WWE NXT Season Two: A Look at The Final Three

With only two weeks remaining, the competition on season two of WWE NXT is starting to really heat up.

After last night, the field has been narrowed down to just three rookies who are looking to become the “WWE’s next breakout star.” Husky Harris and “Showtime” Percy Watson were shown the door on Tuesday night. Only Kaval (pictured with his WWE pros, LayCool), Michael McGillicutty and Alex Riley remain.

The second season of NXT has been filled with ups and downs. Fans have been treated to some of the same ridiculous challenges from the first season, as well as a few new ones like the unforgettable, and dare I say unforgivable, kissing contest.

The roster of eight had some impressive performers, like Harris, who should find his way back to the WWE sooner than later. That being said, fans had to witness some truly bad performances by rookies like Titus O’Neal and Eli Cottonwood. Thankfully, the bad were weeded out early on and we were left with five rookies who all brought something good to the table.

Harris and Watson were both entertaining in their own ways.

Some may say that “Showtime” was a one-trick pony but his gyrating antics and “OH YEAH!” catchphrase made him fun to watch. His fast-talking, fun-loving gimmick was over the top, but he did it well. He also showed potential in the ring and should only get better with some more time in developmental.

Harris truly broke out on NXT and became one of the show’s most interesting characters. His size and speed were impressive and his attitude gave him a certain unpredictability that made “the Army tank with a Ferrari engine” a constant threat.

Unfortunately, only one rookie can come away as the winner of NXT. Let’s take a look at the three remaining participants.

Kaval, pictured with his WWE pros LayCool, has years of experience under his belt and is easily the most seasoned member of the NXT roster this season. With a mediocre 3-5 record, one would think that the former Low Ki would be near the bottom of the NXT polls or already be eliminated.

For whatever reason, win-loss records do not seem to matter much on NXT and Kaval is currently atop the rankings and arguably the favorite to win it all this season.

It has been an interesting season for the diminutive Kaval, who spent a good majority of time donning a pink polo shirt stating that he was “Property of LayCool.” Pairing the indy veteran with the diva duo caused many fans to shake their heads, but it has actually helped Kaval far more than it has hurt him.

LayCool have helped him show off his loveable side and have likely won him some new fans in the process. Plus, the teased romance between him and Layla certainly can’t be something that Kaval is upset with.

This isn’t the ultra aggressive and vicious Low Ki that we know from “The Rottweilers” during his time in Ring of Honor. This isn’t Senshi, the devoted martial artist, that wore X Division gold in TNA. This is Kaval and he seems a bit friendlier thanks to Layla and McCool, though he is no less devastating in the ring.

His promos haven’t been very good, but his in-ring work has perhaps been the best of the entire bunch. It would be no surprise if Kaval won the competition and even if he doesn’t win it is safe to assume that he has made enough of an impact to eventually be a part of the WWE roster.

McGillicutty stands at 6'3" and has the best record of the remaining NXT rookies. The son of the late “Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig looks like a chip off the old block and seems to possess some of his father’s in-ring talent as well.

The one thing he didn’t get from his bloodline is charisma. McGillicutty tries, but he just can’t seem to find his comfort zone when it comes to showcasing his personality. Half the time he tries to be a fun-loving good guy much like his pro, Kofi Kingston, but he also comes off as a bit of a cocky braggart when he gets on the mic.

Once he figures out exactly which persona he wants to portray, the kid will more than likely be a success story for the WWE. He has shown flashes of excellence in the ring and has a good chance of winning season two of NXT.

Make no mistake about it; Riley is ready to be a part of the WWE.

After spending the past few years honing his “Varsity Villain” character in Florida Championship Wrestling, Riley has undoubtedly become the biggest heel of the NXT bunch.

Pairing him with The Miz was a great move, though I have a feeling that Riley wouldn’t have any problems getting people to boo him if he was paired with a different pro. The fact that The Miz is currently one of the top heels the WWE only makes people want to root against Riley that much more.

Riley is so despised by the WWE Universe that the odds of him somehow winning NXT seem very slim. It is hard to imagine the fans voting for him in the polls when he is constantly greeted by a chorus of boos.

This only means that he has done his job incredibly well throughout the course of season two. Judging by the reaction he gets, Riley has already gotten over as a big time heel without even making it to the main WWE roster. Chances are, he won’t walk away as the winner of NXT but he should easily gain a roster spot.

The roster of NXT season two was a strong one and probably surpasses its predecessor in terms of overall quality. The rookies from the first season have gone on to do huge things as the Nexus but some of them still do not seem as developed as the remaining competitors on the current NXT roster.

Only one of these three will become the winner of NXT, but it is nearly a lock that each of them will have a bright future in the WWE.