The John Report: WWE NXT 05/19/26 Review
This week’s WWE NXT features Tony D’Angelo & Myles Borne teaming up, Tatum Paxley defending her title, Vanity Project facing Darkstate, and more.
For this review, I’ll go play by play for some matches and a summary style review for others.
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.
There was some pre-show walking shown from earlier in the day.
It’s Vic Joseph and Booker T on commentary. Mike Rome was the ring announcer.
The championship team of NXT North American Champion Myles Borne and NXT Champion Tony D’Angelo entered first. They’re up against the newcomers, Mason Rook and Kam Hendrix.
Tony D’Angelo & Myles Borne vs. Mason Rook & Kam Hendrix
Kam was known as Anthony Luke before the name change. He’s married to Maxxine Dupri. Kam got a hold of Borne and hit a powerslam for two. Borne did an impressive leapfrog, along with a dropkick. Borne hit a powerslam. Tony tagged in with a side headlock takeover and a clothesline. Rook tagged in to face off with Tony as they exchanged strikes. Rook splashed Tony two times, hit a clothesline and a senton splash. Tony hit two splashes against the turnbuckle. Borne tagged in with a double belly to back suplex on Rook. The champions sent Kam out of the ring as well. The show went on a break for some fans there and I’ll take a break too.
The match returned after Rook hit a double suplex on Borne and Tony at the same time. The heels did a ref distraction spot where Kam hit a chop block on Borne and Rook hit a body slam for two. Kam back in with an elbow and Rook hit a splash. Borne tried to break free, but Kam knocked Borne down. Kam hit a suplex into a slam for two. Rook was back in with a Blue Thunder Bomb on Borne for a two count. Borne broke free to bring in Tony, who hit a Spear on Rook and two German Suplexes on Kam. Tony hit a spinebuster on Kam. Tony ran the ropes and hit a Spear on Kama for two because Rook broke up the pin with a senton splash. Borne was back in with a knee. Kam hit a jumping kick and Tony hit a Powerbomb. Tony clotheslined Rook out of the ring. Tony charged, Rook avoided him and sent Tony into the steel steps. Borne hit a dive over the top onto Rook, who was legal. Tavion Heights punched Kam in the back and Kam went into Myles on the apron. Rook tagged in with a running slam into the turnbuckle. Rook hit a slam off the shoulders, but Kam made a blind tag, so Kam covered Borne for the win. It went 12 minutes.
Winners by pinfall: Mason Rook & Kam Hendrix
Analysis: ***1/4 It was a big win for “rookies” Rook and Hendrix, which ended with Hendrick doing the asshole move of stealing the pin from his own partner. It’s an upset to see champions lose like that, but I think Tony D and Borne will be just fine. Hendrix pinning Borne could lead to a title match soon.
After the match, Kam Hendrix celebrated the win while Mason Rook wasn’t happy about it.
Darkstate was backstage talking about how they were trying to become 3-time NXT Tag Team Champions. Dion Lennox said they aren’t arguing because they are focused. Dion wondered what they mentioned last week when they said that if they lost, then they might make a change. Osiris Griffin was about to speak, so Saquon Shugars spoke up instead. Shugars said they are united, and they have each other’s backs, so they were ready to go.
A video aired about Kelani Jordan beating Kendal Grey in a great match last week. Jordan is up next.
There was a Club WWE video featuring John Cena.
(Commercial)
Let’s Hear from Kelani Jordan
Kelani Jordan made her entrance for a promo after her big win last week. Jordan said that in nine months, she was a main player on NXT and she was the fastest rising star in WWE. Jordan said last week she beat Kendal Grey, who people want to put in the WWE Hall of Fame. Jordan said she’s better than the women called up to Raw and SmackDown while naming some of them. Jordan mentioned making Lola Vice tap out. Jordan said she hasn’t even gotten a chance at the NXT Women’s Title. Jordan trashed other women fumbling opportunities. Jordan said she deserves a shot at the NXT Women’s Championship and shouldn’t be overlooked any longer.
Izzi Dame walked out for an interruption while bragging about how she has pinned NXT Women’s Champion Lola Vice. Dame told Jordan to go to the back of the line.
The NXT Women’s Champion, Lola Vice, said she won when it mattered, and that’s why she’s the NXT Women’s Champion. Vice got in the ring and trashed both women. Vice said that Dame attacked her last week, so next week Vice will defend the title against Dame. Vice told Jordan she’ll be next.
Kendal Grey joined the promo party and Jordan mentioned she already beat Grey last week. Wren Sinclair went into the ring and attacked Jordan with a crutch, so Jordan bumped to the floor. Vice held up her title.
Analysis: We get those kinds of promos often in NXT. It will lead to title shots for the three challengers, with Dame up first.
Sean Legacy was backstage talking to Dorian Von Dux. Legacy informed Dorian that they will face eachother next week in a Speed Tournament match.
Noam Dar spoke with Romeo Moreno, who tried to encourage Dar even though Dar was sad after losing his comeback match.
(Commercial)
Layla Diggs and other women were watching a video of Natalya criticizing Jaida Parker, who walked in. Diggs and Parker argued, so Parker challenged Diggs to a match for next week.
Tristan Angels vs. Romeo Moreno (w/Noam Dar)
Angels hit a backbreaker and was distracted by Shiloh Hill in the crowd. Moreno gave Angels a hiptoss out of the ring, and Moreno hit a cross body block off the top on Angels. They went on a break as the action continued, and I had to step away for that.
Moreno was in control with a missile dropkick off the top for two. Moreno went up top, Angles hit an enziguri kick and a Backstabber knee attack. They left the ring and Angels tripped up Moreno on the apron. Angels hit a running knee drop to the head for the pinfall win. I didn’t time it, but I think it was about 8-10 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Tristan Angels
Analysis: *** A competitive match to put over the cocky Angels in his debut. Romeo is very talented, and you can tell he’s a guy who can do a lot of moves. They both sold really well too. Angels is somebody with a lot of potential. It made sense for him to win.
Tristan Angels did a promo saying Shiloh Hill was where he belongs with the rowd. Shiloh Hill said his goal was to be recognized as Mr. NXT. A Tristan Angels photo appeared and it was booed. Angels told Hill he’ll pay for his actions.
Tatum Paxley and Lola Vice were talking backstage while showing off their titles. Tony D’Angelo and Myles Borne walked in with their titles as well. Tony said the targets on their backs keep getting better. Lola said nobody is taking her title. Tatum left to defend her title and they wished her good luck.
Naraku walked up to Tony D and told him that evil will strike when you least expect it.
Lizzy Rain made her entrance for singles action.
(Commercial)
Shawn Spears and Niko Vance were talking backstage as Spears said they got a tag team match against OTM next week. Vance didn’t like it since Izzi Dame has a title match next week. Izzi walked in to complain. Spears said it could be a massive night for them.
Analysis: It seems like Vance and Dame will be kicking Spears out of The Culling soon.
NXT Women’s North American Championship: Tatum Paxley vs. Lizzy Rain
Paxley and Rain won a tag team match last week and now they are opponents. Paxley and Rain exchanged holds early on, leading to some nearfalls. Paxley connected with a dropkick to send Rain out of the ring. Rain got back in the ring and hit a running kick to knock Paxley down. That led to a break for some fans as the match continued, and I’ll take a break too.
The match returned from the break as the women ran the ropes and hit a double cross body block to knock eachother down. Paxley and Rain exchanged strikes. They did a double clothesline spot. Paxley got a kick to the gut, and Rain hit a kick to the head. Paxley hit kicks to the body, but Rain came back with a jumping kick. Rain hit an Exploder Suplex across the ring. Rain hit a running slam off the shoulders for a two count. Rain went for a kick on the floor, but Paxley kicked her in the head. Back in the ring, Paxley hit a superkick, Rain hit a German Suplex that Paxley no sold and Rain hit a flying headbutt to knock Paxley out of the ring. Paxley went for a spin kick, Rain blocked it and they exchanged pin attempts. Rain countered a pin attempt and Paxley hit Cemetery Drive for the pinfall win after about 11 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Tatum Paxley
Analysis: ***1/2 That was really good and an even matchup the whole way with Rain showing she’s very capable in the ring. Paxley has been putting on great matches like that on a regular basis this year, so I’m glad that Paxley got to show what she can do again.
After the match, Zaria went into the ring and hit a double Spear on both women. Zaria hit the F5 on Rain and an F5 on Paxley, too. Zaria posed with the NXT Women’s North American Title.
Analysis: I think Zaria winning the title makes sense. It should happen soon.
Kendal Grey and Wren Sinclair talked backstage about what happened out there. Wren felt bad about costing Grey last week and Grey said it wasn’t her fault. NXT GM Robert Stone told Wren he can’t have her attacking people with crutches. Wren said she wanted to face Kelani Jordan in a match. Stone said if she can be cleared next week, then she can get that match.
Keanu Carver made his entrance for singles action.
A commercial aired for Clash in Italy on May 31st.
(Commercial)
Keanu Carver vs. Tate Wilder
Carver blocked a sunset flip and hit some headbutts. Wilder hit an enziguri kick. Wilder sent Carver out of the ring, leading to a moonsault on Carver on the floor. Caver got back up to shove Wilder into the ring post. Carver picked up Wilder and tossed him into the ring. Carver hit a massive German Suplex across the ring. Wilder is bleeding from under the left eye. Carver hit a big clothesline. Wilder got some offense with a top rope dropkick, a Slingblade, and a shoulder tackle. Wilder clotheslined Carver out of the ring, and Wilder hit a DDT on the floor. Back in the ring, Wilder jumped off the top with a Frog Splash and did not go for the cover. Carver tripped up Wilder by the ropes and hit a Pounce. Carver picked up Wilder and hit a swinging spinebuster for the pinfall win after 5 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Keanu Carver
Analysis: **1/4 A dominant win by Keanu Carver. Tate Wilder has the gimmick of a guy who is overzealous and likes doing a lot of moves, but it ends up costing him matches. I think Carver needs a better finisher.
The Vanity Project was backstage talking about their match tonight. Jackson Drake told Brad Baylor and Ricky Smokes that everything would be okay. Myka Lockwood walked in, saying she’ll handle the Darkstate guys outside the ring, and the guys were happy about that.
(Commercial)
OTM’s Lucien Price and Bronco Nima were backstage while Shiloh Hill wanted them to sign a petition to make Hill Mr. NXT, so the OTM guys signed it. Hill approached Birthright to sign the petition, and Birthright didn’t want to sign it. Charlie Dempsey challenged Hill to a match and Hill liked that. In the background, Myles Borne was arguing with Tavion Heights.
Kam Hendrix Interview
Kam Hendrix was interviewed in the ring by Sarah Schreiber. Kam bragged about beating two champions in his first NXT match. Kam said we can see why he’s called Showtime. Kam said that the NXT Title held by Tony D is looking ready to him.
Mason Rook interrupted the interview. Rook acted like the win was all Kam, but they saw that Kam took the win from Rook. Rook said without him, Kam wouldn’t be here calling his shot. Rook wanted Kam to give him credit. Kam told “big boy” to get with it or get lost because it’s every man for himself. Rook clotheslined Kam and hit a running slam on Kam into the turnbuckle.
Analysis: A quick segment to give Mason Rook some payback after Kam Hendrix hogged the spotlight earlier. I thought Kam did a nice job with his promo. Rook started out as a heel, but I think he’ll be a babyface soon.
Next week on NXT:
* NXT Women’s Championship: Lola Vice vs. Izzi Dame
* Sean Legacy vs. Dorian Van Dux in a Speed Tournament Match
* Wren Sinclair vs. Kelani Jordan
* Charlie Dempsey vs. Shiloh Hill – It wasn’t shown in a graphic, but it was in a backstage segment.
* Jaida Parker vs. Layla Diggs
Darkstate made their entrance for the main event.
A commercial aired for WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event taking place this Saturday night, May 23rd.
(Commercial).
NXT Tag Team Championships: The Vanity Project – Brad Baylor & Ricky Smokes (w/Jackson Drake & Myka Lockwood) vs. Darkstate – Dion Lennox & Saquon Shugars (w/Osiris Griffin & Cutler James)
The challengers Dion and Shugars were making quick tags as they worked over Baylor. When Baylor broke free, Smokes tagged in and Shugars greeted him with an armdrag. Dion hit a shoulder tackle, followed by Shugars hitting a dropkick. Dion was back in with a hiptoss on Stokes and a hiptoss on Sugars onto Stokes. Baylor tagged in, so Shugars hit him with a catapult over the top to the floor. Dion and Shugars punched Smokes and clotheslined Smokes out of the ring. That led to a final show break as TVP managed to take over by isolating Shugars.
Shugars was on the floor, Smokes charged at him, and Shugars avoided it. Shugars was able to tag out and Dion was on fire with a double overhead suplex. Dion hit a powerslam for a two count. Shugars made the tag as Baylor hit a knee on Dion. Shugars tripped up Baylor and hit a kick on Baylor for two. Shugars got a couple of nearfalls on Smokes. Shugars hit a jumping kick on Smokes. Baylor avoided a kick by Shugars and then Dion had made a blind tag, so Dion hit a top rope assisted powerslam. Shugars hit a cross body block on Smokes and Dion covered Baylor for two. The wrestlers on the floor were arguing. Dion hit a spinebuster and didn’t realize that Shugars made a tag. Shugars jumped off the top with an elbow drop for two. Dion didn’t like Shugars making the tag. Shugars punched Baylor out of the ring. Smokes got an inside cradle on Shugars for the pinfall win after about 12 minutes.
Winners by pinfall: The Vanity Project – Brad Baylor & Ricky Smokes
Analysis: ***1/4 It was all about building to the finish with Dion getting mad at Shugars, and it cost them the match since The Vanity Project needed just one simple pin attempt to get the win. This was one of those matches where the challengers had about 80% of the offense, yet they still lost.
After the match, Osiris Griffin and Cutler James attacked Saquon Shugars with punches. Dion Lennox joined them to attack Shugars with strikes of his own. Dion hit a massive spinebuster on Shugars. After Shugars punched Dion in the face, Darkstate put Dion out of the ring. Griffin and James launched Shugars in the air and Dion hit a Powerbomb to put Shugars through the table. Referees showed up to check on Shugars while Darkstate stood tall together on the floor.
Analysis: That looks like the end for 4-man lingerie teams. They’ll be fine with just three guys next week, while I hope Shugars gets a push as a singles guy.
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Three Stars of the Show
- Tatum Paxley
- Mason Rook & Kam Hendrix
- The Vanity Project
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The Scoreboard
This week: 6.75 out of 10
Last week: 7
2026 Average: 7.10
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Final Thoughts on WWE NXT
It was more of the same from NXT this week. They are rolling with the younger, newer talent and giving them time to see what they can do. I thought Mason Rook and Kam Hendrix did a nice job character-wise, and they showed what they can do in the ring, too. The Paxley/Rain match felt like the best match of the night, and then Zaria got all the heat by taking them both out.
Darkstate losing the main event led to Saquon Shugars getting taken out by the other three guys. Shugars has the personality to do well as a babyface.
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John Canton
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