WWE Tough Enough report
May 9, 2010
Week 6 - Aired on USA Network
Report by James Caldwell, PWTorch assistant editor

Cast List (age)
Men
-- Andy Leavine (23)
-- Jeremiah Riggs (28)
-- Martin Casaus (26)
-- A.J. Kirsch (27)
-- Luke Robinson (26)
-- Eric Watts (25)
-- Matt Capiccioni (M-Dogg 20) - eliminated 4/11 (Week 2)
-- Mickael Zakki (26) - eliminated 4/18 (Week 3)
-- Ryan Howe (23) - eliminated 5/2 (Week 5)
Women
-- Christina Crawford (22)
-- Ivelisse Velez (22)
-- Ariane Andrews - eliminated 4/4 (Week 1)
-- Michelle Deighton (25) - eliminated 4/18 (Week 3)
-- "Miss USA" Rima Fakih (25) - eliminated 4/25 (Week 4)

Week 6 of WWE Tough Enough started with "Stone Cold" Steve Austin narrating video highlights from last week's episode focused on alpha dog Luke and Christina avoiding elimination while Ryan was cut.

House: Luke was shown walking back into the house to tease Jeremiah that he was eliminated. Luke said off-camera he figured last week's Bottom Three inclusion was a mental test and he'll come out stronger. Elsewhere, Christina was shown walking into the dining room after being saved from elimination. Ivelisse expressed disdain with Christina returning, setting up more tension between the final two women on the show. Cue up the Tough Enough intro video re-introducing this season's cast.

Training Facility: DeMott and Trish led the remaining eight contestants in some warm-up exercises. DeMott focused on Eric, who was struggling to keep up again. Booker chimed in challenging Eric to keep up. Booker told Eric to take a seat if he was so concerned about sitting down. In the ring, the contestants traded forward rolls in the ring to see who could keep up. DeMott said they're trying to find out who's here for the right reasons.

In walked Stone Cold to tell the contestants this week's challenge is all about focus. Austin said he could be having the worst day of his life in his personal life, but he has to be on his game when he steps into the ring. Austin said if he's worrying about divorce #2 or #3, he'll have people sitting on their hands wondering why Austin is stinking out the joint. Classic Austin.

In the ring, Luke and Jeremiah worked with each other. Luke executed a weak bodyslam and Jeremiah rolled out of the ring, saying he felt something pop. Jeremiah spit up blood in a bucket, but returned to the training exercise. Back in the ring, Trish became frustrated with Sabin lookalike, A.J. DeMott then sent A.J. out of the ring. Coming Up: Jeremiah catches heat from the trainers and the ropes course.

[Commercial Break]

Facility: Back in the gym, the trainers focused on Jeremiah carrying himself like he wants to be a #1 guy. Jeremiah went through his paces before hopping to the second rope to deliver a flying elbow smash. DeMott laughed at him getting too much air. Austin said he's half-way dangerous being no-fear, but not having the training. The video slowed down as Eric readied himself on the turnbuckles and delivered an ugly smash from the second rope.

Ivelisse then struggled with the weight bag as Christina watched on. Booker was then shown talking while sitting on top of a mountain that you have to work hurt sometimes. Christina was next and went through her paces at an efficient clip. Booker, on the mountain, said she has the whole package. Good start for Christina this week after being in the Bottom Three last week.

Everyone began to leave after training, but DeMott noted he only saw seven contestants leaving. They found Ivelisse in the gym kitchen fighting back tears. Booker and DeMott talked to her about whether she wants to give up or keep enduring pain. Booker referenced Triple H tearing his quad in a match, but still finishing the match. DeMott gave her some advice and noted she owes him a beer.

Coming up: John Morrison on the ropes course.

[Commercial Break]

Outside: The contestants jogged out to a ropes course as they were met by Austin and John Morrison. After a video package on Morrison's in-ring highlights, Morrison was shown giving them instructions on focusing on the ropes course. Austin said it will test their focus.

Up first: Martin. Austin shouted at him to hurry it up. Austin told Morrison he expects someone to fall before they leave. A.J. was next, followed by "MMA" Jeremiah. The contestants then had to fly off the top of the course once they finished. Ivelisse was shown tight-rope walking the ropes course, drawing some solid soundbytes from Austin. Morrison then climbed up the course and tried to encourage Ivelisse to fight for it. She then fell off and was hung upside down. Morrison helped her stabilize and she eventually finished the course.

For the next group, Andy started things off. Luke was next. They both finished rather easily. Next was ol' Eric. Eric noted he's afraid of heights. He then got caught in the steps and was twisted up. Christina was next and walked right over Eric as Eric continued to hang upside down. Christina finished as Eric continued to show frustration with his predicament.

Elapsed Time: 31 minutes. A bird was shown screeching overhead as Eric continued to hang in the ropes course. Elapsed Time: 50 minutes. Austin said it's been a total disaster for Eric. One hour and 34 minutes later, Austin finally sent some help to Eric, who was lowered to the ground. Eric said it was the most crushing moment of his life. Austin said Eric didn't quit, he just had to call it.

Morrison then addressed the contestants. He told them not to control things they can't control, but worry about what they're dealt. Austin told them it's Skills Challenge and elimination tomorrow. Eric said he needs to go in with a do-or-die mentality. I think Morrison had more camera-time than the other weekly guests on the show combined.

[Commercial Break]

Training Facility: Back at the gym, the dramatic music played as Austin entered the ring to remind the contestants about focus this week. Austin told them this week's Skills Challenge is pop a squat. DeMott broke down the challenge and the eight contestants were broken down into two groups.

The first group of Andy, Martin, Jeremiah, and Ivelisse had to stand on the top rope and do squats. Andy struggled to keep his balance and was eventually booted. Austin said Andy needs a fire lit under him. The other three finished their sets and had to squat, then hold a pose. Lower. Lower. Martin couldn't keep his balance and was out. Jeremiah and Ivelisse advanced.

The second group was A.J., Luke, Christina, and poor Eric standing on the top rope. A.J. lost his balance and DeMott booted him. A.J. said it's his worst showing so far this week. Eric's legs were shaking, then he dropped off the top rope. Luke said he should just quit the contest right now.

So, in the finals, it's Luke, Jeremiah, Ivelisse, and Christina. The eliminated contestants then had to run the ropes as the finalists had to balance themselves. Jeremiah and Luke survived, prompting some off-camera back-and-forth promos on each other.

In the final final, they had to do the earlier training routine. Jeremiah lost some speed and slowly went through his paces before delivering an awful top rope elbow. DeMott said he's becoming dangerous since he's green. Luke then went through the whole routine perfectly. Trish noted Luke is finally showing hunger to win. Luke wins the Skills Challenge.

Austin addressed the contestants and said they'll announce the Bottom Three after deliberations.

[Commercial Break]

Austin's Office: Austin got some feedback from the trainers on how the contestants performed this week. Booker said he's a little concerned about Jeremiah, but he's really impressed him with his desire to win. DeMott said Jeremiah is dangerous now, though. On to Luke. Booker said Luke's focus was dialed in. DeMott agreed. As for Big Andy, they were concerned about him on the top rope, but Trish said she sees him eying the top spot.

Regarding Eric, Austin joked he was concerned about calling the fire department to get a big kitten out of a tree. They talked about Ivelisse's injury. Regarding Christina, DeMott said he thinks the Bottom Three last week gave her a spark. As for A.J., they said he's not standing out. DeMott said he thinks A.J. is just happy to be here. "Superstar? No sir."

Gym: Austin walked out of his office and stared down the contestants. Bottom Three this week: Eric, Ivelisse, and A.J. Austin told everyone to head back the house, then he'll see the Bottom Three back in his ring. As the contestants walked away, A.J. expressed confidence in his ability to survive since he's with two of the worst.

Back at the house, Andy said he thinks A.J. is a dweeb and he sucks. "I'm just being honest," he said. Eric and A.J. then talked to each other in the house. Eric said what happens in the ring stays in the ring. They decided Ivelisse has to go. The producers cut to Ivelisse nursing her leg injury as she claimed the injury was robbing her of her moment. Elimination up next.

[Commercial Break]

Raw cut-in: A graphic showed Miz, Truth, Kane, Rey, Punk, Del Rio, Morrison, and Big Show fighting for the next #1 contender slot tonight on Raw.

Facility: Back to Tough Enough, where the Bottom Three walked into the ring as Austin had a voice-over recapping all three's issues. Austin then strolled into the ring to size up the contestants. Eric said it was a rough day at the office today. A.J. said he's had better days.

Austin asked A.J. to tell him something about himself. Austin said he ain't no miracle-worker, though. Austin said he would like to live next to A.J. as his neighborhood, but he doesn't see one good reason why he would take money out of his pocket and pay money to see him. A.J. firmly said he will inspire in a way he can't describe. Austin smirked and said that was some good b.s. Austin asked A.J. if this is such a big dream, why has he failed to stand out.

Next was Eric. Eric said the workouts have gotten harder as the competition has gone on. Austin mock wrote a note to Bill, Trish, and Booker to take it easy on Eric. Austin then asked Eric about being stuck on the ropes course the previous day. Eric smiled as Austin cut a promo on him. Austin said Eric has potential, but he could also be a nobody. He told him the ball's in his court.

Next was Ivelisse. Austin stared her down and asked for the pain level on 0-10. She said it's an eight. Austin said if it weren't for her leg, she wouldn't be in the Bottom Three. Austin said he believes she belongs in the ring, but he can't let her continue like this. Austin asked for her belt and she teared up. Austin then said he decided to take two belts tonight.

Eric and A.J. stiffened up as Austin surveyed them. Austin looked into A.J.'s eyes and told him to hand over the belt. A.J. said he'll have to take it from him. Austin took a deep breath, then asked A.J. if he's ever mowed some grass. Austin said A.J. reminds him of grass growing in the ring. Austin walked back to center-ring, then addressed Eric. He said it takes a special s.o.b. in the ring and he needs to want it as much as Ivelisse does.

Austin told Eric he's taking his belt. Eric lowered his eyes and breathed deeply before quietly saying it's not the end for him. Austin said he's just showing him flashes right now. Austin then extended his hand and took the belt from Eric. Austin walked back to A.J. and told him this talk better light a fire under him or else. Austin watched them leave the ring.

Ivelisse and Eric were shown leaving the facility, with Ivelisse having the exit interview spotlight. Eric then talked about thinking he was ready, but he's not. Eric said he learned not to quit and to keep going.

Back in Austin's office, Austin put the two belts on the wall. Austin said he's not going to write off Eric because he has flashes in the ring, but he's not tough enough. Austin said Ivelisse's body went south on her. If she keeps working hard, one day they'll see her in a WWE ring.

ELIMINATED: Eric and Ivelisse. Six remaining. Next Week: WWE Divas show up to take the contestants out on the town. And another injury.

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