On Sunday, August 30th, WWE NXT returned to Edinburg, Texas, for its biggest show of the summer, “Heatwave.” This was the second of two events at this venue today, with AAA going on earlier in the day. This year’s event seemed bigger than the last, as a lot of chapters were going to be closing tonight. Titles would be won, stories would end, and perhaps some new stories would begin. The only thing that was rough about this show was the counterprogramming of AEW All In. As a wrestling fan, this made it hard to watch both live. Nonetheless, the main event of the show saw Tony D’Angelo put his NXT Championship on the line in a very crowded scene against three top-notch competitors – Grayson Waller, Cruz Montana, and Zilla Fatu.

We also saw Kendal Gray put her NXT Women’s Championship on the line against Kelani Jordan, Jaida Parker meet Nattie in a submission match, and Zaria battle Kali Armstrong and Wren Sinclair in a title unification match for the NXT Women’s North American Championship and WWE Women’s Speed Championship. Albeit, it was about time WWE ended that speed concept. Brutal. We also saw Myles Borne pull double duty as he teamed up with Tavion Heights and put their NXT Tag Team Championships on the line to battle The Vanity Project, and met Jackson Drake in a singles contest later in the night for the NXT North American Championship. So, what were the top three moments?

3. Why, Myles, Why?

Myles Borne was tasked with an extremely tough show. In the second match of the night, he and Tavion Heights had to put their NXT Tag Team Championships on the line against The Vanity Project, Brad Baylor & Ricky Smokes. However, while Tavion’s night was over after this one, Borne’s wasn’t. He had to gear up for another singles contest, this time with The Vanity Project’s Jackson Drake for the NXT North American Championship. So, he was going to have far from an easy night. However, what nobody saw coming was what happened following his second match of the night against Drake.

Looking at their tag title match, everything was somewhat good between the two. The end of the tag match saw Borne collide with Heights, sending Heights off the apron. The Vanity Project hit their finishing move, the Hit It and Quit It, on Borne and pinned him to reclaim the titles. It was clear that Borne and Heights were not happy after this match. But they hugged and walked to the back together. Unfortunately for Myles, things didn’t fare much better for him in the NXT North American Championship match. Myka Lockwood hit her finisher on Borne outside the ring and sent him back in for Jackson Drake to hit a 450 to win the match and the title. The Vanity Project holds all the gold. However, after the match is where the real story happened. Borne hit a zigzag move on Heights, leaving him lying, seemingly out of frustration.

I loved this turn. Myles Borne turning on Tavion Heights was something that nobody saw coming. Especially with Heights beginning to show signs of turning on Borne first, like accusing him of “forgetting” about their friendship. However, Heights turned out to be ride or die for Borne. It was Borne who was not ride or die back. This was a shocking turn, especially with Borne’s real-life inspiring story. He was molded into someone who may have become one of NXT’s biggest babyfaces. However, that stopped tonight. It was an awesome, shocking, but very cool turn to see Borne cross over into the dark side. It should be interesting to see where Borne goes from here.

2. Kelani Jordan Captures the NXT Women’s Championship

In one of the biggest matches announced for tonight, we saw Kendal Grey put her NXT Women’s Championship on the line against Kelani Jordan. Kendal Grey was off to a hot start since winning that NXT Women’s Championship from the former champion, Lola Vice. In her first defense, she even defeated Vice in her own game, an Underground match. However, her reign was not going to get any easier as her next challenger was someone who brings a wealth of experience into the match from NXT. Jordan has been with NXT now for quite some time and has yet to really have her shot to shine. So, she wasn’t going to let this opportunity get by easily.

The match itself was super fun. A couple of missed spots, but still super fun. The two women had a back-and-forth clinic. Both girls threw everything they had and more at each other. Neither would stay down, regardless of how many big moves were thrown. Jordan attempted a 450, but Grey countered. Jordan’s landing seemingly hurt her ankle, and Grey went back on the attack with an ankle lock. After more tremendous action, Jordan ultimately caught Grey trying to re-enter the ring, sent her shoulder first into the ring post, and hit a split-legged moonsault to win the NXT Women’s Championship. The standout era has begun.

Seeing Kelani Jordan hoist the title over her head was perfect. This was so good. The women got nearly 23 minutes to show what they bring to the table. They more than delivered. This was a very surprising moment, but one that I was super happy about. I didn’t think Jordan was winning the NXT Women’s Championship heading into the show. But I am more than happy to be wrong. Taking nothing away from Grey, she’s phenomenal. However, Jordan has grown a lot in her time in NXT and deserves this run. I’m sure she’ll be up on the main roster sooner rather than later, but I’m happy to see her get a reign with the title.

1. Grayson Waller Captures the NXT Championship

Was there really any other option on this show? After floundering around on the main roster, doing skits, and going along with the New Day’s Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods, Grayson Waller was left with nothing to do following the New Day’s departure. So, the logical next step for someone with the potential like Waller is to throw him into the Intercontinental or United States Championship picture, right? Wrong. WWE decided Waller would be better suited for NXT, and I didn’t hate this idea. I love the idea a whole lot more after today’s event. In his first big match back, Grayson Waller found himself in a four-way match for the NXT Championship.

The match itself delivered on just about every front. This match was 100 miles per hour from the opening bell. Fatu cleared the ring early before having a stare-down with Tony D’Angelo. However, the action continued to break loose as each man tried to throw everything they had at the other for the top prize in NXT. Waller hit an elbow drop from the top rope onto the announce table on Fatu to effectively eliminate him in this match. In the end, Montana hit the Spin The Block on D’Angelo, but Waller made his way back into the ring in time and took Montana out to steal the victory. Grayson Waller is the new NXT Champion!

I absolutely love, love, LOVE, this move. Grayson Waller has so much potential as a cocky, brash heel for years to come. At times, he even reminded me of a very young John Cena. Seeing him get to hoist the NXT Championship over his head felt like the re-do in NXT he very much needed. I’m ecstatic that Waller will finally get his shot to sit atop the mountain in NXT. With contenders like Cruz Montana and Zilla Fatu coming at him still, and Tony D’Angelo potentially wanting a rematch, Waller could be in deep. However, it’s indeed sink-or-swim time, and Waller has all the tools to swim. Nonetheless, Waller is now the guy to beat in NXT.