In the ever-evolving landscape of WWE NXT, the May 12th episode showcased a fresh wave of talent, with new stars promising to make their mark. The show was a testament to the promotion's commitment to innovation, with a focus on introducing new faces and dynamic storylines. Among the standout matches, the women's division truly shined, delivering a series of compelling encounters that highlighted the depth of talent within the promotion. The men's division, however, continues to struggle with over-pushing certain individuals before they've fully established themselves. Overall, the episode was a step in the right direction, with a clearer picture emerging of who's ready for the spotlight and who needs more time to develop.
One of the most intriguing matches was between NARAKU and Lince Dorado. NARAKU, making his WWE debut, showcased a menacing presence with his purple smoke entrance, but his in-ring work didn't quite match the hype. He sealed his first NXT win with an STO, but it was more of a showcase than a competitive match. The crowd's pronunciation of his name was a bit jarring, with Booker T and Vic Joseph struggling to get it right. Personally, I think NARAKU has the potential to be a serious threat, but he needs to show more in the ring to justify the hype. His entrance presentation was more impactful than his actual performance, which is a bit concerning.
The women's division delivered a series of strong matches, with the highlight being Kelani Jordan vs. Kendal Grey. Jordan, looking fluid and confident, picked up a huge win over a top title contender. The match was well-paced, with Jordan's fluidity and Grey's athleticism creating a dynamic contest. The distraction of Wren Sinclair's injury added an extra layer of intrigue, allowing Jordan to secure the victory. In my opinion, this match was the best the women's division has looked in a long time, and it sets up an exciting path forward for the top championship scene. Lola Vice, now with a plethora of challengers, can avenge her loss against Izzi Dame, while Grey finds her "killer instinct" for an eventual rematch with Vice. This is a strong path forward for what should be seen as the top championship in NXT.
The men's division, on the other hand, continues to struggle. Tate Wilder and BirthRight delivered a solid six-man sprint, but the finish was overdone, with Wilder refusing to tag out and missing a moonsault. This hurt the momentum of the match and the team's overall chemistry. Mason Rook, despite having a catchy pop theme, still needs to establish himself as more than just a big guy who can fly. His contract signing was underwhelming, and his presentation hasn't quite clicked yet. Personally, I think WWE needs to present more of a character than just a big guy who can fly, and Rook needs to show something else to justify his push.
Overall, the May 12th episode of WWE NXT was a step in the right direction, with a fresh roster stepping up and delivering compelling matches. The women's division truly shined, while the men's division continues to struggle with over-pushing certain individuals. The picture is growing clearer, and the action is getting more focused, but there's still work to be done to establish the men's division as a force to be reckoned with. Hopefully, the stars that shine will continue to rise above those not ready for the spotlight, and NXT will continue to evolve into a more dynamic and engaging promotion.
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