Grayson Waller emerged victorious, claiming the NXT Championship in a dramatic four-way match at Heatwave. The bout featured defending champion Tony D’Angelo, Cruz Montana, and Zilla Fatu.

Waller's path to his first NXT title reign was paved with a high-risk elbow drop that culminated in him crashing through the announcer's table along with Fatu. This risky maneuver ultimately played a pivotal role in securing the victory.

The match saw D’Angelo face a significant challenge defending his championship against a field of hungry contenders. Fatu made his singles debut in the match, Montana sought to make an immediate impact following his arrival from TNA, and Waller aimed to climb back to the top of the men's division.

Early in the contest, Fatu pinned D'Angelo after a Samoan Spike, but Waller intervened, pulling the referee out of the ring before the count of three. Later, with Fatu down on the announcer's table, Waller seized the opportunity. He ascended to the top turnbuckle and executed an elbow drop, causing both himself and Fatu to crash through the table.

As D’Angelo and Montana continued their battle in the ring, Waller made his way back. After Montana hit D'Angelo with "Spin the Block," Waller re-entered the ring, pushed Montana to the outside, and then pinned D’Angelo to win the championship.

This marks Waller's first NXT title reign, despite having begun his career with the brand and previously winning the Men's Iron Survivor Challenge in 2022. He had not previously reached the championship heights within NXT until this event.

WWE Hall of Famer John Bradshaw Layfield recently highlighted the deep talent pool across professional wrestling in an interview.