WWE NXT Heatwave 2026 was the start of a new era for several top titles.
Here are some thoughts!
1. Grayson Waller winning the NXT title was the right move for WWE. The fans wanted Zilla Fatu or Cruz Montana. Why did WWE want Waller? My guess is so that he can face CM Punk at Worlds Collide, which goes head to head in Chicago with AEW All Out.
2. Is Kendal Grey headed to the WWE main roster? That was my first thought when Kelani Jordan won the NXT Women’s Championship in surprise fashion. Jordan is great, don’t get me wrong. She deserves her moment. But Grey was built as a unique talent…who only held the title for a few months. Yes, she had the ear injury, and at least they can use that for the storyline.
3. Vanity Project is fantastic. And now they have all the gold! You’ve gotta love these guys. Jackson Drake is the new NXT North American Champion, and Brad Baylor and Ricky Smokes are the new NXT Tag Team Champions. How about that Myka Lockwood slam on Myles Borne?!
4. Speaking of Myles Borne, I’m not a fan of the heel turn. This seems like a swerve to have a swerve. Tavion Heights teased the turn if they lost the tag titles, but it was Borne who unleashed his frustration. Borne is a great babyface with an inspiring story. He doesn’t have to play heel to check a box on the “what did you do in NXT” bingo card.
5. What is Robert Stone cooking up with the tag team division? He teased that something was in the works. NXT does need more star power in the tag ranks, so I’m curious who is joining the roster.