The John Report: WWE NXT 05/12/26 Review
This week’s WWE NXT features Kendal Gray facing Kelani Jordan, Naraku’s debut match, Birthright in tag team action, and more.
The NXT brand continues to roll on as they adapt to life without some bigger names who left the roster in recent weeks. I’m not sure when the next major show is, but hopefully we find out soon.
They were at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando for this week’s show. Follow me on Twitter @johnreport and check out my NXT TV review archive. Let’s get to it.
The show started with a women’s tag team match as Tatum Paxley and Lizzy Rain made their entrances to face Nikkita Lyons and Zaria in the opening match.
It’s Vic Joseph and Booker T on commentary. Mike Rome was the ring announcer.
Tatum Paxley & Lizzy Rain vs. Zaria & Nikkita Lyons
The powerhouse Zaria hit a clothesline on Rain early on. Rain hit an enziguri kick. Paxley tagged in with a knee smash on Zaria. When Lyons tagged in, Zaria wasn’t happy about it. Lyons hit a body slam on Paxley. Rain tagged in for a double dropkick. Paxley and Rain hit a double team clothesline to knock Lyons out of the ring. Rain and Paxley kicked their opponents to knock them down on the floor. The show went on a break there for some fans, and I’ll take a break too.
Lyons was in control of Paxley with a forearm to the face. Zaria went for a slam, Paxley landed on her feet and Zaria missed a charge, so she bumped to the floor. Rain tagged in against Lyons with a fallaway slam. Rain chopped Lyons and hit a Cutter on Zaria. Rain charged, Lyons moved and Lyons hit a forearm to the face. Paxley back in with a superkick on Lyons. Lyons hit a spinning kick on Paxley. When Lyons went for a tag, Zaria bailed to the floor. Paxley hit a spinning kick on Lyons. Rain tagged in and did her step-up Thunderstruck kick on Lyons for the pinfall win. It went about 11 minutes.
Winners by pinfall: Tatum Paxley & Lizzy Rain
Analysis: *** A fun tag team match with Paxley and Rain working well together as a babyface team that is very entertaining due to their positive attitudes. Zaria walking out on Lyons was the story since Zaria is a selfish woman who doesn’t get along with others. It was a big win for Rain.
Kendal Grey spoke with Wren Sinclair, who had crutches due to an injury. Wren was worried their friendship would turn into Sol and Zaria some day, but Grey assured her that would never happen. Lola Vice walked in with the NXT Women’s Title, and she had a conversation with Grey, who said that after she beats Kelani Jordan, she’s coming for Lola’s title.
The NXT debut of Naraku is next.
(Commercial)
They announced that Penta, Bayley, and Grayson Waller were wrestling at WWE NXT live events on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Naraku made his entrance for his first match. Naraku is the former Evil in New Japan. Vic claimed the world has been waiting.
Naraku vs. Lince Dorado
There was a shoulder tackle by Naraku, along with some chops. Dorado hit a springboard cross body block. Naraku stomped on Dorado’s face as Vic mentioned Naraku winning many titles in NJPW. Naraku suplexed Dorado into the turnbuckle. Naraku hit a clothesline. Naraku delivered a body slam, followed by elbows to the head. Dorado hit an enziguri kick and a dropkick. Dorado bounced off the ropes and hit a Stunner. Naraku kicked Dorado and sent Dorado into the turnbuckle. Naraku hit two Fisherman’s Suplexes in a row. Naraku hit a trip/slam move like an STO for the pinfall win. Vic said it’s called Enter The Abyss. It went about 5 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Naraku
Analysis: ** A dominant win by Naraku as expected. I’m a bit surprised that Dorado got as much offense as he did, but it’s not like he was going to win. This was about making Naraku look impressive in his first match.
Naraku spoke into the camera, saying he is not a man of honor. Naraku said he’s a man of pure evil.
The Trio of EK Prosper, Sean Legacy, and Tate Wilder were talking about their tag team match. Dorian Van Dux talked to them and said that in another week, he should be cleared to wrestle again. They spoke about how they would handle business.
Birthright made their entrance for tag team action.
(Commercial)
A video aired featuring Nattie on WWE LFG, talking about how she has had a great time on the show. There was an interruption from Jaida Parker, who didn’t like Nattie calling her soft. They bickered a bit and Parker was taken away.
Analysis: I like that, whether Nattie is going to help Parker or fight her.
EK Prosper, Sean Legacy & Tate Wilder vs. Birthright – Charlie Dempsey, Uriah Connors & Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo (w/Arianna Grace & Lexis King)
This is Wilder’s first match on NXT after being an Evolve guy. Wilder hit an impressive hiptoss and dropkick on Stacks. Dempsey tagged in, Legacy hit a double stomp and a dropkick for two. EK jumped off the top with a double foot stomp on the back. EK hit a jumping kick, a front slam and a jump off the top turnbuckle into a moonsault. Connors tagged in, tripped up EK and hit a dropkick. EK gave Connors a headscissors and dropkick as the heels retreated. That led to a break for some fans as the action continued.
The match returned with Legacy breaking free, and Wilder got the hot tag. Wilder hit some clotheslines and did a neckbreaker/DDT spot on Connors and Stacks at the same time. Wilder hit a Fisherman’s Buster on Dempsey for two. EK with a Tornado DDT on Connors, then Stacks knocked EK out of the ring and Stacks cleared the ring of Legacy. Wilder hit Stacks to clear the ring. Wilder hit a suplex on Dempsey. Wilder went up top, he had to knock Connors down, and that allowed Dempsey to hit a double underhook superplex. EK broke up the pin attempt. Connors gave EK a Death Valley Driver on the ring apron. Connors went for a knee, Wilder avoided it, and Wilder went for a slam off the shoulders into a neckbreaker for two because Stacks broke up the pin. Wilder sent Stacks and Connors out of the ring. Wilder hit a somersault dive over the top onto Connors and Stacks. Wilder hit a spinning slam on Dempsey. Legacy wanted a tag, but Wilder didn’t want to tag out. Wilder went up top and hit a Frog Splash for two. Wilder kept going for moves, he went for a moonsault and Dempsey moved. Stacks and Connors each made tags and hit running kicks on Wilder, so Connors covered Wilder for the win. Legacy and EK didn’t even attempt to break up the pin. It went about 14 minutes.
Winners by pinfall: Birthright – Charlie Dempsey, Uriah Connors & Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo
Analysis: ***1/4 Good match full of big moves by everybody involved. They went with the story that Wilder is an overzealous rookie who wanted to do everything in the match, instead of doing the smart thing and tagging out to bring in a fresh partner like Legacy or Prosper. I thought Wilder had a good performance for his first NXT match, while the Birthright trio are natural heels, and they do a nice job in that role.
Tatum Paxley and Lizzy Rain were talking about how much fun they had as a tag team. Paxley said she wanted to give Rain a shot at the NXT North American Title. Shiloh Hill talked about Tristan Angels, whom Rain knows. Angels walked in to exchange words with Hill. Andrews said next week he makes his NXT debut and he’ll show that he’s in a class of his own.
The newcomer, Mason Rook, is up next.
(Commercial)
The Culling was in a darkened room for a chat. Izzi Dame talked to Niko Vance and Shawn Spears. Dame was glad Vance was her partner last week. Spears credited Vance for his performance. Vance credited Dame for having a vision and knowing what to do. Dame said she was two steps ahead. Spears left and Dame said if Lola is watching that main event tonight then she’s watching Lola.
Mason Rook Contract Signing
The NXT GM, Robert Stone, was in the ring with a contract, saying talent wants to join NXT. The ring was surrounded by wrestlers who hadn’t debuted on TV yet, including the guy dating Tiffany Stratton.
Mason Rook made his entrance using a generic theme song. Rook got into the ring with Stone. The fans chanted, “He’s big, he’s bad, he’ll body slam your dad.”
Rook said he has been all across Europe, he’s been to Japan and been all around the world. Rook said he turns heads everywhere he goes. Rook said even John Cena sees him because it’s hard not to notice a human flying tank. Rook talked about how if he’s satisfied and his name is in everyone’s mouth. Rook said he is in NXT because he’s not just the best super heavyweight, he’s the best any weight. Rook said if you try to stop a tank, then you get crushed.
Tony D’Angelo arrived with the NXT Title around his waist. Tony said if you think you’re going to make your name at his expense, and Kam Hendrix attacked Tony from behind. Hendrix and Tony got into a fight on the floor. Rook went up top and hit a moonsault onto a few guys on the floor. That was impressive. Rook went back in the ring and signed the contract.
Analysis: They are clearly positioning Mason Rook in a top spot since he’s been presented like a big deal already. I certainly don’t mind it as long as he can deliver in the ring. The fans like his catchphrase as well.
Noam Dar was backstage with Romeo Moreno. Moreno was watching old Dar matches. Dar was proud of his past, but was unsure about what the future looked like.
(Commercial)
OTM’s Bronco Nima and Lucien Price were interviewed by Emily Agard while having a meal. Price mentioned that Nima has been raising his younger brother, JJ, since Nima’s mother died. Nima said it has taught him a lot about responsibility. Nima talked about Price being a tough guy and also being a talented artist. Price was shy about it. Nima and Price talked about going after the NXT Tag Team Titles.
Analysis: I hope OTM wins the NXT Tag Team Titles this year. It hasn’t happened yet, but they are a talented team, and it’s time for them to get that kind of push.
Jackson Drake (w/Brad Baylor, Ricky Smokes, and Myka Lockwood) vs. Noam Dar
Dar ran the ropes and picked up Drake’s ankle. After Drake broke free, Dar hit a back first to the head. Dar kicked Drake’s leg while on the apron. Dar hit a pump kick to knock Drake off the apron to the floor. That led to a break as the action continued.
The match continued with Dar up top, but Drake hit the ropes to knock him down. Drake hit a superplex while standing on the middle turnbuckle. Drake bounced off the rope and hit a Cutter. Dar punched Drake in the jaw and Dar hit a German Suplex. Dar hit some strikes, along with another German Suplex. Dar hit a running elbow and a Northern Lights Suplex out of the corner. Drake avoided a move and hit a jumping kick. Drake hit a gutbuster onto the knees for two. Dar and Drake exchanged pin attempts for two counts. Dar went for an armbar, but Drake turned it into a pin for two. Dar and Drake exchanged forearms. Dar worked over Drake with kicks, so Drake hit a superkick to the jaw. Dar kicked Drake while Drake was going for a showboating move. Drake left the ring, then put Drake into the ring, Myka held onto Dar and then Drake hit a running knee. Drane went up top to hit a 450 Splash for the pinfall win after 11 minutes.
Winners by pinfall: Jackson Drake
Analysis: *** A competitive match the whole way, with Dar looking like he might win a few times, but Drake keeps his title due to a cheap shot. I really like Drake’s poise for a guy wrestling for under ten years.
Darkstate made their entrance while The Vanity Project was in the ring. That led into a break.
(Commercial)
Myles Borne and Tavion Heights were talking backstage. Borne said he was put into a tag team match next week. Heights thought that Borne was teaming with him next week. Borne said he’s teaming with Tony D. Heights wasn’t happy about it. Borne tried to explain it wasn’t his choice, but a frustrated Heights left.
Let’s Haer From Darkstate
Darkstate’s Dion Lennox said they are ready to show everybody who is in control. Brad Baylor of Vanity Project said they don’t give away handouts. Cutler James said they want a rematch for those titles. James said that Mr. Stone already approved the match for next week with Darkstate challenging for the NXT Tag Team Titles. James said it won’t be him and Griffin. James said Shugars and Lennox isn’t working. James said this is on them. Griffin said they need to handle Vanity Project and figure it out. Griffin said they need to get these titles or something has to change. Vanity Project tried to attack, so Darkstate cleared them from the ring.
Analysis: A decent promo from Darkstate. I think Darkstate’s Lennox & Shugars might win the Tag Team Titles next week.
NXT GM Robert Stone talked to Naraku about how they need to talk about Naraku’s future. Stone also informed Kam Hendricks and Mason Rook that they are teaming up next week. Tate Wilder asked Stone for another match next week, so Stone booked Wilder against Keanu Carver, who was standing right there.
Kelani Jordan was shown walking backstage and she saw Izzi Dame staring at her.
(Commercial)
Next week on NXT:
Myles Borne & Tony D’Angelo vs. Kam Hendricks & Mason Rook
NXT Women’s North American Title – Tatum Paxley vs. Lizzy Rain
NXT Tag Team Titles: Vanity Project vs. Darkstate
Kali Armstrong was interviewed by Blake Howard in the backstage area. Kali claimed she was coming for it all, and she’ll run through this NXT locker room, as she did on Evolve. Kendal Grey walked up to Kali to say Kali didn’t run through everybody, referring to Grey having more success than Kali in Evolve.
Kendal Grey (w/Wren Sinclair) vs. Kelani Jordan
This is not officially a #1 contender’s match for the NXT Women’s Title, but it feels like it. They were exchanging moves for a few minutes early on. Jordan hit a moonsault onto Grey on the floor. Grey managed to come back by stunning Jordan, and Grey hit a cross-body block off the top to knock Jordan down. That led to a break for some fans as the action continued.
The match returned as they hit eachother with forearms, and then they did a double hair pull takedown, so both women were down selling. Grey sent a charging Jordan over the top to the floor. Grey hit an overhead suplex across the ring. Grey pulled the straps down, leading to three Exploder Suplexes across the ring. Grey charged at Jordan and hit a hurricanrana for two. Jordan jumped off the turnbuckle with a forearm. Jordan hit a sitout Powerbomb for two. Jordan went to the turnbuckle for her finish, but Grey held onto the left ankle. Grey continued to hold onto the left ankle as Jordan tried to fight it. After Jordan broke free, Grey applied an armbar on the left arm. Jordan hit a knee strike to break free. Each woman hit a neckbreaker. Jordan charged and Grey hit an impressive powerslam on Jordan for a two count. They showed an inset as Izzi Dame attacked Lola Vice in the backstage area. Jordan and Grey went up top and Jordan hit a Spanish Fly off the top for a two count. As Grey and Jordan fought on the top rope again, Dame and Vice were fighting by ringside. They knocked down Wren at ringside. Grey was distracted by the chaos, so Jordan kicked Grey in the leg. Jordan went up top and hit the One of a Kind split-legged moonsault for the pinfall win after about 14 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Kelani Jordan
Analysis: ***3/4 Great match by two talented women who matched up well. They don’t have the same styles, but they are women with extremely bright futures. Jordan capitalized on the chaos at ringside with Grey looking at Wren getting knocked down, and that cost Grey the match.
After the match, Lola Vice checked on Wren Sinclair, who was selling the knee injury. Kendal Grey got in Vice’s face and shoved her. Izzi Dame attacked Vice with a kick to the head. Dame held the NXT Women’s Title over Vice to end the show.
Analysis: It makes sense to have Izzi Dame as a heel in the title picture. I think there will be a 3-way or 4-way match for the title soon.
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Three Stars of the Show
- Kelani Jordan
- Kendal Grey
- Birthright – Charlie Dempsey, Uriah Connors & Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo
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The Scoreboard
This week: 7 out of 10
Last week: 6.25
2026 Average: 7.10
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Final Thoughts on WWE NXT
A solid show overall. The Jordan/Grey match was the highlight, and I would have rated it higher if it hadn’t had the distraction finish. Other matches were solid, too. They are also clearly positioning some of the new wrestlers, like Rook and Hendrix, in big spots to see if they can sink or swim in NXT.
There are still growing pains and a very young roster, but I think they are on the right track.
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John Canton
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