Let's dive into the world of WWE NXT and explore the latest developments, shall we?
The Lola Vice Saga Continues
Tonight's NXT episode (May 12, 2026) was all about Lola Vice and her potential challengers for the NXT Women's Championship. The main event featured Kendal Grey and Kelani Jordan, with several segments throughout the show building up to this match.
Kendal Grey, accompanied by her injured friend Wren Sinclair, vowed to never follow the path of Sol Ruca and Zaria. This bold statement set the tone for the night, with Grey confidently declaring her intentions to challenge Vice for the title after her match with Kelani. Vice, ever the confident champion, accepted the challenge and promised a rematch.
The intriguing part? The cryptic backstage segment involving The Culling, particularly Izzi Dame. Izzi's cryptic warning to Vice, coupled with her actions during the main event, suggests a potential rivalry brewing. As Kelani and Grey battled it out in the ring, Izzi attacked Vice backstage, creating a distraction that ultimately led to Kelani's victory.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the potential for a multi-layered feud. With Dame, Grey, Kali Armstrong, and Kelani all gunning for Vice, NXT has the makings of a complex and engaging storyline.
Naraku's Arrival and Rook's Rise
In the men's division, NXT has been actively rebuilding its main event scene. The departure of Oba, Trick, and Je'Von created a void, which was filled by Page, Saints, and Hendry. Their subsequent call-ups opened the door for fresh faces, and two stand out: Naraku (formerly known as EVIL) and Mason Rook.
Naraku, a former IWGP Heavyweight Champion, made his in-ring debut this week, showcasing his dominance over veteran Lince Dorado. The Japanese star's performance was impressive, and his STO finish, dubbed 'Enter the Abyss' by Vic Joseph, left a lasting impression.
Meanwhile, Mason Rook, a rising star with a unique persona, has been making waves. His vicious moonsaults on Tony D'Angelo and his subsequent signing with NXT have captured the attention of the PC crowd. Rook's intro promo, referencing John Cena and his 'any-weight' claim, further solidified his presence.
In my opinion, Rook's rise is a breath of fresh air. His unique character and impressive in-ring skills have the potential to elevate the NXT brand.
A Supernova's Demise and DarkState's Future
The return match between Noam Dar and Jackson Drake of the Vanity Project was an intriguing affair. Dar's entrance, accompanied by the underrated Meta-Four song, and Drake's unique entrance, perched on Myka Lockwood's shoulders, added a layer of entertainment.
The match itself was solid, with the Vanity Project's numbers game ultimately prevailing. Drake's 450 splash sealed the deal, but the real story was the aftermath.
The lights went out, and DarkState made their presence felt. Saquon Shugars and Dion Lennox, despite their recent differences, united to challenge Cutler James and Osiris Griffin for the NXT Tag Team Championships. The Vanity Project's attempted attack was thwarted, setting the stage for a potential tag team title match next week.
This raises a deeper question: Is DarkState on the brink of implosion, or are we witnessing the beginnings of a face turn? The Performance Center crowd's positive reaction suggests the latter, but only time will tell.
Quick Hits and Final Thoughts
The opening tag team match between Nikkita Lyons and Zaria against Tatum Paxley and Lizzy Rain had its moments. Zaria's abrupt exit, just weeks after putting her previous partner in the rearview, was a surprising twist. On the other hand, Tatum and Lizzy's strong performance and positive crowd reaction bode well for their future.
Other notable moments include Shiloh Hill's bizarre sheep-related revelation, Miss Parker's interruption of Nattie, and the escalating tensions between Myles Borne and Tavion Heights.
Overall, this week's NXT episode was a decent showing. The developmental brand continues to focus on character development, but as an analyst, I'd like to see more depth and feuds emerge. With a talented roster, NXT has the potential to create compelling stories that will truly engage the audience.
So, Cagesiders, what are your thoughts on the latest NXT developments? Are you excited for the potential feuds and storylines? Let's discuss in the comments!
