A familiar face returned to WWE NXT on May 5. However, the real story may only just be getting started after nearly a year away from television competition.
The comeback didn’t come with a match — not yet — but it did come with a clear message. And like any good return, it left just enough unfinished business to keep fans watching closely.
Noam Dar set for first WWE NXT match after 11-month absence
Noam Dar made a surprise appearance during a backstage segment involving The Vanity Project, stepping in after the group mocked Romeo Moreno.
Without wasting time, Dar made his presence felt, confirming he had been medically cleared to compete again.
He then issued a direct challenge to Jackson Drake for a match next week. Dar stated he wants to “shake off the rust” following his long absence. Drake accepted the challenge, backed by Myka Lockwood, who aligned herself with The Vanity Project earlier in the show.
Dar’s return comes after a difficult stretch that kept him sidelined for nearly 11 months. He was previously forced to vacate the NXT Heritage Cup in 2025 due to injury, shortly after returning from another absence — a stop-start run that kept his momentum on hold.
Despite the layoff, Dar hasn’t been completely out of action. He recently competed in non-televised events, defeating Drake on April 24 in Dade City and Victor Zonov on May 2 in Venice, Florida. Those matches suggest he’s ready to pick up where he left off — even if the rust isn’t fully gone.
A four-time Heritage Cup holder, Dar remains closely tied to that division’s legacy. His return adds depth to an evolving NXT landscape, where new alliances and rivalries continue to take shape.
For now, the focus shifts to next week’s match. After months on the sidelines, Dar is finally stepping back into the spotlight — and if his return hits as clean as his timing, the wait may have been worth it.
