Top NXT Title Vacated, New Champion Crowned Soon

It's all change in one of NXT's top title scenes, as WWE makes swooping moves.

Triple H NXT North American title
WWE

One week after defeating Carmelo Hayes to take the strap in the first place, Solo Sikoa is NXT North American Champion no more.

The Bloodline affiliate was stripped of the championship on last night's NXT show. Sikoa and Hayes were called backstage by Shawn Michaels, who claimed Solo's title win was ill-gotten. Hayes was due to defend against the winner of a fan vote, though Sikoa ended up walking out for the match, calling his own shot after not featuring in the vote. This was enough for Michaels to declare the strap vacant.

Hayes' request to be reinstated as North American Champion was turned down, as he and Trick Williams had "played the system" by beating vote-winner Wes Lee down last week, thus rendering him unable to continue.

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Now, WWE will crown a new North American Champion at Halloween Havoc on 22 October. Hayes will be involved in a five-person ladder match to end the vacant spell, with qualifiers set to play out on upcoming shows.

Later on, newcomer Oro Mensah, the former Oliver Carter, qualified for the ladder match, defeating Grayson Waller.

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Sikoa's North American Championship win was his first title victory since joining WWE. The Bloodline man graduated to the main roster at Clash at the Castle earlier this month, joining forces with Roman Reigns and his real-life brothers, The Usos. Last week's SmackDown saw him successfully defend the belt against Madcap Moss.

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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.