Just three days before WWE’s major pay-per-view spectacle, Night of Champions, a new star has risen in NXT. On the June 24 episode of NXT, Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo shocked the locker room and fans alike by dethroning Tony D’Angelo to claim the coveted NXT Heritage Cup—a prestigious accolade marking a new chapter in NXT’s competitive landscape .
Stacks vs. The Don
The two-week saga intensified on last night’s show. With the Heritage Cup vacated due to Noam Dar’s injury, Lorenzo and D’Angelo—once allies—battled in a brutal Disc‑4 format match. Each competitor earned a round win as the match went deep into the fourth round. Ultimately, Lorenzo capitalized on The Don’s compromised knee, unleashing a modified Indian Death Lock and sealing the deal with a roll‑up for the victory .
After the final bell, Lorenzo immediately asserted his dominance. He stunned the crowd with a running knee and posed with the Cup, clipping D’Angelo with one final blow—a firm declaration that his reign is just beginning .
Significance of the Heritage Cup Win
Lorenzo’s win comes at a pivotal moment. With his ascent to champion, he firmly establishes himself as a top-tier player in NXT’s fiercely competitive landscape. The Heritage Cup, steeped in tradition, rewards not just power but technical wrestling prowess—affirming Lorenzo’s capabilities both physically and strategically.
For Tony D’Angelo, the defeat is a humbling reminder of the unpredictable nature of the ring—even after capitalizing on early momentum. In the aftermath, action-packed promos, backstage scuffles, or even a personal grudge match seem likely on the horizon.
How This Echoes Night of Champions
While Lorenzo celebrates in NXT, the WWE main roster steals much of the spotlight with Night of Champions looming on June 28 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The card is stacked:
Undisputed WWE Championship: John Cena (c) vs. CM Punk
King of the Ring Final: Randy Orton vs. Cody Rhodes
Queen of the Ring Final: Asuka vs. Jade Cargill
United States Championship: Jacob Fatu (c) vs. Solo Sikoa
Street Fight: Rhea Ripley vs. Raquel Rodriguez
Singles Match: Sami Zayn vs. Karrion Kross
In a strategic twist, the Intercontinental Title match—AJ Styles vs. Dominik Mysterio—was removed due to Mysterio’s rib injury. WWE swiftly replaced it with new high-stakes matches, keeping fans eager and the event lineup powerful .
Stacked Stakes for Main Roster
Night of Champions promises intense drama: Cena’s bid to remain champion while cementing his legacy on the Saudi stage, Punk looking for redemption, and tournament finals offering world-title opportunities at SummerSlam. Underlying geopolitical tensions in the region add an unexpected real-world layer to the event’s electric buildup .
What’s Next for Stacks & NXT
For Lorenzo, the Heritage Cup is just the beginning. Will he fend off challengers hungry for gold? Will NXT’s main roster crossover deepen? The title elevates him, but his next move—be it open challenges or a high-profile feud—will truly define his legacy.
Meanwhile, fans will juggle their attention between WWE’s grand Saudi spectacle and the fresh new NXT champion. If Night of Champions delivers wave‑making matches in Riyadh, Stacks’ reign in NXT offers home‑grown action waiting to explode—making i
t a wrestling week to remember.
