Ranking NXT's top 5 performers - May 30 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.

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 week saw a number of matches set for the upcoming NXT TakeOver: Chicago as it was announced that Alister Black will be defending his title against Lars Sullivan, Ricochet will take on Velveteen Dream and Johnny Gargano will take on Tommaso Ciampa in a Chicago street fight.

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

Honorable Mentions:

Lars Sullivan - Opened the show confronting Aleister Black and announcing himself as the number 1 contender to the NXT championship. While this segment wasn't the best, Sullivan once again showed his character is more developed than being simply big, strong and dumb as creative have booked other monsters previously.

War Raiders - Squashed another team this week as they continue to build momentum. We really need to see them face off against better opposition soon to know just how excited we should be about this team in NXT.

Nikki Cross - Emerged following the NXT women's championship match and declared herself champion in some bizarre post-match antics. This was unique and interesting and while she didn't wrestle on this week's show, Cross is still deserving of an honorable mention.

Velveteen Dream - Played his part in an electric post-match segment with Ricochet this week. Dream can do no wrong at the moment and this did a great job of hyping up a Dream vs. Ricochet match in Chicago that is sure to steal the show.

#5 Fabian Aichner

Aichner lost to EC3 on this week's show

Aichner has been used almost exclusively as enhancement talent in NXT thus far but has always done a great job of maximizing the opportunities he has been given. This week was no exception as Aichner looked impressive in defeat to EC3. His strong striking ability, power moves, and high-flying talent make him an intriguing prospect and one you hope is eventually given a meaningful role in NXT.

#4 EC3

Who will be EC3's first meaningful feud in NXT?

EC3 was the winner of the matchup against the aforementioned Aichner. While this was essentially a squash match it was still very entertaining. EC3 oozes star quality and his charisma came across despite the fact he did not receive any mic time this week. Most excitingly was some potential foreshadowing of a feud between himself and Johnny Gargano who non-violently interrupted the match.

#3 Christopher Dijak

Dijak is still very new to the NXT environment

While Dijak has impressed elsewhere (his PWG match against Keith Lee was deemed a 5-star matchup by Dave Meltzer) this was his on-screen debut in NXT. He was on the losing end of a quick squash match to Ricochet but still delivered a sensational performance.

Dijak produced memorable moments with each of his moves, a nasty chokeslam to the apron, a springboard elbow drop and a failed moonsault that all contributed to this being an incredibly fun sprint of a match. Dijak must have impressed with this performance so let's see if he is rewarded with an increased role looking forward.

#2 Shayna Baszler

Baszler has impressed

as

NXT women's champ thus far

Baszler successfully defended her NXT women's championship in this week's main event. Baszler was at her vicious, bullying best as she decimated Dakota Kai. Her stomps seem so believable that it's hard not to feel for whoever she is facing in a match.

While her current dominant streak has been fun she does need some credible opposition to properly prove herself and perhaps new contender Nikki Cross will provide that.

#1 Ricochet

Ricochet will face Velveteen Dream at NXT TakeOver: Chicago

Ricochet put together one of the more exciting squash matches you will see in his victory over Christopher Dijak and followed it up with an enthralling post-match segment between himself and Velveteen Dream. He came across as believable on the mic and his flipping exit from the ring to stare down Dream was instantly memorable. Ricochet has been on an absolute tear in recent weeks and this week his performance was worthy of NXT's top performer.

Standings so far:

1.Ricochet - 12pts

2.Velveteen Dream - 7pts

3.Kyle O'Reilly - 5pts

=4 Shayne Baszler - 4pts

=4 Only Lorcan - 4pts

6. Christopher Dijak - 3pts

=7 EC3 - 2pts

=7 Kairi Sane - 2pts

=9 Fabian Eichner - 1pt

=9 Nick Miller - 1pt

=9 Adam Cole - 1pt