Will ‘The Don of NXT’ Retain the NXT Championship at the 2026 Great American Bash?

On Sunday, the 2026 Great American Bash will take place, one of the most well-known premium live events since the mid-1980s. In what most likely will be the main event of the show, ‘The Don of NXT’ Tony D’Angelo will look to retain the NXT Championship, the title he’s held for more than 80 days, against Naraku. This storyline has taken twists and turns, leaving D’Angelo unsure what to believe or expect from his opponent. During the June 23rd episode of NXT, Naraku hit and lit up the NXT Championship with a fireball, hurting ‘The Don of NXT’ to the point where you can see the bloody bandages on his face at the conclusion of the episode. Can D’Angelo get past another hungry challenger, or will evil win as we see a new champion potentially crowned?

Since winning the NXT Championship at Stand & Deliver, we’ve seen a bunch of newcomers make waves in NXT, looking to fill the void so many stars left when joining the main roster. Kam Hendrix, Tavion Heights, Mason Rook, and Naraku have all desired the opportunity to become NXT Champion. D’Angelo has welcomed all challengers; however, Naraku has done his best to play mind games with ‘The Don of NXT’. From the white box the NXT Champion received back in late April, to Naraku telling D’Angelo face-to-face that he wants to protect him from all threats, to the fireball Naraku lit up ‘The Don of NXT’ with, the NXT Champion has no idea what to expect when dealing with his opponent on Sunday.

Naraku defeated Rook to become the top contender for the NXT Championship. Hendrix tried to interfere, which ultimately led to Rook’s demise in the match. With all the mind games he’s played on D’Angelo, we don’t know what to expect from Naraku. He could pull out all the stunts to try and win anyway he can to get his hands on the NXT Championship.

The NXT Champion’s opponent for Sunday will have all the tricks up his sleeve. Whether that’s distracting the referee, or hurting D’Angelo anyway he can, Naraku will let his mind games do the talking to try and get the upper hand on 'The Don of NXT’. D’Angelo has to take this into account, especially after what happened Tuesday night on NXT. ‘The Don of NXT’ has to hope he has the smarts, grit, and motivation to keep his NXT Championship run going through the summer.

We’ve seen over a year-long reign with the NXT Championship and reigns with the title that are less than 80 days. While D’Angelo has overseen a new wave of talent in the black and yellow brand and has fought off every newcomer that stands in his way, Naraku could be the one to push the brand even further. ‘The Don of NXT’ has had his ups and downs throughout his run on NXT. It may be time for D’Angelo to eventually hit the main roster.