Ranking NXT's top 5 performers - July 4

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

Each week these Superstars compete to earn the right to be the one to make the jump to the main roster, move up on the NXT card or simply keep their dreams alive on the brand. This show saw a number of the brand's biggest names all in action which has been lacking a little bit in recent weeks.

Velveteen Dream, EC3 and Johnny Gargano all competed in an episode that got progressively better as the night went on.

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This is who I felt shone the brightest on the latest instalment of the black and yellow brand:

Honourable Mentions:

Otis competed alone after his partner was injured by TM61

Otis Dozovic - Dozovic has been the standout performer of the heavy machinery tag team for some time and this week he was able to ply his trade on his own with Tucker Knight absent due to injury.

Dozovic took on both members of TM61 and while it was fun to see more of him, his limited move-set became more obvious as did a number of weaknesses that are hidden much better in tag team matches.

Bianca Belair - Cut a brilliant promo from a boat somewhere on her honeymoon. Belair did a great job of promoting herself as well as generating some interest in her fellow competitors. This segment was a tiny part of the show but, as has been the case in recent weeks, Belair still found a way to shine.

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#5 Shayna Baszler

Who should challenge Baszler next for the women's championship?

Baszler didn't wrestle this week but makes the list for delivering one of the best promos of her career to date. With no interruptions, Baszler was given the mic and allowed to address the fans on her own.

She discussed her victory over Nikki Cross at takeover, she generated interest regarding potential challengers to her title and she even managed to heighten the importance of this years Mae Young classic.

Baszler has been a little hit or miss on the mic but this week shone and it was especially nice to see her move away from her bullying persona and come across, more simply, as a nasty, superior villain.

#4 Velveteen Dream

A weaker performance from Dream still earns him 4th place

Dream picked up a win against the new addition to the brand Chris Dijak. The match was a lot of fun and saw both men taking some serious bumps without the action dragging on for too long.

While I'm all for this non-traditional form of squash match where the lesser known competitor lands the majority of the offence, I think in this case it wasn't great for the Dream.

Having come off a loss at Takeover, Dream continued to look vulnerable and even seemed a little less charismatic than his opponent which has never previously been the case.

While the booking may leave a little to desired and despite the fact this was far from Dream's best performance, it was still a very entertains match and Dream deserve all due credit for the part he played in that.

#3 EC3

Where does EC3 go following his first loss in NXT?

For the most part, EC3 dominated his match against Johnny Gargano and did a great job of putting over how Gargano has become deranged and has changed since his battle with Ciampa.

EC3 was the star of the match for the majority and was his usual charismatic and talented self.

Gargano's smaller size allowed EC3 to showcase some cool power moves and while Gargano stole the show at the end of the match EC3 earns his position on the list for a strong overall performance on the night.

#2 Johnny Gargano

Will Gargano continue to embrace his dark side?

Gargano's greatest strength this week was his character work. He made it very evident that his battles with Tommaso Ciampa have completely changed who he has as a competitor.

He was more ruthless and aggressive in-ring and left EC3 both surprised and confused. Gargano picked up the win here and while it's not immediately obvious what's next for this new darker Gargano character, it's sure to be interesting.

#1 Chris Dijak

Dijak has stolen the show in each of his 2 NXT matches

Dijak had only appeared once on NXT TV prior to this week in an exciting sprint match against Ricochet. This week he faced off against Velveteen Dream and surpassed the already lofty bar he set on his debut.

Dijak was intense, screaming at his opponent whilst delivering some exciting, innovative offence. He also bumped incredibly hard, with one head-first spike on to the ring-steps had an audience member screaming.

While Dijak lost the match he managed to steal the show in a way we've not seen anyone do against Velveteen Dream.

Dijak is now 0-2 but has come across as a dominant performer in all of his matches to this point and you have to feel that it won't be too long before he moves up the card. For stealing the show over some of the top talents on the brand, Dijak is this week's No. 1.

NXT Rankings Top 10:

1.Ricohet - 17pts

2.Johnny Gargno - 16pts

3.Tommaso Ciampa - 15pts

=4 Velveteen Dream - 13pts

=4 Kyle O'Reilly - 13pts

6.Oney Lorcan - 10pts

7. Chris Dijak - 8pts

8. EC3 - 7pts

9. Shayne Baszler - 5pts

=10 Pete Dunne - 4pts

=10 Trent Severn - 4pts

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