WWE NXT Results: Winners, Grades, Reaction and Highlights from April 29

It was finally time to back up the talk. The April 29 edition of WWE NXT was one of the biggest shows in recent weeks thanks to a trio of important matches that were defined by stars looking to make the most of an opportunity.

Damian Priest called his shot when he attacked Keith Lee multiple times. He has said that The Limitless One cannot beat him. Now, he gets his one-on-one NXT North American Championship opportunity.

Charlotte Flair claims she will conquer the future of WWE by defeating NXT's best, and she was starting with Mia Yim. The Head Baddie in Charge wouldn't go down easy and was looking for the upset to get her in the title picture after Io Shirai.

Drake Maverick continued his swan song run in WWE as a part of the interim NXT Cruiserweight Championship tournament. This time, he fought Tony Nese, who arrogantly refused to sympathize with Maverick's plight.

After gaining a huge pinfall victory over Adam Cole, The Velveteen Dream was poised to finally get his NXT Championship opportunity, but Cole kept dodging him. He needed to take drastic measures to get his title shot.

It was to be a night to remember, a big show that continued NXT's attempt to make up for the canceled NXT TakeOver: Tampa Bay.

Isaiah "Swerve" Scott was frustrated coming into this match because of his first loss in the tournament to Akira Tozawa. Swerve channeled that frustration into action as he used his technical ability to grind down El Hijo del Fantasma.

As Fantasma managed to fight back, Scott refused to back down, and as the two returned to the ring from a flurry outside, Swerve caught the luchador with a crucifix pin for the win.

In an interview following the match, Swerve promised that was just the start of his comeback. He was going to truly make NXT his house.

Result

Swerve (1-1) def. Fantasma (1-1) by pinfall.

Grade

B

Analysis

This was a solid opener that surprisingly did not get off the ground as much as expected. These two men are athletic and talented performers. They slowed this down too much, especially over the commercial break. It led to a brief flurry at the end that did not quite land.

Still, you cannot go wrong with talent like this. Swerve picked up a big win and began building himself back up in the interim Cruiserweight Championship tournament. His story may be the most interesting to follow in his group.

Johnny Gargano put over Candice LeRae on her way to the ring. Kacy Catanzaro refused to be scared of LeRae, who played serious mind games with her challenger. LeRae laid out Catanzaro repeatedly with a physical technical focus.

She mercifully put her opponent out of her misery with the Wicked Stepsister. Afterward, a giddy Gargano watched as his wife locked her fallen opponent in the Gargano Escape.

Result

LeRae def. Catanzaro by pinfall.

Grade

C-

Analysis

LeRae is one of the best women's wrestlers in the world, but she works much better as a face. It is possible that she can grow into her role. This match did not work. It was flat and awkward, perhaps because of Catanzaro's inexperience.

Gargano has absolutely committed to his persona, though it is easier to sell it without talking or wrestling. His giddy attitude will be fun to watch when supporting LeRae.

Matt Riddle introduced "The Newly-Bros Show," which was his way of learning more about Timothy Thatcher. Byron Saxton hosted, asking about Thatcher's personal life. Riddle managed to guess that Thatcher did not own a TV but might buy one, as well as his weird Triple Threat on a washer.

The fun and games went bad quickly as Imperium struck. Marcel Barthel and Fabian Aichner laid out Matt Riddle and then beat down Thatcher in the ring.

Grade

B-

Analysis

While the game show-style segment was bizarre, it left a memorable impression. Thatcher's introduction has been unique, though it has also been counter to his personality. The end goal should be to fully commit to his gruff style without The Original Bro.

What mattered more long-term is that Imperium has finally pushed into title contention. Barthel and Aichner have been great every time out, but their alliance with WALTER made them the punching bags too often. This is a chance to establish the team's dominance.

Ahead of the match, Adam Cole cut a backstage promo on The Velveteen Dream. He promised to remain the greatest NXT champion in history by making sure the dream was over after next week.

Mia Yim showed her resilience against the onslaught of Charlotte Flair, taking her best offense, including a high Boston crab and big boot. A few key close roll-ups frustrated The Queen, but she managed to dodge the Protect Ya Neck and lock in the Figure-Eight for a tapout.

Afterward, Io Shirai challenged Charlotte to a match for her title next week. A promo package also revealed that Karrion Kross would debut next week.

Result

Charlotte def. Yim by submission.

Grade

B+

Analysis

Charlotte and Yim are good together. A few rough edges did not distract from the overall fun match. It was obvious the HBIC was losing, but she got a few close-call near-falls. She did not look like a top contender yet, but she proved she was a future challenger with more time to build momentum.

Charlotte vs. Shirai next week will be fantastic, as will the entire lineup for the May 6 show. The pair of title matches will be huge, as will the debut of Kross.

Dexter Lumis was almost impervious to pain as Shane Thorne gave him a major fight. The quiet fighter turned the match around with a devastating spinebuster before choking the life out of Thorne with a kata gatame.

Result

Lumis def. Thorne by submission.

Grade

B-

Analysis

Lumis has looked much better in recent weeks, honing his skills and approach in the ring. He feels dangerous now, and he made a big impression with his dominant victory over Thorne. While this was an uninvolved squash, it was impressive for him to take a known name with this much ease.

His issue with Undisputed Era has not been addressed yet, but it is smart to keep him front and center. Each win gives him momentum that will make it easier to believe he can stand up to some of the top heels in NXT.

Tony Nese showed no mercy early as he beat down Drake Maverick in the corner. The taunting of the former cruiserweight champion finally got to Maverick, who fired back with his best offense. The former 205 Live general manager hit Sliced Bread No. 2 for a near-fall.

Nese got his knees up to block a diving elbow, injuring Maverick, but the underdog recovered to stop a 450 splash and then hit a top-rope bulldog for the victory.

Afterward, Maverick talked directly to the camera. He believed in himself and refused to leave until he was NXT cruiserweight champion.

Result

Maverick (1-1) def. Nese (0-2) by pinfall.

Grade

B

Analysis

While the match itself was simple, the emotion of Maverick pulling off the improbable victory elevated the moment. The victor sold how important the moment was after selling so hard for Nese all match long.

He may not win, but hopefully his performance in the tournament gets WWE to re-sign him officially. He has more than shown his worth in a way WWE never let him show. If not, someone else will absolutely take one of the most charismatic men in the business.

Keith Lee threw Damian Priest around with ease, showcasing his freakish strength. Despite his confidence, The Archer of Infamy did not have an answer for The Limitless One's shocking athleticism. Finally, Priest turned the tide with the Broken Arrow.

The Archer of Infamy did not let the NXT North American champion rest, targeting him with a series of big moves, including a spinning back kick. However, Lee suddenly connected on a superplex to level the playing field.

Priest attempted to use the nightstick again, but Lee was done with the games. He stopped The Archer of Infamy and hit a pair of Spirit Bombs to win and retain his gold.

Result

Lee def. Priest by pinfall to retain the NXT North American Championship.

Grade

A-

Analysis

Lee is a different kind of wrestler. He does everything so well. He has the strength to rival the best. His athleticism rivals some top cruiserweights. His charisma made him the biggest name in NXT by the end of 2019. He showed it all in this match.

The pacing was not the best these two can muster, but they may need a crowd to truly reach their top level together. For the situation, this was great and added another impressive win to Lee's stellar legacy as champion.