When NXT Season 4 drew to a close most expected it to be the last, with Tough Enough scheduled to make a triumphant return the Monday night following WrestleMania XXVII.
However, with the show reportedly doing so well online, and with no pressure from networks to contend with, the WWE executives have decided to run with the ball and roll out another line-up for Season 5.
The difference this season?
All the Rookies have appeared in previous seasons of NXT, and are working to earn a spot on NXT Season 6 rather than a WWE Contract.
Here's a look at the Rookie and Pro partnerships, which season they first appeared on and how they can be found on Twitter.
Rookie Darren Young mentored by Chavo Guerrero
Hailing From: Union, NJ
First appeared on : NXT Season 1
Darren Young's first run in NXT was somewhat uneventful and he became known almost exclusively because of his wild hair and on/off relationship with his original Pro C.M Punk.
This time though he is by far the most experienced Rookie in Season 5 due to his involvement with Wade Barrett's Nexus.
Along with the rest of the NXT Season 1 Rookies Young ran roughshod over both Raw and Smackdown before somewhat foolishly challenging John Cena and losing his place in the faction.
Young has already won half the battle, being a recognised member of the WWE roster for over a year, and has to be the favourite going in, which he backed up by winning both a match and a challenge on the first week of Season 5.
Twitter: @DarrenyoungNXT
Rookie Conor O'Brian mentored by Vladimir Kozlov
Hailing from : Grand Rapids, Michigan
First appeared on : NXT Season 4
O'Brian didn't do too badly on Season 4 of NXT, although he does have the the rather dubious honour of being the only person ever to be beaten by Alberto Del Rio's personal ring announcer Ricardo Rodriguez.
Last time he played a ratty character, but this time he claims that he's going to let people see the real him.
Twitter: @ConorOBrian
Rookie Jason 'Lucky' Cannon mentored by Tyson Kidd
Hailing from : New Port Richey, FL
First appeared on : NXT Season 2
Last time around Lucky Cannon was a fun-loving guy.
Now he's inherited a robe and a pronounced mean streak, which is sure to be accentuated by his Pro Tyson Kidd.
Looking impressive during his first bout of the season Cannon came close to beating his fellow Season 2 Rookie Titus O'Neil, until Hornswoggle got involved and cost him the match.
Being the only out and out heel in the contest won't do Cannon any favours, but as long as he keeps demonstrating his ability both in and out of the ring he has a shot at doing well.
Twitter: @LuckyCannon
Rookie Byron Saxton mentored by Yoshi Tatsu
Hailing from : Burke, Virginia
First appeared on : NXT Season 4
Byron Saxton had a strong showing in Season 4 and but for the fact he was pushed as a cocky heel, could have gone all the way to the final.
The only Heel to win the show came in Season 1 when the WWE Universe had no influence on the vote, so it's encouraging for Saxton that he seems to have been re-packaged as a fan favourite this time around.
In a strong Rookie line-up Saxton is the strongest on the microphone and this is sure to endear him to the voting public.
Twitter: @ByronSaxton
Rookie Jacob Novak mentored by JTG
Hailing from : Kent, Washington
First appeared on : NXT Season 4
Jacob Novak was the first Rookie eliminated in Season 4 and after losing his first match it's highly likely he'll go the same way on Season 5.
The only thing he currently has going for him is his Pro JTG, who always gets a strong reaction from the crowd despite not really doing anything of note for over a year.
Twitter: @JacobNovak
Rookie Titus O'Neil mentored by Hornswoggle
Hailing from : Live Oak, FL
First appeared on : NXT Season 2
There have been some pretty dubious decisions on NXT over the past 4 Seasons but whether it be bad calls on the challenges or seemingly unfair eliminations, none are as crazy as this partnership.
That said, the pairing of Kaval and Lay-Cool in Season 2 was looked at as a wrong decision and it ended up being a winning combination, although if Titus O'Neil should win he'll be hoping for a WWE career that lasts longer than a few months.
Twitter: @TitusNXT
NXT Season 4 Predictions
It's tough to see who might win this one, with such a strong Rookie line-up that the fans already know and have opinions on.
Lucky Cannon could be vulnerable, being the only clear heel in the competition but he has at least made his presence felt early in the contest, unlike Jacob Novak and Conor O'Brian who could both be in danger come the first elimination.
Read more about the NXT Season 5 Premiere.
Jay Davies - Jay Davies is a 25 year old graduate of the University of Lincoln's School of Journalism, currently residing in South Yorkshire, ...
