WWE NXT's May 12th episode was a showcase of fresh faces and new stars, with a focus on the women's division and the intriguing introduction of NARAKU. The show delivered a mix of action, storytelling, and character development, with a few standout moments and a clearer picture of the roster's direction. Here's a deeper dive into the key matches and segments, along with my personal commentary and analysis.
Tatum Paxley and Lizzy Rain vs. Zaria and Nikkita Lyons
This tag team match was a solid showcase of the women's division, with both teams delivering strong performances. Paxley and Rain, a new duo, showed promise with their energetic and infectious chemistry. However, the match fell into a formulaic pattern, relying on hot tags to light up the crowd. Paxley and Rain's double-team offense could have been more cohesive, and Zaria's decision to walk away from the match was a bit underwhelming, especially given her heel character.
In my opinion, this match had the potential to be a turning point for the women's division, but it fell short of reaching its full potential. The crowd's energy was high, and the action was good, but the match lacked the depth and innovation that NXT is capable of. I would have liked to see more from Paxley and Rain, especially given their new partnership. Their infectious energy and chemistry are a welcome addition to the roster, and I'm curious to see how they develop as a team.
NARAKU vs. Lince Dorado
NARAKU's in-ring debut was a bit underwhelming, despite his impressive entrance presentation. Dorado, a veteran, showcased his lucha libre skills, but NARAKU failed to impress as a serious threat in the ring. His STO finish was predictable, and he didn't show enough to justify his position as a top contender.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the contrast between NARAKU's entrance and his in-ring work. His presentation was more important than his actual performance, which is a bit concerning. I would have liked to see more from him, especially given the hype surrounding his debut. Hopefully, he can show off more against higher-level competition in the near future.
BirthRight vs. EK Prosper, Sean Legacy and Tate Wilder
This six-man tag team match was a solid showcase of the men's division, with BirthRight and Wilder delivering strong performances. Wilder, in particular, established his NXT character with his adrenaline-fueled offense. However, the finish was overdone, and the match suffered from an excessive emphasis on Wilder's individual brilliance.
From my perspective, this match had the potential to be a turning point for the men's division, but it fell short of reaching its full potential. The crowd's energy was high, and the action was good, but the finish was a bit too predictable. I would have liked to see more from the established teams, especially BirthRight, who looked great in this match.
Mason Rook Signs His NXT Contract
Rook's contract signing was a bit underwhelming, despite his impressive moonsault. Robert Stone's reprimand and Tony D'Angelo's arrival added some drama, but the segment lacked the impact I was hoping for. Rook's presentation is still not clicking, and his character needs more development.
One thing that immediately stands out is the contrast between Rook's moonsault and his overall presentation. He has the athletic ability, but his character needs more depth and a clearer direction. I would have liked to see more from him, especially given the hype surrounding his debut. Hopefully, he can find his footing and become a more compelling character.
Jackson Drake (w/ Vanity Project) vs. Noam Dar
This match was a solid showcase of the men's division, with Drake delivering a strong performance. Dar, a veteran, showcased his skills, but Drake's momentum and the Vanity Project's support gave him the edge. The match was fun and forgettable, with Drake continuing to build his momentum as one of NXT's highest priority stars.
What many people don't realize is that Drake's performance in this match was a clear indication of his potential as a future star. His chemistry with the Vanity Project and his ability to build momentum made him a standout performer. I would have liked to see more from Dar, especially given his role as a facilitator for the future stars. NXT should surround him with more stars in the near future.
Kelani Jordan vs. Kendal Grey (w/ Wren Sinclair)
This match was a showcase of the women's division, with Jordan delivering a strong performance. Grey, a top title contender, showed her killer instinct and athletic offense. The match was well-timed and full of crowd attention, with Jordan picking up a huge win over a top title contender.
What this really suggests is that the women's division is in good hands, with Jordan and Grey delivering strong performances. The top championship scene is now more limited, with Vice and Grey both looking like strong contenders. I would have liked to see more from Vice, especially given her recent losses. However, this match was a step in the right direction for the division.
Overall Show
The overall show was a step in the right direction for NXT, with a fresh roster and a clearer picture of the roster's direction. The women's division shined in the ring, with strong performances from Paxley, Rain, Jordan, and Grey. The men's division, on the other hand, is still floundering, with the over-pushing of Rook and Hendrix before fully establishing them.
If you take a step back and think about it, the show's overall grade of B- is a fair reflection of its strengths and weaknesses. The women's division is shining, with strong performances and a clear direction. The men's division, however, is still struggling to find its footing, with the over-pushing of certain characters. Hopefully, the stars that shine will continue to pass up those not ready for the spotlight, and NXT will continue to deliver strong performances and compelling storytelling.
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