. "The real me is Bryan Danielson. I was trying to fit into what they want me to be but that's not me."

Danielson added to the criticism of the weekly challenges on NXT that have arguably contributed to NXT's steady decline in TV ratings. He also hinted at the future direction of his character in WWE.

"Bryan Danielson's dream is main event WrestleMania and to do that he's got to be in WWE," Danielson said. "I want to be the best and you're not getting that on WWE NXT doing monkey bar challenges and drinking soda. ... Bryan Danielson is a little bit meaner he’s got more of a dark side. So we'll see."

Caldwell's Analysis: The quotes are under the assumption they were actually from Danielson and not the old-school method of making up an interview and attributing quotes to Danielson, but, regardless, WWE is certainly making it seem like Danielson will be moved to one of the two main rosters under his given name to have a "re-birth" of sorts after the NXT flop.

Based on the freedom WWE has allowed for the NXT concept to be openly criticized on their TV and website, I'm waiting for the final week of NXT where Matt Striker tells the viewing audience, "Gotcha! We made you sit through an endless streak of lame segments for 15 weeks and you all bought it!" That might be the only way to redeem the debut season of NXT.

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