One of the featured matches scheduled for next week’s episode of WWE NXT (airing Tuesday, May 12, 2026) will be the in-ring debut of Naraku, formerly known as EVIL in New Japan Pro-Wrestling. It has not yet been revealed who he will face in the ring, but he continues to be on the hunt for the NXT Championship, as revealed in this promo from tonight’s episode:
Naraku debuts NEXT WEEK!!! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/I0qZAlJwyk
— WWE (@WWE) May 6, 2026
Over on the NXT Women’s Championship side, Kendal Grey and Kelani Jordan will face off in what is not an official No. 1 contender’s match or anything of the sort, but a win for either one would surely put them closer toward a potential title shot. There should also likely be follow-up from Lola Vice losing her mixed tag team match from this week against Izzi Dame, who scored a pinfall over her.
As far as the NXT Women’s North American Championship scene is concerned, Tatum Paxley will team with newcomer Lizzy Rain to face Nikkita Lyons and Zaria, who was not at all interested in having another tag team match. Those four fought in the ring this week, as Rain, Lyons, and Zaria are all hoping to get a shot at Paxley’s title.
Noam Dar returned on this week’s episode after being out of action for the past year, last wrestling on June 6, 2025. He immediately went for The Vanity Project, challenging Jackson Drake to a match.
BirthRight is also supposed to be in a six-man tag team match, set up for them by William Regal and Fit Finlay, who are disappointed in the stable’s lack of success. However, WWE did not bother to mention who will be their opponents or even to confirm the match, strangely, when running down the upcoming card.
There may also be something with Nattie and Jaida Parker, as those two interacted this week with Nattie calling Parker soft, but nothing between them has been confirmed at this time.
To sum that all up, this is what we know so far for what is scheduled for next week’s episode of NXT:
- Naraku debut
- Six-Man Tag Team Match: BirthRight vs. TBA
- Jackson Drake vs. Noam Dar
- Lizzy Rain and Tatum Paxley vs. Nikkita Lyons and ZARIA
- Kendal Grey vs. Kelani Jordan
What do you think of this lineup? Who will win? Drop your thoughts and predictions in the comments section below!