BB,
'something from nothing' is not particularly unusual. In quantum physics 'something' is commonly appearing from 'nothing'. In our Newtonian world that is unexpected, but in quantum physics it is normal.
The significance of this discovery is not the gravitational waves, but that they support the "Inflation" model of the initial expansion of the big bang.
More than that, it supports the idea of a "Multiverse" (aka Parallel Universes), where "Universes" are continually going in and out of existence.
Sort of stops you worrying about how our Universe might have come from 'nothing'.More available from the following link, but you will probably have to have a subscription -
http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn25249-multiverse-gets-real-with-glimpse-of-big-bang-ripples.html?full=true#.UzEdVKYbDT0
