Grayson Waller Captures NXT Championship in Thrilling Match

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Tony D’Angelo faced an enormous challenge at Heatwave, defending the NXT Championship against Grayson Waller, Cruz Montana, and Zilla Fatu. This match was one of the most daunting of his championship reign, as he didn’t have to be pinned to lose the title. His opponents were all eager to claim the top spot in the men’s division.

Zilla Fatu was making his singles debut, while Cruz Montana, previously from Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), was looking to make an immediate impact. Grayson Waller aimed to claw his way back to the championship scene.

Grayson Waller speaks during NXT at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Fla., on Aug. 25, 2026. (WWE via Getty Images)

The competitors showed strong resilience, making it difficult for anyone to stay down. Fatu delivered a powerful flying Samoan Spike to D’Angelo, nearly securing the win before Waller pulled the referee out of the ring. Waller, despite enduring significant punishment from his opponents, continued to vie for the championship.

Later, Fatu ended up on the announcer table after a clash with D’Angelo and Montana. Waller seized the opportunity, climbing the top turnbuckle and executing a courageous elbow drop that sent both him and Fatu crashing through the table.

Grayson Waller and Cruz Montana are in action during NXT at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Fla., on Aug. 11, 2026. (WWE via Getty Images)

In the ring, D’Angelo and Montana continued their battle as Waller tried to recover. Montana hit D’Angelo with his finishing move, Spin the Block. Waller quickly re-entered the ring, tossed Montana outside, and pinned D’Angelo to capture the NXT Championship.

This is Waller’s first NXT title reign. Despite having been with NXT since winning the Men’s Iron Survivor Challenge in 2022, he had previously not reached the pinnacle until this momentous night.

Tony D’Angelo speaks during NXT at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Fla., on Aug. 4, 2026. (WWE via Getty Images)

Waller returned to NXT television confident in his abilities, and now he has fulfilled that promise by securing the NXT Championship.