WWE NXT airs tonight live from the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida, and the show is headlined by the long-awaited debut of former NJPW star EVIL, now wrestling under the name Naraku. WWE has confirmed several matches alongside the debut, including a Kendal Grey vs. Kelani Jordan singles bout, Noam Dar vs. Jackson Drake, a women’s tag match, and a Birthright six-man tag. With Naraku stepping into the NXT roster after years as a major heel figure in New Japan, his debut is the centerpiece of the broadcast.
WWE NXT Tonight: Naraku Debut Headlines The Show
Naraku’s arrival is one of the biggest international signings NXT has secured this year. As EVIL, the wrestler was a longtime member of NJPW’s House of Torture and Bullet Club factions, building a reputation as one of Japan’s top heel acts. How WWE creative chooses to introduce him to the NXT audience — through promo, squash match, or full-length debut bout — will set the tone for his run on the brand. Tonight’s full announced lineup gives him company in the spotlight.
Full WWE NXT Match Card For Tonight
Here are all the matches confirmed for tonight’s NXT broadcast:
- Naraku (formerly EVIL) debuts
- Noam Dar vs. Jackson Drake
- Kendal Grey vs. Kelani Jordan
- Zaria and Nikkita Lyons vs. Tatum Paxley and Lizzy Rain
- Birthright (Lexis King, Stacks, and Uriah Connors) vs. EK Prosper, Sean Legacy, and Tate Wilder
The Tatum Paxley match is particularly notable given her recent social media exchange with Bayley about a potential John Cena Classic bout. Her work tonight will be closely watched by fans who want to see that match formally booked. Birthright continues their push as one of NXT’s top heel factions, while Kelani Jordan looks to bounce back into title contention with a win over Kendal Grey.
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