WWE NXT Heatwave is officially in the books!
NXT returned to Canada for the first time since 2019 to deliver its latest Premium Live Event. Six matches, including one on the pre-show, went down at Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena.
Hometown ladies Arianna Grace and Karmen Petrovic defeated Jacy Jayne and Jazmyn Nyx on the kickoff show. Here’s all the action that went down on the NXT Heatwave main show.
Oba Femi (c) vs. Wes Lee – North American Championship
Oba Femi’s performance has, undoubtedly, solidified his NXT North American Championship reign. Being recognized as the best North American Champion was something he told WrestleZone’s Bill Pritchard he wanted to happen, so mission accomplished.
The big man had a phenomenal opening match against the always-dependable Wes Lee in Toronto. This might be Oba’s best since the MOTY contender triple threat at Stand & Deliver.
Both men showed exactly what happens when a cruiserweight collides with a heavyweight. The challenger targeted the champion’s massive legs to slow him down. Oba, in return, slammed Wes across the ring like a rag doll. The F10 showed his freakish strength. It looks like you’ve got some competition, Brock Lesnar.
It remains to be seen what’s next for Oba and Wes after the tremendous performance they had at NXT Heatwave. This was Lee’s last shot at the title while Oba is champion, so he’ll have to find a new title to chase in NXT.
Close friends collided at NXT Heatwave
Kelani Jordan’s first PLE defense of the Women’s North American Championship saw her take on close friend Sol Ruca. Both women showed their superior athleticism during the early goings of the match. The offense was 50-50 with Sol pulling off some great submission work.
However, the former NXT Level Up standout displayed a moment’s weakness while aiming for the turnbuckle, allowing the champion to retaliate with a reverse hurricanrana followed by her finisher.
I thought this was Sol’s breakout performance in singles competition. She never got to hit her finisher, Sol Snatcher, or the outcome might’ve been different. Definitely the better woman’s match of the night.
Click here to read complete match results.
Axiom & Nathan Frazer (c) vs. Andre Chase & Duke Hudson – NXT Tag Team Championship
The only tag team contest at WWE NXT Heatwave pitted the Supersonic Duo against Chase U for the tag team titles. Mister Chase can adapt to any style quite effortlessly. Hudson showed his big man strength as well as agility. The champions, well there’s a reason they remained champions after the match.
The NXT Universe popped hard for this match. I have yet to see a bad tag team title defense from Axiom and Frazer. These guys are just so good. WWE once against teased implosion when Frazer accidently super kicked Axiom, but I’m glad the trigger wasn’t pulled at Heatwave.
Roxanne Perez (c) vs. Lola Vice – NXT Women’s Championship
The penultimate match at Heatwave saw Roxanne Perez defend her NXT Women’s Championship against Lola Vice. This, I would say, was the weakest match of the night, but still pretty enjoyable for its dose of old-school limb targeting.
Roxanne ducked a back fist from Lola, whose hand hit the ring post. The champion proceeded to ruthlessly isolate the injured arm. Lola had her moments of comeback, but Roxy proved to be too calculated.
The highlight of the match was the Pop Rox on the announcer’s desk. Lola botched the fourth Pop Rox, but Roxanne made for it with a fifth one to seal the win. What’s next for the champion? I guess we’ll find out on NXT this Tuesday.
Shocking title change at WWE NXT Heatwave
Trick Williams put his NXT Championship in a fatal four-way also featuring Je’Von Evans, Ethan Page and Shawn Spears. A great match from bell to bell. Evans has a strong case for being the best high-flyer since Ricochet. Spears played his veteran heel role to the fullest. Trick looked great as the defending champion. Page pulled off some great offense.
I really liked the steel chair’s color. It complemented Spears’ ring gear. Page and Spears shaking hands only to poke each other in the eye was hilarious. Evans took a huge bump when Trick springboard shoved him onto the announcer’s desk. Brutal!
The ending was a major callback to an-all-time classic fatal four-way match featuring NXT’s head booker, Mr. Shawn Michaels himself. It left me speechless like it did most fans. This shock factor is slowly coming back to WWE and I’m all for it.
Was Heatwave a better overall PLE than Money in the Bank? I think yes. What do you think? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.
RELATED: Joe Hendry Video Plays At The End Of WWE NXT Heatwave
