This is another moment when you feel happy for someone who grows up in front of your eyes as a NXT Superstar and gets their second belt but first singles title in their WWE career.
I barely remember how Fallon Henley came to WWE. Can't remember the exact moment, but remember the feuds and storylines that made her shine. On her way to WWE NXT, she already stepped in the ring with stars like Britt Baker and had a few matches for AEW, SHINE. But her wars with Kiana James and Tiffany Straton forged her as one of the well-known faces in the crowded NXT women's locker room. Fallon began to earn a lot of good booking that if you are a connoisseur of NXT and women's wrestling at all, you just can't skip.
That woman really was destined to get somewhere and used all the given chances to enter the squared circle at maximum showing talent and potential. Her 55 days spent as NXT Women's Tag Team Champion next to her frenemy Kiana James, were just a warm-up for this moment, at Halloween Havoc, last Sunday. And despite how much I respect and appreciate Kelani Jordan, I am happy for Fallon Henley.
The big "BUT" here (there is always a "but" with me,... almost always) is that NXT Women's North American title is so fresh. It's a C-grade belt, yet, despite the inaugural ladder match that crowned Jordan as the first gold holder, ever. It's not the NXT Women's Title! This North American belt is somehow to honor those who are so far on the line for the main gold but deserve to be appreciated for their exceptional talent. Like Fallon Henley and Kelani Jordan. Titles are for this - to reward the hard work and success of the wrestlers.
I am not sure if Fallon will have a chance to hold the NXT Women's title. Not because she doesn't deserve it. I would love to see her doing it in the future. But I am afraid that this future, especially in the current talents landscape/pool is too far away. Look who we have in line - Giulia, Stephanie Vaquer and Zaria might challenge for the belt too. Kora Jade for sure won't settle with the role of a sidekick. Actually Jade has a history of betraying Perez in the past, and in wrestling, we know that history often repeats itself. So, somehow Henley stays way back in line for that belt. But luckily she has this new gold, that if booked right might become a prominent title on its own.
Let's be honest - there is no bad gold in wrestling and appreciation is appreciation. Also, the titles are as good as the champions who hold them, and the way they are booked to be defended. So, I am happy for Fallon Henley to add this accolade to her WWE career resume. She is a serious worker who can elevate others and herself which is a really great trait for a wrestler.
Long may she reign!
