August 30 will play host to the NXT Heatwave premium live event on the CW Network, emanating from Bert Ogden Arena in Edinburg, Texas – the same location as AAA Ola De Calor on the same day.

Last week, WWE announced that Heatwave would feature a title unification match between NXT Women’s North American Champion Zaria and Women’s Speed Champion Wren Sinclair.

However, after that match was confirmed, a match between Zaria and Kali Armstrong was made for tonight’s NXT.

The match between Zaria and Armstrong carried the stipulation that if Armstrong won, she’d be added to the Heatwave match to make it a three-way.

Armstrong did pick up the win against Zaria on tonight’s August 25 episode of WWE NXT, so that change to Heatwave is confirmed.

It will now be Zaria vs Wren Sinclair vs Kali Armstrong with Zaria and Sinclair’s titles set to be unified by the winner.

Another Addition To NXT Heatwave

There was another new addition to the card for WWE NXT Heatwave 2026 in the women’s division that was confirmed on tonight’s NXT episode.

For the past few weeks and months, Nattie has been popping up in NXT and mainly working in a feud with Jaida Parker.

That feud will come to a head at Heatwave as the two will face off in a submission match, with the natural idea that Nattie has the advantage due to her finisher being the Sharpshooter.

Elsewhere at Heatwave, the NXT Championship will be on the line with Tony D’Angelo defending in a four-way against Grayson Waller, Cruz Montana and the recently signed Zilla Fatu.

NXT Women’s Champion Kendal Grey will also defend her championship at Heatwave against Kelani Jordan.

Myles Borne will pull double duty as he defends both the North American Championship and NXT Tag Team Title in separate matches.

Borne defends the NA Title against Vanity Project’s Jackson Drake, as well as teaming with Tavion Heights to defend the Tag Title against Brad Baylor and Ricky Smokes also of the Vanity Project.

To make sure you stay up to date with all the biggest wrestling and WrestleTalk news, follow us on Threads by clicking this link!

After making his NXT debut on the August 11 episode, Zilla Fatu returned on August 18 to officially sign with the developmental brand.

NXT GM Robert Stone revealed in the segment that Zilla Fatu’s contract stated that his first NXT match would be a title bout, officially announcing that he, Grayson Waller and Cruz Montana will challenge for Tony D’Angelo’s NXT Title at Heatwave.

Ahead of the August 30 premium live event, AJ Styles has stated that he believes he will be helping to produce this NXT Championship four-way.

Speaking on the AJ Styles Show, the Phenomenal One said:

“I know about this four-way, and I’m thinking that I’m going to have the opportunity to, I think, to help produce this. It’s kind of exciting, it’s going to be a big match.

“I’ve definitely got some ideas. I think it’s going to be really good, because you’ve got some great talent in there.”

If you use this transcription or any portion of it, please credit WrestleTalk.com and link back to this page.

When asked about the debuting Zilla Fatu, AJ Styles continued:

“The dude has certainly got the look. I’m anxious to see what he does. We know what he can do in the ring, but let’s see what he does with other NXT stars, because that’s exactly who he’s in there with.

“Tony D can get after it, Cruz Montana obviously can get after it. Grayson Waller is a seasoned vet at this point in his career. It’s going to be freaking good, I’m excited to be part of it all.”

If you use this transcription or any portion of it, please credit WrestleTalk.com and link back to this page.

AJ Styles notably helped to produce Grayson Waller and Cruz Montana’s NXT Championship #1 contender’s bout on August 11. This bout ended with Zilla Fatu making his first WWE appearance, attacking both stars and forcing the match to end via no-contest.

On the most recent NXT episode, Styles worked on Shiloh Hill vs Jackson Drake – Hill’s first match back following his skull fracture. 

Zilla Fatu’s WWE in-ring debut being a championship match indicates that the company has a lot of faith in him, and will use him prominently moving forward.

For a list of other current WWE stars whose first matches with the company were for championships, click here.

If you use this transcription or any portion of it, please credit WrestleTalk.com and link back to this page. 

To make sure you stay up to date with all the biggest wrestling and WrestleTalk news, follow us on Threads by clicking this link!

The praise came after Fightful shared a short clip of Myka Lockwood’s finishing move on Twitter, demonstrated on WWE NXT, with a fan commeting “looks familiar” and including Swerve Strickland delivering the ‘Home Invasion’ on Will Ospreay.

Answering the suggestion of familiarity between the two moves, Strickland would initially tweet a simple “Influence” in response.

The AEW star would take a deeper look at the move in question, unearthing a tweet by Myka Lockwood from back in April 2025, where she reveals the origins of the move, sharing:

“Someone showed me this move from @theirondemon Shane Mercer, and I just had to do it! I will destroy everyone with it and to honor him I think I’ll call it…

“The Mercy Kill.

“Shane, thanks for coming up with the coolest move ever!💪”

In response to this, Strickland would comment on the complexity of Lockwood’s exectution, praising the WWE NXT star, sharing:

“The hand clutch setup is the @theirondemon version which is MUCH harder to do than my powerbomb version. Which she pulled off both excellent.”

Shane Merce would also offer his insight into the move and the way Strickland and Lockwood deliver it, responding to the AEW star with a tweet that reads:

“💯. Clutch version is momentum-based, which not everyone taking can rotate fast enough. Swerves is more versatile overall to hit. Her adapting for both is 👏”

Swerve Strickland made a return to AEW Dynamite earlier this month, confronting his rival, Hangman Adam Page, and Brodido (Brody King & Bandido, the current World Trios Champions.

Inspiration Goes A Long Way

While it’s not impossible to innovate a wrestling move in the current decade, much of what is seen in the ring has a long history, some of which is no doubt lost in time.

For some stars, however, a move that has been used for decades before becomes synonymous with a later talent. Quite often, this comes through a modification of the move, changing it just enough to make it something else, while still being a nod to what came before.

Looking at Randy Orton’s RKO, the origins are clearly seen in the Cutter, with many fans likely associating the move with the Diamond Cutter used by Diamond Dallas Page, as opposed to its predecessor, the Ace Crusher. For quite some time, Sting and Bret Hart both used Riko Chosu’s sasori-gatame, with it being known as the Scorpion Deathlock and Sharpshooter respectively. Sting used the move before Hart, yet it has become firmly associated with both stars.

Taking a move and adapting it, or using a past version of a move when a modified version already exists, is not new and will continue to be a theme for any star as they build their in-ring skill.

For Strickland to recognize the quality of Lockwood’s execution is a nod of respect to the NXT star who is coming up through the ranks in the way that he once did.

To make sure you stay up to date with all the biggest wrestling and WrestleTalk news, follow us on Threads by clicking this link!

With AJ Styles temporarily filling in as a Performance Center coach and NXT producer, the Phenomenal One has helped to put together several notable bouts in recent weeks.

Speaking on The AJ Styles Show, the Phenomenal One confirmed that he helped Shiloh Hill and Jackson Drake with their singles match on the August 18 NXT show.

Happy with the final result, Styles said:

“We did have Evolve last week, and then of course the match on Tuesday, which was Shiloh Hill (vs Jackson Drake). I’d seen (Jackson Drake) a couple times that week and helped him with that match.

“They had a really good match, I was really happy with how it came out, very good.”

If you use this transcription or any portion of it, please credit WrestleTalk.com and link back to this page. 

This match was Shiloh Hill’s first since suffering a fracture to a part of the skull called the maxilla in late-July.

Ahead of his return match being announced, Hill previously stated that because of the placement of the fracture and how quickly the swelling went down, he was able to return to the ring a little sooner than doctors initially expected him to.

Shiloh Hill was ultimately unsuccessful in his in-ring return, losing to Jackson Drake following interference from Naraku. 

The Japanese star emerged from under the ring to spray mist in Hill’s face while the referee was down, allowing Drake to capitalize and earn a North American Championship shot.

Other matches Styles previously confirmed he worked on include the NXT Women’s Championship “Underground” match between Kendal Grey and Lola Vice on August 4, and Grayson Waller vs Cruz Montana on the August 11 episode.

The latter match featured the WWE debut of Zilla Fatu, who attacked Waller and Montana, resulting in the NXT Championship #1 contender’s match being ruled a no contest.

Fatu, Montana and Waller will challenge for Tony D’Angelo’s NXT Championship in a four-way bout at NXT Heatwave.

If you use this transcription or any portion of it, please credit WrestleTalk.com and link back to this page. 

To make sure you stay up to date with all the biggest wrestling and WrestleTalk news, follow us on Threads by clicking this link!

Two months on from the group’s AAA return in June, Los Perros Del Mal went into last night’s episode of AAA on FOX with the mission of bringing back one of the factions former members from their original run: Penta.

With Daga last week insisting that Penta needed the group’s help in order to defeat Roman Reigns for World Heavyweight Championship (should he win the ongoing tournament on Raw), this week’s main event saw Penta take on Bronco Nima, with the stipulation being that if Nima won then Penta would have to join Los Perros Del Mal.

This isn’t what happened however, but as well as not recruiting Penta, Los Perros Del Mal made the decision to oust Nima from the group after he lost to the former Intercontinental Champion.

Angel, Berto, Daga and Karmen Petrovic beat down Nima four-on-one, with Petrovic getting the final shot in on her now former stablemate.

Afterwards Nima took to Twitter and commented on the betrayal, writing:

Las mismas personas en las que confías son las que te traicionan…

The same people you trust in be the ones that turn on you…

This would then lead to a response from Petrovic, who first wrote:

GOD FORGIVES.. you already know the rest, my Bronco

She would then explain why she and the rest of Los Perros Del Mal cut Nima from the group, stating that he both failed to deliver (presumably in reference to his loss to Penta) and “didn’t put the family first.”

Petrovic wrote:

everything was banking on bronco.. he didn’t deliver.. what hurts the most is that he didn’t put the family first.. DIOS PERDONA, LOS PERROS NO!

Petrovic’s second comment about not putting the family first could potentially be in reference to Nima remaining aligned with OTM tag team partner Lucien Price over in NXT.

While Nima’s relationship with Los Perros Del Mal caused some friction between OTM, Nima came to Price’s aid on this past Tuesday’s NXT when he was being beaten down by BirthRight.

After taking out Nima, Los Perros Del Mal would eventually turn their attention back to Penta, but he was saved by his brother Rey Fenix and Dragon Lee. This led to the announcement that Penta, Fenix and Lee will be taking on Daga, Angel and Berto at AAA Ola De Calor on August 30.

In other AAA news, a WWE star was suspended by General Manager Rey Mysterio during last night’s show – click here for full details.

To make sure you stay up to date with all the biggest wrestling and WrestleTalk news, follow us on Threads by clicking this link!

Back in 2024, WWE introduced a new show called Speed, which aired exclusively on X and typically consisted of a singular three or five minute match per week.

The show featured tournaments that would lead to the crowning of #1 contenders to challenge for the WWE Speed Championship, and the later introduced Women’s Speed Championship.

Speed as a show was discontinued in July 2025, but the Speed Championships have remained active – along with the tournaments and short matches concept – on NXT TV.

However, on Sunday, August 30 at WWE NXT Heatwave, NXT Women’s North American Champion Zaria will face current Women’s Speed Champion Wren Sinclair in a title unification match.

The word unification is very important here – this means the winner will merge the two championships together, not hold both championships separately.

What this actually most likely means is the Women’s Speed Championship will be dropped and the winner will just proceed as the Women’s North American Champion.

The men’s WWE Speed Championship, currently held by Lexis King, was defended as recently as this past Tuesday against Lucien Price, and there’s been nothing to suggest it’ll be dropped – but if the Women’s Speed Title is going, one would think the men’s won’t be too far behind.

The History Of WWE Speed

As of this writing, the men’s Speed Championship has been held by seven champions, with the initial version on X being held by Ricochet, Andrade, Dragon Lee and El Grande Americano.

Then, when it transitioned to NXT, it was held by Jasper Troy, Elio LeFleur – who had to vacate it due to injury – and then current champion Lexis King who won the vacant title.

As for the women, it was introduced a few months later and has only had four champions, with the initial phase winners being Candice LeRae and Sol Ruca.

In NXT, Ruca had to vacate it due to injury, before it was won by Fallon Henley and then current champion Wren Sinclair.

Was WWE Speed A Good Idea?

Ultimately, the idea of airing one three or five minute match per week on X was a pretty promising and innovative concept.

However, it never really seemed to “go viral” to the degree that both WWE and X were hoping it would, and it was largely just seen as a consolation prize or even a demotion for those who competed on the show – even the champions.

There was a somewhat bizarre disconnect where the Speed Title belts were exclusive to X too, so the champion couldn’t even have the belt with them on the main shows like WWE Raw or SmackDown.

That part of the deal really wasn’t a good idea, as it only served to undermine Speed as a concept and make it feel too unimportant for mainline TV, and also meant it never really received the promotion that could have helped it succeed.

The Speed concept as it currently exists in NXT feels a bit shoehorned in and out of place, with the necessity for tournaments disrupting the rest of the show, and the three or five minute rule for matches being a bit redundant when most matches on NXT TV are fast-paced and short anyway because that’s just the style of the product.

So, yes, it was actually a good idea to begin with, it just wasn’t executed as well as it could have been.

To make sure you stay up to date with all the biggest wrestling and WrestleTalk news, follow us on Threads by clicking this link!

Following this new arrival on the blue brand, there could be other NXT talent who coming up next.

From former champions to rising stars who just signed, NXT could see several names leaving to head to Friday nights in the near future.

Here are six more potential WWE NXT stars to debut on SmackDown.

6. Izzi Dame

Signing with WWE in 2022, Izzi Dame had the look that the company has traditionally seek out.

However, Dame has transformed into a consistently featured character worker and improved inside the squared circle.

With her size and microphone skills, Dame has solidified herself as a prominent star on the brand and a former NXT Women’s North American Champion.

Following in the footsteps of her former friend and rival Tatum Paxley, Izzi Dame could be the next female star from NXT to make their way to Friday nights on the blue brand.

5. Birthright (Lexis King, Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo, Arianna Grace, Uriah Connors & Charlie Dempsey)

Over the years, WWE NXT has become known for some memorable factions.

From Sanity and Undisputed Era to Toxic Attraction and Fatal Influence, NXT stables have made their mark on the history of the brand.

Birthright have become the latest in a long line of signature groups with second generation talent led by Lexis King currently going strong on Tuesday nights.

King, Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo, Arianna Grace, Uriah Connors and Charlie Dempsey have all the makings of a main roster act that could shine on Friday Night SmackDown.

4. Myles Borne

After signing with WWE in 2022, Myles Borne has slowly but surely become one of the most featured stars on NXT.

Establishing himself in the No Quarter Catch Crew alongside Charlie Dempsey, Tavion Heights and Wren Sinclair, Borne quickly became a young star on the rise.

Following a four-year run on the brand, Borne is now a double champion, holding both the NXT North American and Tag Team Championships.

Borne feels more than prepared for a main roster call-up and could be next up to join the SmackDown roster in the near future.

3. Tony D’Angelo

Tony D’Angelo was part of the crop of talent that made their debut during the WWE NXT 2.0 rebrand.

“The Don of NXT” has gone on to become one of the most decorated stars in the brand’s history.

Debuting in 2021, D’Angelo is the first ever WWE NXT Grand Slam Champion, holding the NXT, North American, Tag Team and Heritage Cup Championships over his run on the brand.

Whenever he loses the NXT Championship, fans should expect Tony D to be called up and could garner a major spotlight on SmackDown before long.

2. Cruz Montana

Traveling all over the world, Mike Santana earned a name for himself in various promotions, such as All Elite Wrestling and TNA Wrestling.

In his second stint with the company, Santana became a top star and a two-time TNA World Champion.

After his contract expired, Santana signed with WWE and has since become Cruz Montana, joining the NXT brand after his official arrival on the July 21 episode.

It seems like this run on NXT will not be a long one, so fans should not be surprised when Montana shows up on Friday Night SmackDown and starts to excel on the major stage.

1. Lola Vice

Lola Vice is someone who looks ready made for the main roster sooner rather than later.

Over her four-year run on NXT, Vice is a former NXT Women’s Champion and has been one of the faces of the brand.

After losing the NXT Women’s Championship to Kendal Grey and the subsequent NXT Underground rematch, Vice should be set to make the jump to either Raw or SmackDown.

Joining her real life partner Damian Priest, Vice could be a pivotal acquisition for the SmackDown women’s division, helping to establish her as a breakout star on Friday nights.

To make sure you stay up to date with all the biggest wrestling and WrestleTalk news, follow us on Threads by clicking this link!

In July 28, Grayson Waller returned to NXT, calling the past two years of his main roster career an ‘embarrassment‘, looking back on his time with Austin Theory in A-Town Down Under, along with his work with The New Day.

Waller’s insight wouldn’t stop with himself, though, turning his attention to the men’s NXT roster and calling them ‘soft’ before asserting that their female counterparts were ‘running laps’ around them.

It was a statement that Kevin Owens echoed in a recent interview with FACES Magazine, although he would concede that there are a few male stars to keep an eye on, saying:

“It’s very hard to nail one down, and you know, I’m going to echo what Grayson Waller said on NXT a few weeks ago. There’s a lot of very talented people in NXT, but the women of NXT are kind of whipping the dude’s asses right now as far as in-ring work and performance, so I don’t want to just single out one, but there’s a few guys to keep an eye on for sure.

“I think the people that go see that NXT show, what they’ll walk away from talking about is going to be the women on the show because they’re all pretty excellent. The future is bright for the women’s division in WWE when you see the girls that are in NXT and their work.”

Prior to his return at SummerSlam on August 2, Kevin Owens was training at the WWE Performance Center, with AJ Styles commenting that he figured ‘something must be going on‘.

Questioning Whether The Men’s NXT Roster Can Make It

Grayson Waller’s words certainly had an impact on some members of the men’s NXT roster, with John Cena commenting that the star ‘has found his why‘ when it comes to his current direction.

Upon his return, Waller’s focus was on Cruz Montana, although the recently signed Zilla Fatu also found himself on the receiving end of the star’s comments following an attack that left both competitors on the mat.

Whether Waller’s assertions will play into anything other than a “breaking all the toys” storyline for the star, the thorny issue of the prominence of the women’s roster in NXT is a pertinent one.

This year, NXT has lost Sol Ruca, Blake Monroe and all of Fatal Influence to the main roster. That’s not to say that male stars aren’t represented when it comes to main roster call-ups, but there are substantially more male stars in NXT than their female counterparts. It’s a similar picture up on the main roster, too, with limited opportunities for NXT stars to make the cut on Raw or SmackDown.

Perhaps the opportunity exists for Waller’s presence to be the litmus test for potential call-ups. Perhaps NXT creative will see what he’s saying and set out to prove him wrong, leading to a shuffling of the deck.

Moving rosters has become a two-way street for some stars, with Waller and Nattie both finding new opportunities on NXT. It would be quite the move if more main roster stars made the move to NXT, following the unrelenting intensity of Nattie and the unbridled in words and actions Waller to prove that some of the stars just won’t make it on Raw and SmackDown.

To make sure you stay up to date with all the biggest wrestling and WrestleTalk news, follow us on Threads by clicking this link!

The show played host to an Evolve Women’s Championship match with Nikkita Lyons putting her title on the line against Thea Hail.

Since it was a title match, there was a big in-ring introduction that came via new Evolve ring announcer Ryan Katz.

Katz has been in the wrestling business for many years in different roles, and has been with WWE since 2013 – though he was released in January 2022 then brought back that September.

He’s now the Director of NXT Creative Operations, which he describes on LinkedIn as:

Director of the creative development of new recruits into the WWE Performance Center. Performance coaching, program development, creative production.

His profile on the official WWE Recruit website includes the following bio:

Ryan Katz has over 25 years of experience in the professional wrestling business. From starting his own promotion in Denver to helping with the creation of Wrestling Society X on MTV, Katz’s energy and charisma have led him to thrive in many of the extremes of pro wrestling and beyond.

He has appeared on reality shows, game shows, news programs, and The Oprah Winfrey Show, always bringing his larger-than-life personality and enthusiasm to everything with which he is involved.

Katz was hired as the very first full-time employee of the WWE Performance Center where he was mentored by WWE Hall of Famer Dusty Rhodes.

Today he works to carry forward the knowledge and inspirational legacy of Dusty as he helps the next generation of WWE Superstars develop and excel along their own creative paths to success.

The aforementioned match between Lyons and Hail saw Lyons retain her title after outside interference from Lyons’ ally Sloane Jacobs.

To make sure you stay up to date with all the biggest wrestling and WrestleTalk news, follow us on Threads by clicking this link!

Over the past few weeks, there have been several title matches announced for the card that could lead to new holders of almost every title on the NXT brand.

Whether it be at Heatwave or the weeks to follow, there could be a title change coming soon that might see a new star get their chance in the spotlight.

Here are our predictions for the next holder of every WWE NXT Championship.

NXT Women’s Championship – Kelani Jordan

For months, Kelani Jordan has been complaining about never getting a shot at the NXT Women’s Championship.

Hearing these complaints, NXT Women’s Champion Kendal Grey gave Jordan an open contract to face her for the gold at anytime.

This led to Jordan choosing NXT Heatwave 2026 to finally get her long deserved opportunity.

“The Standout” could be one win away from finally becoming the new NXT Women’s Champion and proving all her haters wrong at Heatwave.

WWE Speed Women’s Championship – Kali Armstrong

Since arriving on WWE NXT earlier this year, Kali Armstrong immediately proved herself to be someone to watch.

Making a name for herself, Armstrong has been on a roll in singles competition and holds the honor of being the first ever Evolve Women’s Champion.

Now looking to add another title to her list of accolades, Kali has issued a challenge to Wren Sinclair for the WWE Speed Championship.

After pinning Sinclair in a tag team match on the August 18 WWE NXT, Armstrong has proven she is ready to win her first title on the brand.

WWE Speed Championship – EK Prosper

EK Prosper has been riding a wave of momentum over the past few weeks.

After picking up a mixed tag team win with Lizzy Rain over Izzi Dame and Niko Vance, Prosper beat Romeo Moreno, Tristan Angels and La Parka to become the number one contender for the AAA World Cruiserweight Championship.

While he is set to challenge for that title on the August 25 episode of WWE NXT, this may lead to yet another failure in a championship match for the young star.

To bounce back, Prosper could have what it takes to be the perfect star to dethrone Lexis King for the WWE Speed Championship sometime down the road.

NXT Women’s North American Championship – Wren Sinclair

Wren Sinclair is the current WWE Speed Champion, but this has not stopped her from going after other titles.

On the August 11 edition of WWE NXT, Sinclair challenged ZARIA for the NXT Women’s Championship, but came up short after outside interference from a brawl between Saquon Shugars and Dion Lennox.

After being cost her opportunity, Sinclair has one last chance when she faces ZARIA in a NXT Women’s North American Championship vs. WWE Speed Championship unification match at NXT Heatwave 2026 on August 30.

In her home state of Texas, Sinclair could become the latest NXT star to become a double champion by winning the North American Title.

NXT North American Championship – Jackson Drake

On the August 18 episode of WWE NXT, Jackson Drake defeated Shiloh Hill to earn himself a shot at the NXT North American Championship at Heatwave 2026.

Following a run of impressive singles wins, it feels like long overdue for Drake’s opportunity.

Drake challenge Myles Borne for the gold could be a showstealer on the Heatwave 2026 card, but it could also see a new champion being crowned.

With the chance to have The Vanity Project draped in gold, Drake needs to beat Borne to win his first singles title on NXT.

NXT Tag Team Championships – The Vanity Project (Brad Baylor & Ricky Smokes)

Speaking of Jackson Drake’s win over Shiloh Hill on the August 18 WWE NXT, he also earned The Vanity Project‘s Brad Baylor and Ricky Smokes their rematch against Myles Borne and Tavion Heights for the NXT Tag Team Championships at Heatwave as well.

On the August 4 edition of WWE NXT, Borne and Heights finally put it all together and defeated The Vanity Project to win the NXT Tag Team Championships.

Now that they are the challengers, this bout at WWE NXT Heatwave will be a challenging position for Baylor and Smokes.

While Heights and Borne’s reign is just getting started, it feels they are closer to a split than staying champions, so this should The Vanity Project the win at WWE NXT Heatwave 2026.

NXT Championship – Grayson Waller

On the July 28 episode of WWE NXT, Grayson Waller made his return and immediately became one of the hottest stars in the entire company.

Waller cut a scathing promo cutting down the main roster booking, TNA and the entire NXT men’s locker room.

This has led to Waller being front and center where he wants to be in the mix for the NXT Championship.

Now that he will challenge Tony D’Angelo in a four-way with Zilla Fatu and Cruz Montana, it would make sense for Waller to win the NXT Championship at Heatwave 2026 to give the brand a top heel for these new babyfaces to chase moving forward.

To make sure you stay up to date with all the biggest wrestling and WrestleTalk news, follow us on Threads by clicking this link!

During the August 18 NXT episode, Shiloh Hill faced off against Jackson Drake in a pre-announced match, which over the course of the show became a North American Championship #1 contender’s bout.

This match also marked Hill’s in-ring comeback, following the NXT star breaking a part of his skull called the maxilla during his bout against Tristan Angels on the July 28 NXT episode.

Shiloh Hill’s return didn’t play out in the way he would’ve wanted, with the star losing to Drake following interference from Naraku.

In the closing moments of the bout, Hill threw Drake off the top rope, inadvertently taking out the referee. While the official was out, Naraku emerged from under the ring and sprayed Hill in the face with red poison mist.

Drake capitalised, hitting Hill with his 450 splash for the victory.

Shiloh Hill took to Twitter following the match to share a photo of his face, still red even after wiping off the mist.

Hill captioned the photo:

well i don’t need to test the red one anymore… i think its mostly mace

You can view Shiloh Hill’s post below.

Prior to his return match being announced, Hill stated on August 7 that he could be back in the ring “a little sooner than doctors initially thought.”

Ahead of NXT, Hill described Jackson Drake as like “all the worst frat people you knew got together, and they created a baby and then raised it immersed in frat culture its whole life, and just created the worst person ever, but then also unfortunately, it just happened to become one of the best wrestlers in the world.”

Chelsea Green is another wrestler who looks to be preparing for an in-ring return after suffering a skull injury, with the interim WWE Women’s Champion breaking her orbital bone during a match on the August 7 edition of SmackDown.

Following teases that Green would be stripped of her title, Nick Aldis announced on the August 14 episode that he was giving Chelsea 30 days to compete and defend the title, giving her the chance to return before he’s forced to vacate the belt.

AJ Styles recently shared an update on Chelsea Green after speaking with the interim WWE Women’s Champion at the Performance Center, click here to read more. 

well i don’t need to test the red one anymore… i think its mostly mace pic.twitter.com/jVivgTUuaI

— Shiloh Hill (@shiloh_wwe) August 19, 2026

To make sure you stay up to date with all the biggest wrestling and WrestleTalk news, follow us on Threads by clicking this link!

Nattie has been a fixture on NXT recently, bringing her much more aggressive style to the Tuesday night show.

The August 18 episode saw Nattie for Thea Hail to tap to the Sharpshooter, with no let up after the bell had rung.

Post-match, Karmen Petrovic and Nikkita Lyons locked Jaida Parker up, forcing the star to watch Hail be further brutalized by the leader of The Dungeon.

Addressing the victory on Twitter, Nattie rated Hail with an “A for effort”, commenting that she lives for the bruises she received at the hands of her opponent, posting:

“Tonight was SO fun. I truly love @WWENXT. Every time I leave, I feel invigorated.

“And I especially loved putting @theahail_wwe in her place… But I’ll give Thea an A for effort, because I’m covered in bruises from her. Hope she knows I LIVE for the bruises. They remind me I’m alive.”

Having scored a victory over Jaida Parker on the June 16 episode of NXT, their rematch on July 21 would see Parker victorious, albeit thanks to a towel thrown in the ring by Hail while Lyons and Petrovic argued over whether they should be the ones to do it.

A Veteran Star Is Reborn

Signing her first contract in January 2007, Natalya Neidhart is the longest-tenured member of the women’s roster in WWE.

A former WWE Divas Champion, SmackDown Women’s Champion and one-half of the Women’s Tag Team Champions (with Tamina), it’s a curiosity that titles haven’t been a more frequent feature of Natalya’s tenure.

Regardless of why she hasn’t held a title since 2021, Natalya continues to be a regular feature of WWE programming and has seen a rebirth of sorts thanks to the Nattie character that she created for her independent showings, seeing a shift in her character.

No longer the “fun” Natalya, Nattie’s harder and more dangerous edge has reaped rewards for the star, particularly with multiple independent wrestling appearances, including at a number of GCW Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport events. It’s also a perfect fit for NXT, allowing the star to work with future main roster talent in a grittier, more technical match.

As for a future championship run, that’s something that was on Nattie’s mind when it comes to signing her last WWE contract.

To make sure you stay up to date with all the biggest wrestling and WrestleTalk news, follow us on Threads by clicking this link!