On the final episode of ECW on Syfy, the concept and cast of WWE NXT was revealed as eight WWE "Pros" will mentor eight "Rookies" with the Rookies going on to join either RAW or SmacKDown. The following are the Pro/Rookie pairings for the first season of the show, which will air, starting next Tuesday, at 10/9c on Syfy:
- Chris Jericho (Pro) & Wade Barrett (Rookie)
- Matt Hardy (Pro) & Justin Gabriel (Rookie)
- MVP (Pro) & Skip Sheffield (Rookie)
- Carlito (Pro) & Michael Tarver (Rookie)
- The Miz (Pro) & Daniel Bryan (Rookie)
- Christian (Pro) & Heath Slater (Rookie)
- CM Punk (Pro) & Darren Young (Rookie)
- R-Truth (Pro) & David Otunga (Rookie)
The most notable name on the list of Rookies is Daniel Bryan; better known as "The American Dragon" Bryan Danielson of ROH fame.