Polls and Eliminations

In various weeks, polls are held and evaluate the success of each Rookie and determine the winner of the competition. The poll rankings are entirely determined by votes from the Pros and starting from season 2, votes from fans via WWE's official website. In the Pros' votes, each of the Pros vote for their favorite Rookie, but cannot vote for their own Rookie. Their votes are based on the following four criteria:

• Win-loss record within the show
• Strength of opponents
• Work ethic
• "It" factor

Initially in seasons 1 and 2, the full results and rankings from the poll were revealed. However since Week 11 in season 2, only the elimination is revealed. The first poll, usually held a third of the way through the competition, determines the Rookies' rankings. Subsequent polls are held several weeks later near the end of the season, where the lowest ranked Rookie without immunity is eliminated. Season 2 was set to use this format, but was changed to have the first poll an elimination poll. Season 3 will also use the second season's format,

The show continues until the season finale, where final two or three Rookies appear. One or two final polls are then held to determine the winner of the competition. The prize for the winner is a (kayfabe) WWE contract as well as a championship match at any pay-per-view.

Outside of the polls, Rookies can still be eliminated via an executive decision from WWE management. Season 1 saw Michael Tarver and Daniel Bryan eliminated by management for a lack of self-confidence.