The recruits arrive in Los Angeles for tryouts and size each other up; there's a welcome dinner where WWE coaches scrutinize them; Brayden makes the wrong impression; Keyshawn reveals a harrowing past; one recruit gets bad news.

The recruits must flash their potential; Jonah announces himself with a promo; Olena is motivated by her Ukrainian family; Kevin crashes into reality; Aaron makes the best of a tough situation; Nicky Rod vows not to blow his second chance.

The coaches make tough calls regarding athletes on the bubble; some athletes make adjustments and seek help; Kennedy is challenged by the severity of in-ring training; Bree battles an injury; Caleb draws strength from family; Kevin vows to step up.

Time is running out for the recruits, who face a massive cut-down after a final promo session at The Comedy Store and one last in-ring workout; Emma, Nicky Rod and Bree must redeem themselves; Brayden shows a new character; Jonah goes for the moon.

The morning after the big cut-down, the remaining recruits are left to wonder who among them will get a WWE contract; a few recruits have their dreams come true in tense and tender meetings with Triple H, while others receive heartbreaking news.

The recruits go home before moving to Orlando, Fla.; Bree tries to get right with her mom; Caleb must make a big decision; the rookies adjust to life as pro wrestlers, but tensions arise; Coach Bloom makes a jaw-dropping announcement.

The announcement of the NXT match sets off a competitive dynamic among the rookies; Brayden settles things with Jonah; Emma gets physical; Bree battles demons; Keyshawn suffers a tragedy; two athletes make their debut in front of a live NXT audience.