Tony D’Angelo will be defending the NXT Championship against Naraku this Sunday at the Great American Bash. After last week’s meeting, the June 23, 2026, episode of NXT saw Naraku give D’Angelo the signed contract. But inside was a fireball, sending him to the hospital.
In his office, NXT General Manager Robert Stone was confronted by the Vanity Project, with Jackson Drake suggesting he replace D’Angelo. Naraku came out to the ring with Stone and said he’ll take the title himself.
Mason Rook then arrived, who had problems with both men. He suggested that he would fight Naraku. The Vanity Project showed up, with Drake again repeating that he’ll take the title, leading to a fight with Rook.
It looked like the chaos was over, but D’Angelo came back with a bandage over his eye, clearly showing that he isn’t giving up easily. This sequence not only gives a preview for Sunday, but also a preview of what could happen in the next couple of months.
D’Angelo Has a Naraku-inflicted injury to overcome
One of the most memorable instances of a fireball to the face happened in NXT. At the Great American Bash in 2020, Keith Lee won a Winner Takes All match, retaining his NXT North American Championship while taking the NXT Championship from Adam Cole. In the build to NXT Takeover XXX, Keith Lee was presented with the contract by Karrion Kross. A fireball was inside, injuring Lee and allowing Kross to become NXT Champion.
The same thing will hopefully happen to Naraku, which is why he did it in the first place. If D’Angelo fights him, he’ll be at a disadvantage. Wrestling with one eye is dangerous, as it can impact your ability to sense your opponent’s attacks. Doing this will give him an easy victory so he can become NXT Champion himself.
If D’Angelo retains the NXT Championship, it’ll be an incredible comeback story. But if he loses, it will show that Naraku had a huge advantage throughout the match by attacking him while he was defenseless.
Drake and Rook are Now the Next Contenders
No matter if D’Angelo or Naraku wins on Sunday, this segment previewed the next challengers for the title. Drake has been impressive as part of the Vanity Project, with Brad Baylor and Ricky Smokes holding the NXT Tag Team Championships. He wants to add more gold to the faction, which is why he wants a chance at the title.
Rook also has been great in his short time in NXT. He’s only been in two matches, with one of them being a loss to Naraku to get the title opportunity.
But his athleticism and promo ability show that he has what it takes to be a star. If D’Angelo wins, there’s no doubt Drake and Rook will confront him next Tuesday. The same thing will happen if Naraku wins. No matter what, that’s probably going to be the next number one contender’s match for the title. This segment advanced the story between D’Angelo and Naraku while showcasing the next two men to challenge for the title.
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The NXT Championship is Very Important Right Now
D’Angelo won the NXT Championship at Stand & Deliver against Ethan Page, Joe Hendry, and Ricky Saints. All three of them got called up to the main roster, leading to promotions from Evolve and debuts. The new influx of talent included Naraku and Rook, who have been after his NXT Championship for weeks now.
Drake debuted a couple of months earlier, but still has the goal of becoming NXT Champion. They all know his journey to get the title, which is why they want to get the title off of him.
Naraku might face him at the Great American Bash, and he might win after the fireball attack. Even if that happens, Drake and Rook will be next in line for the title opportunity. This segment established Naraku as a threat, saw D’Angelo seemingly go down with an injury but come back, and Drake and Rook become the next contenders. Doing so makes fans care about the NXT Championship and the journey of many wrestlers to win it themselves.
