Naraku defeats Mason Rook to face Tony D’Angelo at Great American Bash
Summary
– Naraku defeated Mason Rook on the June 9, WWE NXT, to become Tony D’Angelo’s next challenger
– The win gives Naraku an NXT Championship match at Great American Bash
– Kam Hendrix caused a late distraction before Naraku hit his finisher for the victory
Naraku is officially next in line for the NXT Championship.
The June 9 episode of WWE NXT featured Naraku facing Mason Rook in a number one contender’s match. The winner would earn a shot at Tony D’Angelo and the NXT Championship at Great American Bash.
Naraku entered the match with major experience and a clear goal of taking D’Angelo’s title. Formerly known to many fans as EVIL in NJPW, he has wasted little time making his intentions clear since arriving in NXT.
Rook came into the match with his own momentum. The powerful competitor from Britain has been one of NXT’s rising names and had a chance to earn the biggest opportunity of his run so far.
The match delivered a hard-hitting battle between two tough competitors. Rook used his strength to take control at different points, while Naraku kept fighting back with strikes and timely counters.
After the commercial break, Rook slammed Naraku with a powerful move that shook the ring. Naraku kicked out at two, then answered with a headbutt and clothesline.
Rook responded with a spinning sit-down powerbomb for another near fall. The crowd reacted strongly as both men kept surviving big offenses.
The NXT Arena chanted “This is Awesome” as the match reached its final stretch. Rook broke free from Naraku’s hold with a cannonball and looked ready to close in on the win.
Kam Hendrix then appeared on the apron, causing a key distraction. Naraku took advantage of the moment, hit his finisher, and scored the pinfall.
With the victory, Naraku now moves on to challenge Tony D’Angelo for the NXT Championship at Great American Bash.
The 2026 Great American Bash is scheduled for Sunday, June 28. The event will air live on The CW Network at 7 p.m. ET.
