In January 2012, Kidd began a face turn for the first time since 2010. After defeating Trent Barreta twice on "NXT", Kidd proposed that they tag team together. In late February 2012, Kidd began a feud with Michael McGillicutty after McGillicutty mocked his lack of wrestling heritage. Kidd then lost to McGillicutty on the February 29 "NXT". After McGillicutty insulted Kidd by claiming that Kidd would never be a true 'Hart', Kidd received a rematch on the March 21 "NXT", where he defeated McGillicutty to even up the score at one win each. Kidd and McGillicutty faced off in a third match on the April 11 "NXT", resulting in Kidd triumphant over McGillicutty. Kidd reinforced his singles dominance in "NXT" by first defeating Johnny Curtis on April 25, and next defeating McGillicutty and Derrick Bateman in a triple threat match on May 16.