Ranking NXT's top 5 performers - May 23 2018

With all NXT performers vying for an eventual main roster spot, any act on the roster is in constant competition with each of their peers.

Only Sportskeeda gives you the latest Wrestling News, rumors and updates.

Each week these Superstars compete to earn the right to be the one who makes the next jump up to the main roster, move up on the NXT card or simply keep their dreams alive on the brand. This is who I felt shone the brightest on the latest installment of the black and yellow brand:

Honorable Mentions:

Lacey Evans - Evans once again showed her improvement having switched to a more villainous character and the finish to her match against Kaire Sane this week was incredible. Her new finisher (The Woman's Right) can come from anywhere and was completely convincing this week.

Lars Sullivan - Sullivan was probably the weakest member of the handicap match involving himself, Velveteen Dream and Ricochet. Nonetheless, he played his part in what was probably the match of the night and still has enormous potential as a monster heel.

Candice LeRae - While I didn't particularly enjoy the show's closing segment also featuring Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa, LeRae was excellent as the concerned wife who has become caught up in the war between the two men.

---

#5 Nick Miller

Miller and his partner Shane Thorne defeated Heavy Machinery via pinfall

Miller and his tag team partner Shane Thorne took part in a fun opener against heavy machinery. The duo picked up a second underhanded win in recent weeks and while Miller didn't have a lot to do in the match, he capitalized on the moments he was involved in.

Miller delivered some really vicious strikes that will serve him well if TM61 do go full on heel as they have been teasing and balanced this out but selling heavy machinery's offense excellently. His timing was also great when breaking up pin attempts and striking when the referee's back was turned to set up his team for victory.

#4 Kairi Sane

Sane is the first women to feature in this ranking series

Sane and Evans put on an unexpectedly good match that furthered the two foils rivalry. Sane was much more intense and aggressive than she usually is and this translated into a great performance.

She came across as legitimately angry with Evans and desperate to get the win. She also did a great job of really emphasizing just how dangerous Evans can be. The match's climax was brilliant and unexpected. Hopefully, this won't be the last time we see these two in the ring as it seemed to bring out the best in both women.

#3 Otis Dozovic

Dozovic

(left) alongside his partner Tucker Knight (right)

Dozovic has become a fan favorite down at Full Sail University as he is a naturally funny performer. What he doesn't always get his due credit for is being a very talented in-ring wrestler and this week that really shone through.

His usual comedic moves were mixed up with some really punishing power moves and an expanding set of double-team moves with his partner Tucker Knight. Dozovic has a habit of stealing the show in all of his matches and this week's performance may have been the lovable character's best yet.

#2 Ricochet

Ricochet was pinned by Sullivan in the handicap match this week

Ricochet was typically flawless in the ring and he and Dream put together some really fun sequences throughout the match. The best parts came when all three men were in the ring and the two babyfaces flew around desperately trying to take down the larger Sullivan.

Ricochet seemed a touch better than Dream inside the ring once again this week but his charisma didn't quite shine through in the way Dream's did. Hence his second-placed ranking this week.

#1 Velveteen Dream

This weeks number 1

Dream's charisma shone throughout this episode right from his entrance when he mouthed along to his theme music whilst staring down the enormous Sullivan. Dream was right up to pace with Ricochet for the most part inside the ring but stood out more as he just seemed like the biggest deal out of any of the men in the ring.

Dream also did a great job of conveying just how desperate he was to put away Sullivan only to turn on his teammate in the closing stages of the match. Once again, dream showed off his enormous potential earning himself the number 1 ranking this week.

Standings so far:

=1 Velveteen Dream - 7pts

=1 Ricochet - 7pts

2. Kyle O'Reilly - 5pts

3. Only Lorcan - 4pts

4. Kairi Sane - 2pts

=5 Nick Miller - 1pt

=5 Adam Cole - 1pt