Main Roster WWE Star Wins NXT Title!

A title change highlighted what could be one of WWE NXT 2.0's last nights.

WWE NXT 2.0
WWE

Solo Sikoa is the new NXT North American Champion, having defeated former title-holder Carmelo Hayes on last night's NXT 2.0 show.

Hayes had originally been booked to defend against Wes Lee. This was scrapped for kayfabe reasons, with Hayes and ally Trick Williams tacking Lee out backstage, rendering him unable to compete. The heel duo then hit the ring ahead of the main event slot, saying Carmelo had a huge target on his back as North American Champion.

Sikoa arrived, throwing down the gauntlet. WWE took the interesting approach of having him work babyface against Hayes despite appearing as a heel on recent main roster broadcasts. Nonetheless, Solo ended up upsetting 'Melo, putting him down with a Frog Splash following Uranage.

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WWE pulled the trigger on the change on what could be one of 2.0's final episodes following the evening's black and gold tease. Sikoa's triumph means that The Bloodline are once again entirely draped on gold on SmackDown, with Roman Reigns recently passing the two-year mark as Undisputed WWE Universal Champion and The Usos still reigning as Raw and SmackDown Tag Team Champions.

Sikoa's main roster debut came at 3 September's Clash at the Castle, where he assisted Reigns' victory over Drew McIntyre. A match between Drew and Solo went to a no-contest on last week's SmackDown.

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Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.