WWE NXT Results, Winners, Live Grades, Reaction, Highlights From May 5

WWE NXT promised to continue rebuilding the foundation of the brand with its May 5 show.

Zaria was set to appear for the first time since defeating Sol Ruca, while Kali Armstrong met Jaida Parker and Jasper Troy looked to make an example of Jackson Drake.

AAA mixed tag champions Lola Vice and Mr. Iguana collided with The Culling's Izzi Dame and Niko Vance.

This and more highlighted a night of fresh surprises in a new-look NXT.

Jaida Parker vs. Kali Armstrong

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Jaida Parker

Last Time in Action: Jaida Parker lost to Kelani Jordan, and Kali Armstrong defeated Skylar Raye (NXT, April 14).

These two collided with similar impact early in this contest, showing off their hard-hitting offense and trash-talking attitude.

Miss Parker continued to build momentum, rallied by the crowd, until Armstrong raked her eyes and caught her with the Kali Connection to win.

This was a good match though relied more on the flash and athleticism of the competitors than any building story.

In particular, Kali is an explosive performer that has not quite mastered the art of selling her character in the action, working a bit too safe.

Working at this next level in NXT should help her figure that out because she already has all the physical tools based on how dominant she worked in this match.

Miss Parker feels lost at this stage of NXT, but this loss could be a catalyst to push her up the card with more character growth.

Hopefully, that is the plan because the only reason she and Kelani should still be in NXT is to go after the NXT Women's Championship.

Result

Armstrong def. Parker by pinfall.

Grade

B

Notable Moments and Observations

NXT started with a hype package for the various new additions to the roster that appeared last week.

Tony D'Angelo then tackled Tavion Heights backstage and started a brawl that other wrestlers had to break up.

After the match, the NXT champion demanded a match with Heights from Robrt Stone tonight.

The crowd was fully behind Miss Parker in this one, though Armstrong was slow to fully play the heel.

Miss Parker sold her frustration afterward in the corner, indicating recent losses may be hurting her confidence and force a character evolution.

Jasper Troy vs. Jackson Drake (w/ Brad Baylor and Ricky Smokes)

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Jasper Troy

Last Time in Action: Jasper Troy as well as Josh Briggs lost to Keanu Carver, and Jackson Drake alongside Blake Monroe defeated Shiloh Hill and Tatum Paxley (NXT, April 7).

While Troy's power overwhelmed Drake one-on-one, Brad Baylor and Ricky Smokes continued to distract the big man to protect Drake.

Drake countered a Black Hole Slam into a Tornado DDT, but Troy popped back up to catch Drake diving with an Elevated Chokeslam.

Troy threw Baylor and Smokes out of the way, but Myka Lockwood laid out Troy with a Bodyslam followed by Drake's 450 Splash to win.

This was a decent match but struggled with flow, particularly when Troy was in control. His inexperience was obvious in comparison to Drake, who was trying his best to bump strong for the big man.

The match itself told its story as Troy overwhelmed The Vanity Project but was not ready for the impressive strength of Lockwood.

Still, it would have been better to let Drake take more of a confident lead to build heat before Troy's comeback and the interference.

If nothing else, this segment solidified Lockwood as the newest member of Vanity Project, and she's got a distinctive look and power (giving off Chyna vibes) that should get her far.

Result

Drake def. Troy by pinfall.

Grade

B-

Notable Moments and Observations

In an vignette, the former EVIL proclaimed war against Tony D'Angelo. He makes his in-ring debut next week under the name Naraku.

In an unnecessary recap video, NXT showed last week's backstage exchange that led to this match.

Troy struggled to throw Baylor over the top rope. Lockwood though delivered the Bodyslam with relative ease.

In another hype package, Tristan Angels mocked Myles Borne, Karl Hendrix, Shiloh Hill and Hank and Tank.