On March 8, Kozlov then became the Pro to Conor O'Brian on "NXT Redemption". On the March 22 episode of "NXT Redemption", Kozlov and his rookie O'Brian defeated JTG and his rookie Jacob Novak in a dance-off. Afterwards, Kozlov began teaching O'Brian sambo-like dancing and board breaking. O'Brian was eliminated on the June 28, episode of "NXT", being the fourth rookie eliminated from the competition. Kozlov would then go on to feud with JTG on "NXT", defeating JTG on three occasions. Kozlov's last WWE match was on the August 5 episode of "SmackDown", where he lost to Mark Henry. After the match, Henry (kayfabe) broke Kozlov's left leg before Sheamus came down to the ring and saved him from Henry. On the same day, WWE announced that Kozlov was released from his WWE contract.