The road to NXT Great American Bash took a shocking turn on the June 23 edition of NXT, as reigning NXT Champion Tony D’Angelo found himself leaving the WWE Performance Center in an ambulance rather than signing a contract for his upcoming title defense.
With tensions already running high between D’Angelo and Naraku, fans expected a heated confrontation.
Instead, the segment ended with emergency personnel rushing to assist “The Don” following a violent attack that left his status in question heading into the championship match.
Tony D’Angelo hospitalized following Naraku’s Fireball ambush on WWE NXT
The rivalry between D’Angelo and Naraku has intensified in recent weeks. Naraku made it clear that the NXT Championship is firmly in his sights. Their latest face-to-face encounter was supposed to formalize a title match for Great American Bash. However, events quickly spiraled out of control.
During the contract signing, D’Angelo reportedly opened the championship match contract to review it. Moments later, Naraku ignited the document and unleashed a fireball directly into the champion’s face.
The attack immediately sent the situation into chaos. Medical personnel and NXT officials rushed to the scene as D’Angelo writhed in pain. When the broadcast later returned to the parking lot area, the champion was shown lying on the ground with a towel covering his head. What appeared to be blood could be seen on the towel as officials urgently called for assistance.
Robert Stone repeatedly shouted for help and informed those nearby that D’Angelo had suffered burns. Soon afterward, medics loaded the NXT Champion onto a stretcher before transporting him from the arena in an ambulance.
For wrestling fans, fireballs have long been one of sports entertainment’s oldest tricks, but this one certainly left a lasting impression. More importantly, it added another layer of intensity to an already personal championship feud.
With Great American Bash approaching, questions now surround D’Angelo’s condition and whether the champion will be fully prepared when he finally meets Naraku in the ring.
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