Tony D’Angelo’s road to the NXT Championship took him five years. Two of NXT’s toughest competitors collided on June 9 with a future title shot at stake, and they left it all in the ring.
Mason Rook and Naraku squared off to determine the next challenger for the NXT Championship. This match received a lot of hype, and fans in the NXT Arena were more than ready for it.
Naraku, who was once known to many fans as EVIL in NJPW, has made it clear that he wants D’Angelo’s title. Mason Rook stood in his way as one of NXT’s fastest-rising stars. The big man from Britain has been on a streak since hitting the NXT scene.
These two threw down thirty minutes into the show. The NXT Arena was hot for the contest as Rook and Naraku went back and forth. The show cut to a commercial break just as Naraku was sent to the outside as he collected himself.
When we came back from break, Mason Rook slammed Naraku down with a powerful move that shook the ring. However, it only got a two-count out of the former IWGP Champion. Naraku came back with a headbutt and clothesline, but Rook returned fire with a spinning sit-down powerbomb for another near fall.
Naraku came back with a move of his own for a near fall. Fans were on the edge of their seats as they chanted, “This is Awesome!” Rook seprated himself from Naraku’s stranglehold with a cannonball. Then Kam Hendrix showed up on the apron to cause a distraction. Suddenly, Naraku hit his finisher for the win to become the new #1 contender of the NXT Title at the Great American Bash.
The WWE NXT Great American Bash 2026 takes place on Sunday, June 28, 2026. The premium live event will air live on The CW Network starting at 7:00 PM ET.
What’s your take on the new #1 contender for the NXT Title? Do you believe that they made the right decision? Let us know what you think in the comments section!
