WWE NXT 18: June 22, 2010

Following their recent and painful initiation at the hands of their WWE Pros, the new crop of NXT Rookies take to the ring to show the WWE Universe that they have what it takes to continue this incredible journey in trying to become the next breakout star. Plus, in his in-ring debut, Alex Riley faces off against fellow newcomer Kaval.
==Event recap==
The newest member of the WWE NXT broadcast team, Ashley Valence, informed the NXT Rookies that it's their last chance to make a first impression on the WWE Pros and the WWE Universe. The first NXT Poll is next week! You, the WWE Universe, will vote at 10 p.m. ET next Tuesday for the NXT Rookie you think is WWE's Next Breakout Star. Your vote counts for 50 percent and the Pros’ vote counts for 50 percent when the first NXT Poll rankings are revealed on next week's show. Which NXT Rookie will become WWE's Next Breakout Star and earn a future championship match on a pay-per-view?
With a clear size advantage, the 7-footer, Eli Cottonwood, defeated fellow NXT Rookie, Kaval, who stands significantly shorter at just 5 feet 8 inches. The quick and nimble 174-pound Kaval put up a noble fight against the 313-pound Cottonwood, as his WWE Pros, Women's Champion Layla and her bestie, Michelle McCool, looked on. But Cottonwood simply dominated his much smaller opponent. WWE Pro John Morrison congratulated his undefeated protégé, Cottonwood, after the match, while Layla and Michelle presented Kaval with a personalized pink “Property of Lay-Cool” shirt. With his win, Cottonwood upped his record to 2-0, while Kaval remained winless at 0-2.
Before the first NXT Poll next week, the NXT Rookies pleaded their cases to the WWE Pros and the WWE Universe, each explaining why he should be WWE's Next Breakout Star. But NXT Rookie Husky Harris said he wouldn't need 45 seconds to plead his case. The third-generation competitor took a page out of the book of his WWE Pro, Cody Rhodes, and shockingly attacked WWE NXT host Matt Striker, a move that garnered congratulations from Rhodes.
With the first NXT Poll less than a week away, several NXT Rookies did everything in their power to prove to the WWE Universe and the WWE Pros that they have what it takes to become WWE's Next Breakout Star.
==Match results==
* Singles match: Eli Cottonwood (w/ John Morrison) pinned Kaval (w/ WWE Women's Champion Michelle McCool & WWE Women's Champion Layla) at 2:45 after catching Kaval attempting a springboard and landing a face-first slam.
==Staff and on-screen personnel==
* Ashley Valence (Host)
* Jamie Keyes (Ring announcer)
==Notes==
* Ashley Valence's debut.
Category:NXT
Category:2010 television episodes
Category:Ashley Valence
Category:Jamie Keyes
Category:Layla El
Category:Michelle McCool
Category:LayCool & Kaval management
Category:LayCool