James Caldwell, Torch Assistant Editor (8.0)

This was easily one of the better episodes of NXT through the first 17 weeks over two seasons. There was one really good TV match, Cody Rhodes focused on winning and losing being what matters in a post-match evaluation, the post-match evaluations created a sense of purpose to both matches, they experimented with some "out of character" documentary presentation, and they created an incentive to tune in to next week's show.

Kaval vs. Alex Riley was an excellent TV match. I'm sure someone will put a bug in Kaval's ear to tone down his in-ring style because it's not "WWE main event," but he had really good chemistry with Alex Riley. It was refreshing to see Kaval's moveset and offensive attack on WWE TV. Also, Riley looks like a star ready for the spotlight. He carries himself like he's big time and he looked solid in the ring.

Cody Rhodes's post-main event promo was one of the highlights of the show, along with MVP taking charge in the opening segment as the "voice of the Pros." Last week, Miz had the cringe-inducing promo that captured everything that has been wrong with NXT by talking about "not being entertained" and "charisma" being important in the context of a wrestling show where wins and losses should be all that matters. Rhodes bringing it back to W's and L's was the right tone and should be carried over the rest of the season.

One thing that WWE was knocked for when they announced the cast of Season Two Pros was the lack of star power. It's turned out to be a good thing, as the Pros who might not be top stars on Raw or Smackdown are getting over and their personalities are being enhanced via juxtaposition to the NXT Rookies. Zack Ryder's personality is shining, Cody Rhodes's personality really shined in the final segment, MVP was able to take a leadership role, John Morrison looked like a big deal (despite a rough promo), and Lay-Cool is getting over with their routine. WWE has created a different light to present the established stars, which is helping them build a stronger connection with the audience outside of the usual Raw or Smackdown setting.

Dominick Mayer, PWTorch.com Contributor (8.0)

Definitely one of the best single episodes the show has done to date. I'm not yet fully sold on Alex Riley, though, just for the simple fact that right now his persona feels too close to Miz for me. I want to see him find his own spin on the cocky heel role. The match was excellent, though. If Kaval keeps wrestling like that, the questionable choice in Pros won't matter. The tag match was also pretty good, though the one-on-one was a tough act to follow. This having been said, taking wrestlers like Lucky Cannon, who need a little more seasoning, and putting them in tag matches while letting more experienced guys wrestle stand-alones is a really good step for this show as it moves back toward respectability. Since it's being acknowledged in the invasion plotline right now, hopefully the time of the Nickelodeon games is over.

One other major point: This week's segment with Zack Ryder finally struck the balance NXT needs between a shoot and a WWE show. I'm sure before Season Two is through, there'll be more instances of mic presence being discussed on what's ostensibly a fictional show, but that segment really worked. The exchange after the tag match also spoke to this, as it played well in showing off a sort of progress report, of where the Rookies need to improve as the weeks go on. Being that this will be a shorter season, this adds a sense of urgency when eliminations will begin faster. Through two weeks, this season has greatly improved. Hopefully this will continue.

Greg Parks, Torch Columnist (7.5)

Kaval vs. Alex Riley was a really solid match, and if both guys appeared on the main rosters tomorrow, I don't think many people would bat an eye. We saw a lot of kicks from Kaval, but I was hoping to see a bit more of his offensive arsenal, rather than Evan Bourne 2.0. The post-match comments from pros was a nice touch, but I'm wondering what they'll do this season in lieu of contests (since I can't imagine them bringing those horrid ideas back). They've got to do something to develop the rookies' personalities.

The main event tag was fine, though Lucky Cannon hasn't really stood out. He looked like he was about to cry when Cody Rhodes called him out, so hopefully he'll be able to shine next week. I'm glad they explained Joe Hennig's name change, even if it was just in passing. Zack Ryder and Titus O'Neil's bit in the locker room is the kind of thing we need to see more of. LayCool on commentary was a bit easier to listen to than I expected. But boy, after being put down by Gene Okerlund and then Michael Cole this week, who's next? Are they going to bring back Urkel to insult Mathews?

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