Jackson Drake is the new NXT North American Champion after beating Myles Borne at NXT Heatwave. Drake took advantage of Borne being worn down from his earlier tag title match, then got a major assist from Vanity Project to finish the job.
Borne had already gone through a rough match alongside Tavion Heights, where they lost the NXT Tag Team Championship to Brad Baylor and Ricky Smokes. Drake targeted Borne’s back and ribs from the opening bell, looking to drain whatever energy the champion had left.
Borne still fought back. He clotheslined Drake to the floor, countered a ringside suplex and hit a DDT after Drake tried to carry him on his shoulders. Borne later landed a powerslam and two powerbombs, but Drake kicked out both times.
Tavion Heights came down to ringside to watch Borne’s back, especially with Vanity Project still hanging around after their tag title win. Heights stopped Baylor and Smokes when they got involved, but there was too much happening for him to keep everyone out of the fight.
Borne avoided Drake’s 450 splash and nearly turned the match around. He knocked Drake off the top rope, dove onto him outside the ring, and then knocked Smokes down when the new tag champions tried to interfere.
That was when Myka Lockwood stepped in. While the referee’s attention was elsewhere, Lockwood powerslammed Borne on the floor. Heights handled Baylor and Smokes, but Drake threw Borne back into the ring, climbed to the top rope and landed the 450 splash for the pin.
Drake leaves NXT Heatwave as the new North American Champion, but he did not win the title alone. Vanity Project’s interference gave him the opening he needed against an already exhausted Myles Borne.
Did Jackson Drake earn the NXT North American Championship, or did Vanity Project hand him the win? Leave your feedback in the comments.
