This article ranks the NXT rookies based upon how well they are doing with what they have been given, and my perception of how WWE officials would rank them. It is not an attempt to pick the winner as it is obviously a worked competition. The first number is my personal ranking, and the final number is where I believe WWE officials would rank each wrestler.

1. Daniel Bryan (mentor The Miz): As I have said several times, his interactions with Miz are the most compelling thing about this show. He has not shown the flashes of in ring brilliance that he did in Ring of Honor yet, but I think that is more a result of booking than him. His showing intensity in the ring last night seemed to endear him to the fans, which is all he has been missing. There can be no doubt that he is the favorite with WWE and he is doing very well. WWE Ranking: 1

2. David Otunga (mentor R-Truth): I really like this guy. He has all the charisma in the world, and he has the look Vince goes gaga over. Part of his appeal is his mainstream connections through his fiancé Jennifer Hudson. His weakness is in the ring, no doubt. But he is no worse than some other big men who are on the roster, and I think he will improve. Of course, his pro is not exactly known for botch free matches so that may hurt him in the end. Still, I see big things for him. WWE Ranking: 2

3. Wade Barrett (mentor Chris Jericho): This guy could be the surprise breakout star. He has a great look, and does very well in the ring. His mic skills are also pretty good, and he has one of, if not the best talker in the business as his pro. He is feeding off of Jericho’s heat perfectly, and has already adopted some of his arrogance. I’m a little higher on him than I think WWE is right now, but I see him getting more to work with going forward. WWE Ranking: 4

4. Darren Young (mentor C.M. Punk): I like this guy. He’s kind of toolish, but it works for him. His pairing with Punk could be a ton of fun—as was hinted at last night—and he looked pretty good in his match last week. I don’t know if I want him to go straight edge or break away and become a face much like Bryan will. It seems WWE has him in the lower half of the group, but just barely. WWE Ranking: 6

5. Justin Gabriel (mentor Matt Hardy): Thank God he got rid of that stupid ring gear from last week. Gabriel has a horrible look. Powell made a comment that he looked like Wonder Twin Zan from the old Justice League of America cartoons and he is dead on. That is going to hurt him going forward I am afraid. His in ring work is good, albeit a little melodramatic. He is not the second coming of Rey Mysterio, but that seems to be where they are pushing him. His mic skills are not the best, and having Hardy as a pro won’t help at all. Still, I think he can have a decent career if he works out the kinks in his act. WWE seems to like him a lot based on his showing. WWE Ranking: 5

6. Heath Slater (mentor Christian): This guy is in trouble in my opinion. His act is ridiculous, his in ring skills are weak, and Christian punks him every time he tries to help him. It started with a hair flip and has been all downhill from there. WWE loves this guy, though. He is everywhere. But all that is doing is exposing him as a tool to a bigger audience. I hope the guy can turn it around, but right now he seems to be headed to Santino’s tag team partner. WWE Ranking: 3

7. Skip Sheffield (mentor William Regal): Stone Cold’s “special” cousin has had two major appearances: his tag match last week, and his interaction with Criss Angel this week. Both made him look like a simpleton, and we know how well that gimmick works. Just ask Trevor Murdoch. His disputes with Regal could lead to some fun, but I am afraid it will be at his expense, making him the fool of the WWE. We haven’t seen enough of him in the ring to form a definitive opinion yet, but at least he gets more air time than Tarver. WWE Ranking: 7

8. Michael Tarver (mentor Carlito): I forget this guy every time I try to list the rookies. And yet he has his own shirt. I’m not exactly sure what the plan for this guy is, but right now he is the bottom of the barrel. And "1.9" is not going to help get him over. If he isn’t in the ring this coming week, expect him to be future endeavored when this show is over. WWE Ranking: 8

Agree or disagree with my rankings or my perception of where WWE officials would rank the NXT rookies? Email me at css3238@gmail.com with whatever is on your mind.

RECOMMEND THIS ARTICLE: