As Season 2 of NXT drew to a close and Kaval became the second Rookie to earn a contract via this relatively new concept, the bombshell was dropped that Season 3 would feature a reduced all-Diva cast, at least in terms of the Rookies anyway.
WWE Creative seem to be taking a real risk with this third season, given the lukewarm reception the Diva Search got during it's last incarnation. But with NXT's contract on SyFy up in just a few weeks, Season 3 is likely to be integrated into the other shows, or more likely pushed onto WWE.Com entirely.
Nevertheless, here's a look at the 6 Diva Rookies, their Pro's and how to find them on Twitter.
Rookie Naomi mentored by Kelly Kelly
Hailing from : Orlando, FL
Naomi is a former Orlando Magic cheerleader and backing dancer for Flo Rider making her one of the most athletic Rookies in the competition, but whether that will transfer easily to wrestling skill still remains to be seen.
She picked up the victory in her first match AND the first two Rookie Challenges, although with one being a Dance Contest it was to be expected.
Strangely enough Kelly Kelly is arguably the most well established Diva on the NXT Season 3 roster, giving Naomi as good a chance as any to impress in the ring.
Twitter: NaomiWWE
Rookie Maxine mentored by Alicia Fox
Hailing from : Tampa, FL
Maxine is being pushed as a girl who has expensive tastes and the means to pay for them, as well as possessing an apparent mean streak which she demonstrated in her first match, despite losing out to Naomi and Kelly Kelly alongside her Rookie.
She has perfect delivery on her promos and would likely have been a favourite to win, had she not have been cast in the heel role, alienating 50% of the vote instantly.
Twitter: MaxineWWE
Rookie Aksana mentored by Goldust
Hailing from : Alytus, Lithuania
Aksana, all the way from Lithuania, considers herself to be the most beautiful of all the Rookie Divas, and with Goldust whispering words of encouragement in her ear, she's likely to think she's the most beautiful Diva in the WWE before long.
She's a former Miss Fitness International and blends perfectly with her mentor, having a head of perfect golden hair, although she does seem to have been to the 'Vladimir Kozlov' School of English, calling the company 'Double Double E' on every possible occasion.
Twitter: AksanaWWE
Rookie Jamie mentored by The Bella Twins
Hailing from : Sarasota, FL
Jamie is a failed ring announcer turned Rookie-Diva.
With some pretty forgettable NXT introductions under her belt, she's decided it's time to make the jump and become a fully fledged wrestler, and to help her do so she has the Guest Host bothering masters of the Switch-a-Roo behind her.
On the plus side Jamie is hot, but she got booed mercilessly following the Dance Contest on show one and has to be a candidate for early eviction.
Twitter: JamieKeyes
Rookie A.J. mentored by Primo
Hailing from : Union City, N.J.
A.J. has that certain something that will undoubtedly get the fans behind her.
She's pretty, stands out from the rest, has a good attitude and claims to like comic books and video games.
Unfortunately she also had the bad luck of being saddled with Primo as a mentor.
On paper this looks like being the clear Heel/Face pairing on NXT this season, although the same could have been said for Kaval and Lay-Cool in Season 2.
With Goldust being the only other male competitor in the competition, A.J. looks destined for a run of mixed-tag matches against Aksana.
Twitter: RookieAJ
Rookie Kaitlyn mentored by Vickie Guerrero
Hailing from : Houston, TX.
The near-7ft Aloisia had originally been promoted as Vickie Guerrero's Rookie in the final show of NXT Season 2, but was 'fired' by her mentor prior to her Season 3 début, for no apparent reason.
Rumours are rife as to why Aloisia got pulled from the show, with the general consensus being that it was down to some provocative pictures she posed for a few years previous to signing with the WWE, although she still remains under contract and the official line on the matter is that she simply wasn't 'ready' to be on T.V.
Her last-minute replacement, Kaitlyn failed to impress Vickie during her initial introduction promo, being forced to do it again, boding terribly for their business relationship.
Twitter: KaitlynWWE
Summary of NXT Season 3 Diva Rookies and Pros
NXT Season 3 is scheduled to run for 3 months, the same length of time Season 2 ran for, but with 2 fewer Rookies and potentially less at stake for the Divas taking part, as no title shot has been mentioned thus far.
A.J. had been hailed as the favourite across the internet leading up to the first show, but after Naomi had such a successful night she has to be considered up there as well.
Find out more about the opening episode of NXT Season 3 here.
Jay Davies - Jay Davies is a 25 year old graduate of the University of Lincoln's School of Journalism, currently residing in South Yorkshire, ...
