Vanity Project are back on top of NXT’s tag team division after Brad Baylor and Ricky Smokes captured the NXT Tag Team Championship at Heatwave.

The championship changed hands during the NXT Heatwave Premium Live Event, with Myles Borne and Tavion Heights putting their titles on the line against the former champions.

Borne entered the contest carrying additional gold as the reigning NXT North American Champion, but his partnership with Heights faced a major test against a Vanity Project team determined to reclaim the championships.

The decisive moment came late in the match when Borne was shoved into his own partner. The collision sent Heights crashing from the ring apron and left Borne without any immediate support.

Vanity Project quickly recognised the opportunity and took full advantage. Ricky Smokes was able to pin Borne, securing the victory and bringing the championship back to Vanity Project.

The result ends Borne and Heights’ reign as NXT Tag Team Champions after 26 days.

For Baylor and Smokes, the victory begins their second reign as NXT Tag Team Champions and puts Vanity Project firmly back at the top of the division.

Borne, however, has little time to dwell on losing one championship. He remains NXT North American Champion and is scheduled to defend that title against another Vanity Project member, Jackson Drake, at Heatwave.

That gives Vanity Project the opportunity to leave Heatwave with even more championship gold, while Borne will be looking to make sure his night does not get any worse.

A lot of gold for a lot of talent.

Say what ya want about the Vanity Project, but they ALWAYS deliver and are the future of the @WWE

Congrats to @JacksonDrake03 on becoming North American Champion and @smokeshow_ricky and @bradbay1or for becoming two time NXT tag team champs. pic.twitter.com/4jfnF5odPc

, Robert Stone (@MrStoneWWE) August 30, 2026