SmackDown rolls into Auckland today - who on the G5 panel are going? Excitement runs high as we look forward to a major highlight on NZ's wrestling calendar.

We also discuss Kane's future, as well as taking another look at the NXT rookies and members of the Nexus.

All this and more in this week's edition of Gimme Five.

1. On the day this is published, SmackDown will be performing at Vector Arena in Auckland. Are you going? If so, what/who are you most looking forward to seeing? Would you like to see RAW next time or does it not bother you which brand comes out here?

Simon:
I had an okay time watching the first SmackDown trip to New Zealand in Wellington. But I would not travel to see the show - it was a oncer for me... but I am sure all those in attendance will have a blast.

David:
I'm there, ringside, and it's going to be amazing. When Chris Masters was drafted to SmackDown I was really excited to see The Masterpiece back in New Zealand, but it appears he's not on the tour for whatever reason, so I think Dolph Ziggler is the guy who's got me most excited, which is kind of strange. I'm looking forward to seeing the Divas, too! It doesn't matter which brand comes next time - the WWE experience is always amazing.

Dion:
I'll be there, having a blast in the front row! I'm looking forward to seeing The Hart Dynasty and Jack Swagger for the first time. And Christian for the first time in forever. Big Show, Kane and Rey Mysterio will no doubt be on form, too. Would be nice to see RAW out here next time. SmackDown seems to have become "the B show" once again.

Kirsty:
I will not be there - for the first time since WWE added NZ to their South Pacific tour, I will not be there. I don't wanna talk about it.

Luke:
It will be my first show since the 2007 Western Springs show, so I am looking forward to it. I am a bit bummed of the lack of top talent that is coming over which was the determining factor in my ticket price, but for cheap tickets it will be a great night out! I don't mind what brand comes, though if the 'E wanted my $350 for ringside, it would be well spent if the tour was chocker full of talent.

Scott:
If I were going to Vector Arena I’d be holding a sign that read “I paid to see Chavo.” But I didn’t pay, so I’m not going to see Chavo. So I won’t make the sign.

Matt:
The tour hit Brisbane this week, and unlike past tours I was relatively uninterested (didn’t even see who was making personal appearances and where!). SmackDown is just so blah at the moment! In fact, I’d suffice to say, I probably make a point of watching Superstars more than The Blue Brand as at least the talent is hungry. The sooner we get another RAW tour the better!

2. Alberto Del Rio (aka Dos Caras Jr.) has been suaving his way through promos on SmackDown. Are you looking forward to seeing what he can do in the ring, given his MMA background, or is he not ringing your bells?

Simon:
I've yet to see any of the promos but he was one of the ones from the opening preview that I was instantly interested in... for sure...

David:
I actually had no idea that Alberto was Dos Caras Jr., which is a bit embarrassing. He hadn't had me leaping out of my seat with his vignettes on SmackDown, but now I'm quite excited to see him in the ring tonight.

Dion:
With limited TV viewing time each week, I've been fast-forwarding my way through the vignettes unfortunately. Looks like we'll get our first taste at the SmackDown Live Event, though.

Kirsty:
I like him. He sounds like Antonio Banderas and that can only be a good thing. MMA guys are a bit hit and miss when it comes to pro-wrestling but it's always interesting seeing how they get on, so I'm looking forward to seeing him in action.

Luke:
I've enjoyed his promos that have aired on SmackDown and am looking forward to see what he can do in the ring. He has the look and the voice skills, lets hope he can break that MMA to wrestling curse.

Scott:
Yes, oh yes. I have no idea who this “Don Caras” person is, but I think the WWE needs someone who has drunk deep from the lactating bosoms of knowledge!

Matt:
I find the use of such cheesy vignettes to build the arrival of new talent a hark back to the dreaded days of the mid-1990s WWE cartoon period, but without the imagination or comic talent of the likes of The Bushwhackers, Dusty Rhodes, Mr Perfect or even (heaven forbid) Repo Man. Del Rio’s Young And The Restless acting attempts are as grating on the senses as modern acting counterparts Jimmy Yang Wang and Kizarnee, and his in-ring over-ness will probably meet the same fate as those two once he actually laces up the boots.

3. Kane has been cutting some big red promos of late, and during the last SmackDown he tossed Rey Mysterio and Jack Swagger into the tide. Are we seeing Kane on one last main event push, or is this the beginning of a whole new era for him?

Simon:
It has to be the beginning of the end doesn't it? Really? I mean Kane has done remarkably well for such a one-note player. I mean, sure there was the masked Kane and then the un-masked Kane, there was even a fake-Kane, there's been the brothers feud with 'Taker and sporadic teamings up with his "brother" - but really, he should have been put out to pasture easily 5-8 years ago and has managed to be a strong team player. Good on him. But this has to be a victory lap of sorts, a) for service and b) because they are not really ready to completely trust one of the greenhorns with the belt just yet.

David:
This is probably his last main event push. It'll be nice to see him with the title tonight.

Dion:
I think it could well be a whole new era - although you do have to wonder how long he's got left in his career. The guy has been around longer than the very vast majority of the roster. The promos and happenings have been very "dramatic", haven't they? Something a little different. And definitely a little SmackDown.

Kirsty:
I'm loving Kane's direction right now, it's long overdue. His promos in the ring have been absolutely stellar, and I like the storyline they're working with him. However, I don't think this is the beginning of a new era for him. I'm pretty sure this is his swan song. My guess is we'll be farewelling him at WrestleMania.

Luke:
I have always been a huge fan of the Big Red Machine, and this is a push well earned and well deserved after years of having to put up with the worst storylines ever. His promos lately have been top notch, he's back in shape and he is giving hell on SmackDown. I do see this as being the beginning of the end for Kane, so I will enjoy it while it lasts.

Scott:
This is the last era of Kane, I feel. This will all end at WrestleMania, he versus Undertaker. And you know what? I don’t mind. It’s a good way for him to go out.

Matt:
Roll on WrestleMania! Bring back the mask!

4. Titus O'Neil and Eli Cottonwood have been eliminated from NXT. Who do you think is next? And who's your pick to win Season 2? Have any of the Season 2 rookies surprised you?

Simon:
I have not watched any of Season 2 of NXT. I saw the previews then packed up my TV. Not because the previews were so bad, but because I'm trying to sell my house. I'm not trying to sell my house because the previews were so bad either - they are seemingly unconnected but it remains true that I have not seen NXT. Have I killed enough time now to make this look like a thoughtful answer?

David:
I was glad to see Cottonwood go last week. I'd like to see Lucky Cannon go next; he's quite bland. Michael McGillicutty is also a bit bland personality-wise, but he gets things done in the ring, so he's my pick to ultimately win NXT. Alex Riley has surprised me a hell of a lot since season two started though - he's a perfect fit for The Miz. I think he could have moved straight from FCW to the main WWE roster no problem.

Dion:
I like quite a few of the guys. Kaval, McGillicutty, Percy Watson and Alex Riley in particular. Riley is a born star and probably the most talented of the lot - although I love watching Kaval in action.

Kirsty:
I've got a nasty feeling Husky Harris will be next, which will be a shame as he's the one who's really surprised me. He's incredibly speedy and agile for a guy his size. However, I'm going with Alex Riley to win. The guy's a natural, but I'm hoping they don't turn him into a Miz clone - let him run with his own personality/character.

Luke:
I wish I could comment on this, but I have not watched NXT Season 2 much.

Scott:
Next has to be Lucky Cannon. Why is he even still there? He has nothing, either in or out of the ring. Michael McGillicutty will surely win this season of NXT, “perfect” record and all. But Alex Riley is showing the best potential for the future.

Matt:
Husky will probably go next. History has shown Vince isn’t a chubbie-lover (exception Dusty Rhodes!). He reminds me of a palangi Samoa Joe wannabe, without the vicious streak (and an inferior Senton Splash). Kaval to win Season 2… and then be made another indie martyr by Creative a-la Danielson. Percy Watson has surprised me. Whenever he is on screen I just can't help but be entertained by "Mr Showtime" (funny that!). He is entertaining in a Steve Urkel on steroids sort of way. Oops… sorry Perce… Wellness breach.

5. You get to fire one of the Nexus. Gone for good, never to return. Who's it going to be?

Simon:
I don't rate most of NXT Season 1 but the ones I rate the least would be Skip Sheffield and Michael Tarver.

David:
Y'know the strange thing... I think it's going to be David Otunga, who's perhaps the guy I had the highest hopes for in the early days of NXT Season One. Guys like Sheffield and Tarver didn't impress me at all when they were on NXT, but now that they're part of The Nexus they've become quite captivating. Otunga, on the other hand, hasn't done a thing worth mentioning since his stint on NXT wrapped up.

Dion:
Darren Young. He seems like a nice young guy, but I don't think he quite has the charisma it takes to make it in the big time. Still... to a certain extent, charisma can be taught and he could well have a future ahead of him.

Kirsty:
David Otunga. He's just dull.

Luke:
Well, I will have to go with David Otunga as well. Sure, he has a great look but he fails to impress me in the ring at all.

Scott:
Heath Slater. He’s the only one in The Nexus who hasn’t done anything remotely scary, apart from looking very ginger. And that’s a dye job too.

Matt:
Heath Slater is the weakest link… goodbye! Weakest wrestling ability, weakest promo ability and he always has a stupid look on his face, like some 7-year-old ‘ranga kid who has smelled a really bad egg fart? At least all the other guys seem to be responding to their time in the spotlight… especially Tarver who cut quite the promo a few shows ago, and Darren Young who is looking less like a jacked up Buckwheat and more like "Black Cena" every day.