WWE NXT Heatwave 2026: 5 last-minute predictions

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Wren Sinclair, Kali Armstrong, or Zaria could walk out as both the Women’s Speed and Women’s North American Champion. Natalya and Jaida Parker battle in a Submission Match. Here are last-minute predictions for WWE NXT Heatwave 2026.

#5. Myles Borne loses one title

Gunther wrestled on both days of SummerSlam. Myles Borne has two titles and will wrestle twice on the same day at Heatwave. The double champion will defend the North American Title against the Vanity Project’s Jackson Drake.

He’ll defend the NXT Tag Team Titles with Tavion Heights against Ricky Smokes and Brad Baylor of the Vanity Project. Pulling double duty will be a double-edged sword for the popular star.

He’s held the North American Title since February of 2026. Borne and Heights won tag team gold on August 4th. Officials seem high on Drake, so he’ll beat Borne to become the new North American Champion. However, Borne and Heights will leave Heatwave as tag champions.

#4. Natalya turns face after losing to Jaida Parker

Natalya and Jaida Parker’s feud will come to an end at WWE NXT Heatwave. They’ve each picked up a victory over the other, but a submission match favors Nattie.

She’s one of the WWE’s most selfless performers in helping the future of the business. Parker will beat her rival, earning Natalya’s respect in the process. That could force a face turn.

Nikkita Lyons and Karmen Petrovic can turn on the WWE veteran to facilitate the turn. She came to NXT to help one of the brand’s featured performers in Parker. Natalya can then move back to WWE’s main roster after putting over Ms. Parker.

#3. Zaria unifies the Women’s Speed and Women’s North American Titles

Zaria won the Women’s North American Championship back in early June. It was a cathartic moment after constantly being booked as Sol Ruca’s sidekick. She’s faced several women, including Speed Champion Wren Sinclair.

Kali Armstrong feels entitled to everything due to her athletic ability. It’d make more sense if she’d been in NXT longer, but all three women have a chance to make history.

Whoever wins at Heatwave will unify the Women’s Speed and North American Championships. Sinclair is a lovable face, and Zaria lost to Armstrong on the go-home show.

If Zaria loses again a few days later, she should contemplate leaving WWE. Armstrong needs to wait her turn. For those reasons, Zaria should walk out of Texas with two belts.

#2. WWE Hall-of-Famer AJ Styles shows up

AJ Styles is reportedly in town for both AAA Ola de Calor and NXT Heatwave. He’s close to the Undertaker, who is instrumental in booking every AAA show. Styles retired after losing to Gunther at the Royal Rumble, but he’s been on programming a few times since then.

The first was his retirement address and Hall of Fame nomination. The second appearance involved the Hall of Fame Ceremony. The Phenomenal One seems interested in the future of the business.

His son, Avery, recently signed with TNA. The Phenomenal One will make an appearance at Heatwave, and could even interact with a few stars. Styles was one of the most beloved performers in the industry, so the fans will eat it up if he crashes the show.

#1. The Nepo Uce wins the NXT Championship

WWE is clearly fast-tracking Zilla Fatu to the top. His first match in NXT will be for the NXT Championship just three weeks after debuting. Zilla has ties to Booker T, who’s one of the brand’s commentators.

Montana and Waller fought for the right to challenge Tony D’Angelo, but Fatu crashed the match to make an impact. The fans ate it up, but it’s another case of pushing stars with ties to the Bloodline over the rest of the roster.

Waller even came out with a “Nepo Uce” shirt on the Heatwave go-home show. D’Angelo has reigned since April 4th and could be ready for a main-roster call-up. A title change is highly likely since Kendal Grey is likely to beat Kelani Jordan.

Zilla could make history by becoming the first member of the Bloodline family to win the NXT Championship. Reigns was part of developmental when it was FCW. The Usos also debuted before WWE changed FCW to NXT.

Solo Sikoa had several shots at the title but only won the North American Championship. Bookers will want fans to know that Zilla Fatu is a big deal, so he’ll leave Texas with the title. He competed for Booker T’s Reality of Wrestling in the state, so he’ll be a heavy fan favorite during the match.