There could be chaos before Halloween Havoc!

Before Halloween Havoc and the NXT Championship match, Tommaso Ciampa and Bron Breakker see if they can shut up the Grizzled Young Veterans!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Odyssey Jones VS Andre Chase; Jones wins.
• The Creed Brothers w/ Diamond Mine VS Imperium; Imperium wins.
• Cora Jade VS Elektra Lopez w/ Legado del Fantasma; Jade wins.
• Triple Threat: Io Shirai VS Persia Pirotta VS Jacy Jayne; Shirai wins and gets the right to spin the wheel.
• Tony D’Angelo VS Ru Feng; D’Angelo wins.
• Josh Briggs & Brooks Jensen VS Legado del Fantasma; Legado wins.
• LA Knight VS Grayson Waller; Knight wins and becomes the host of Halloween Havoc II.
• Tommaso Ciampa & Bron Breakker VS Grizzled Young Veterans; Ciampa & Breakker win.

PLAY BY PLAY

Carmelo Hayes heads to the ring!

The NEW NXT North American Champion and his right hand man, Trick Williams, are feeling good over cashing in on Isaiah “Swerve” Scott and taking away that title! Trick gets Melo the mic and then says, “Hey, hey, hey, Alicia, Alicia. That sounded so nice, I need to hear it twice. Who’s your  new North American Champion?” Alicia Taylor again introduces the NEW NXT North American Champion, Carmelo Hayes! Trick tells Melo they look good, they look like money, and that they have gold now. Just like they said a few weeks ago, there ain’t nothing humble here. Go look up “humble” in the dictionary. It’s after “HEEEEELL No!” It’s a #Melobration tonight!

Fans cheer Melo on and he speaks. “Four and a half months ago, I stepped on the scene, and I brought that same energy. I blew through the competition in the Breakout Tournament and proved that I am the Final Boss.” Melo walked around here like Melo in the Chocolate Factory, waiting for his opportunity. Last week, he pulled a swerve on Swerve himself. Now he’s on top! So he’s telling us that to tell us this: “When I shoot, I don’t miss.” From this point on, Melo is calling the shots! He’s team captain! He’s the leader of the new school! As long as this title is around his waist, it is the A title! It doesn’t matter if Ciampa has a problem, if management has a problem or if fans have a problem.

But wait! Here comes Johnny Gargano! Trick is fired up by someone interrupting the champion, but Gargano asks if they feel the energy in the room changing. Fans chant “Welcome Back!” as Gargano says he and Melo haven’t been formally introduced. Gargano has had his eye on Melo. As someone who has held that title more times than anyone, Johnny Wrestling just wants to say congratulations. This is the Melobration, right? This is fun! this is a good time! Gargano’s been having a lot of fun, too, with the bachelor party and the wedding and the honeymoon. Tons of fun. But now with Austin Theory on Raw, Indi married and Candice at home pregnant, Gargano’s lost his Way.

So Gargano is trying to figure out what’s next. And what’s next is staring him right in the face. He thinks that what’s next is falling back to what he was put on this planet to do. That is entertaining the people in this ring, and taking on guys like Melo! So what does Melo say? When he shoots, he don’t miss? Well there’s a first time for everything. So what does the A Champion say to taking a shot at Gargano? Trick says Gargano needs to worry about his girl, Indi. She’s been shooting in Melo’s DM’s all week! And Trick’s! Oh, really? She shootin’! Wow, so funny, Trick! Melo says that’s his daughter, though. Yeah, and here’s his son in law! DEXTER LUMIS is behind them!

Dexter gets Trick in the SILENCER! Melo gets Trick away but he leaves the belt behind! Gargano dares Melo to come back for it but Melo sends Trick in. Trick turns around and sees Lumis slithering up! Gargano looks at the title belt, and Lumis gives him a thumbs up. Will Gargano make his way back to the “top” title in NXT?

Odyssey Jones VS Andre Chase!

#SoundtheAlarm, because we’re about to see a rematch from the Breakout Tournament! Jones gets a high-five from Gargano on his way to the ring, will he school “Professor Chase” tonight?

NXT returns and Chase makes his entrance. The bell rings, fans are on Odyssey’s side as he and Chase tie up, and he throws Chase to the ropes! Chase gets up, ties up again, headlocks, but Jones powers out. Chase kicks back but Jones doesn’t budge! Jones wants Chase to show him something, then blocks a kick to whip. Chase ducks and leaps but the shoulder tackle bounces off Jones! Jones drags Chase up, bumps him off buckles and Chase goes floundering away. Jones drags Chase up, bumps him off more buckles and Chase sits down. Jones runs in but Chase dodges and Jones only hits buckles! Chase goes up and missile dropkicks! Then runs to DOUBLE STOMP! And DOUBLE STOMP again!

Chase drags Jones up to headlock and punch, then a BASEMENT DDT! Cover, ONE!! Jones sends Chase flying and fans fire up! Chase gets Jones up but Jones blocks the punch! Jones DECKS Chase, rallies with big shoulders, then scoops Chase for a SLAM! Jones fires up and fans are with him as he whips Chase to a corner. Jones runs in to SPLASH Chase then throw him down. Jones runs and SOMERSAULT SENTONS! Then he runs to BIG SPLASH! Cover, Jones wins!

Winner: Odyssey Jones, by pinfall

The Chase U fans, not that there are many, are upset but everyone else in the CWC is loving this! Will Jones keep climbing until he’s got his golden opportunity?

Malcolm Bivens walks and talks.

“So earlier today, I was doing what I do best, and that is minding my own business and not getting jumped in the parking lot.” People are asking for title opportunities but that’s crazy! Week after week, the Creed Brothers have been winning. No longer will Diamond Mine ask, they will just take! Bivens leads the way to the ring, because Julius & Brutus are in action next!

The Creed Brothers w/ Diamond Mine VS Imperium!

NXT returns and Imperium has made their entrance. The teams sort out, Brutus starts with Fabian Aichner. They tie up and Brutus gets a fireman’s carry takeover to an armlock. Aichner headscisosrs but Brutus kips out. Aichner headlocks, Brutus powers out and the two ram shoulders. Neither falls, Aichner drop toeholds and headlocks. Brutus powers up but Marcel Barthel tags in. Aichner whips, drops and Barthel hits an arm-drag to an armlock. But Brutus powers up to put Barthel on ropes. Barthel CHOPS away on Brutus’ back but Brutus hits a SPINEBUSTER! Brutus waistlocks, Barthel fights up to arm-drag, and he has the arm for a hammerlock.

Brutus reaches back but Barthel bridges through to keep the hammerlock. Brutus powers up, slips around and OVERHEAD Belly2Belly suplexes! Barthel clutches his head and Brutus mocks the Imperium pose. Barthel CHOPS and CLUBS Brutus in return, but Brutus blocks the butterfly suplex to a fireman’s carry. Barthel slips off, shoves and ROCKS Brutus with an uppercut! Snapmare and PENALTY KICK! “NEIN!!” Fans cheer on the Impeccable German while Hachiman coaches Brutus. Brutus RAMS Barthel into the corner, tags Julius, and Julius hits a BIG single leg takedown. But Barthel wrenches back to ROCK Julius with hands!

Julius RAMS Barthel into a corner. Barthel shoves and dodges to GAMANGIRI, to a HALF HATCH! Barthel goes up but Brutus distracts and Roderick Strong anchors Barthel! Aichner chases Strong off, but Barthel jumps into Julius’ EXPLODER! Julius talks trash, kicks Barthel around, then blocks a kick to gut wrench suplex! Julius puts Barthel in the corner, tags in Brutus and feeds Barthel to the fireman’s carry takeover. Brutus feeds Barthel to Julius’ fireman’s carry takeover, then Brutus covers. TWO, but Julius tags in to gut wrench SLAM Brutus on Barthel! Julius covers, TWO! Julius clamps onto Barthel with a chinbar, but Barthel fights up to snapmare free!

Fans rally, Julius gut wrenches Barthel away from Aichner, but Barthel turns the suplex into a roll-up! TWO, and Barthel dodges to hot tag Aichner! Brutus tags in but the Pride of Italy rallies on the brothers! Brutus CLUBS Aichner, whips him but Aichner dodges to catch Brutus in the fireman’s carry! ROLLING SENTON! Fans fire up and Aichner covers, Julius breaks it! Julius drags Brutus to the corner to tag back in. Barthel tags in, Julius blocks a boot but not the KICK! Barthel goes up and leaps, but into a waistlock! Gut wrench POWERBOMB! High stack, Aichner breaks it! Brutus gets in to throw Aichner out and the ref reprimands.

Julius crawls over to Barthel but Kushida and Jiro show up to brawl with everyone! Barthel sets Julius up for an O’Conner Roll! Imperium wins!!

Winners: Imperium, by pinfall

Julius shrugs his loss off to help Diamond Mine brawl with Ikemen Jiro and Kushida, but Imperium now has a way to MSK. Speaking of, MSK comes out to attack! RAILGUN DROPKICK for Barthel! Then the MSK Blitz for Aichner! PUSH-SAULT! This is all payback for Imperium’s attack last week! And then Wes Lee builds speed to FLY! Direct hit on Imperium, and the NXT Tag Team Champions stand tall! MSK says they can have their title match next week! “Happy Halloween, bitches!”

Kyle O’Reilly joins Von Wagner in the outdoors.

But where’s Von’s bike? No, what they’re doing today, Kyle won’t need his bike. Then what does he have in mind? They hike out into the woods, and Von says that log will do. He carries it, then hands it off to Kyle. They do a woodsman workout, using logs and trees and even a hatchet as their equipment. But there’s one last bit of training to end the day. A couple of 12 ounce curls. Kyle likes that Von’s a little out there. If they can get on the same page, they can cause a lot of damage. What does Von say? “Let’s kick some ass.”

Joe Gacy speaks.

“Last week was as setback for us. And I know what people have been saying. That maybe NXT 2.0 isn’t such a safe space for us after all.” But the mission stays the same. They don’t need violence, and they won’t be triggered by those who don’t understand. Gacy knows there are those disenfranchised out there, but he will speak for them. As a coalition, they will be stronger than they ever could be as individuals. “Take my hand.” Gunner Harland does! Will Gacy’s ruthless “snowflake” be just what he needs to take over?

Legado del Fantasma is in the ring.

Santos Escobar says in Spanish, and then in English, “May God bless you with luck.” Those were the first words he ever heard in this business. He’s always been blessed by them. Except for last week! Carmelo walked out of this ring with the North American Championship. He’s a lucky son of a bitch!! But Escobar says that it just seems Melo’s luck just vanished. When Melo finds his title, Escobar and Senorita Luck will find him. But in the meantime, this is Elektra Lopez! And she will set the record straight for Legado! Elektra speaks, but is interrupted by her opponent!

Cora Jade VS Elektra Lopez w/ Legado del Fantasma!

La Madrina didn’t get her chance to speak her part, but actions do speak louder than words. Will Elektra send a very clear message through #GenerationJade?

The bell rings, the two tie up, and Lopez knees low to then throw Cora down! Lopez says Cora must be crazy, and then whips her corner to corner! Cora bounces off buckles, Lopez drags her up and scoops to SLAM her down! Lopez talks trash, drags Cora up again and scoops for another SLAM! Lopez slaps Cora around, Cora throws body shots back. Lopez knees low, CLUBS Cora then bumps her off buckles. Cora flounders, Lopez grabs at her and TOSSES her across the ring! Lopez grins as she stands Cora up, and reels her in, but Cora turns back suplex into sunset flip! TWO, and Lopez CLOBBERS Cora! Lopez drags Cora up but Cora turns it into a cradle! CORA WINS?!

Winner: Cora Jade, by pinfall

Cora bails out as she snatches one from La Madrina! Is this a sign that Cora’s time is coming? Or will Lopez get her back in the very near future?

Backstage interview with Tommaso Ciampa and Bron Breakker.

McKenzie brings up their NXT title match and tonight’s tag match. Can they coexist? Breakker’s seen this before. They have their match, Ciampa hits Breakker and says he doesn’t mean it but then Breakker gets pinned. He wants Ciampa to watch himself. Wow, didn’t Breakker just say he was gonna keep Ciampa safe? Ciampa will follow Breakker’s lead on this one. But then, will it be smooth sailing until Halloween Havoc?

Io Shirai heads to the ring!

The three teams competing for the NXT Women’s Tag Team Championships are sending representatives into a 1v1v1 match, and we now know the Evil Genius is stepping up to represent! Who joins her in a match that determines who gets to spin the wheel and make the deal?

Superstars speak on Twitter.

Grayson Waller and LA Knight each state their case as why they should be the host for NXT Halloween Havoc II, and so that results in a match later tonight! Who wins the right to be the MC for next week?

Triple Threat: Io Shirai VS ??? VS ???

NXT returns and while Persia Pirotta steps up for her and Indi, Jacy Jayne is the one for Toxic Attraction. The bell rings and fans rally behind Shirai. She’s ready for whoever, but Persia stands in the very middle. Jacy pie faces Persia to step up to Shirai and SLAP her! Shirai ROCKS Jacy back, but Persia CLOBBERS them both! Persia SPLASHES Jacy in one corner, SPLASHES Shirai in the other! Jacy dodges and Shirai SHOTGUNS back! Jacy RANAS Persia, Shira dropkicks her down! Shirai covers, ONE! Jacy waistlocks and throws Shirai away. Jacy throws a forearm, Shira hits back, but Jacy KNEES back a la Mandy! But Shirai blocks the suplex! Persia runs in but into double kicks!

Jacy and Shirai call truce to go after the bigger Persia. They try to double suplex but Persia DOUBLE SUPLEXES them! Persia fireman’s carries Jacy but Shirai SHOTGUNS them both down! Shirai then tilt-o-whirls to a CROSSFACE! But Persia fights up and SLAMS Shirai down! Persia runs but Shirai dumps her out! Jacy returns to DIVE! The ropes trip her up and she falls on her face! Persia drags Jacy up, Shirai MOONSAULTS them both down! Fans fire up for the champ as NXT goes picture in picture.

Shirai stomps Jacy, then stomps Persia. The ref checks Jacy while Shirai keeps on Persia. Shirai takes a moment to catch her breath then she stomps Persia more. Shirai drags Persia around by her leg for a HALF CRAB! It won’t matter on the outside but this is just to torture the upstart for thinking she’s title ready. Shirai even shifts to a Camel Clutch! Persia endures, Shirai gets bored with that and lets her go, then drags Persia up. Persia blocks the suplex, Shirai blocks Persia’s suplex and snap suplexes her down! Then hits a CODE BREAKER! Shirai puts Persia in the ring, storms up and stomps her down. Persia sputters but Shirai clamps on a dragon sleeper!

Persia endures, Shirai shifts to a regular sleeper, but Persia fights up and Shirai becomes a backpack. Persia powers through to SAMOAN DROP! It hits so hard, Shirai tumbles to ropes! Persia hurries to cover, TWO! Persia drags Shirai up, CLUBS her down, then CLUBS her more. Shirai staggers around, Persia stands Shirai up and wraps on a BEARHUG! Persia thrashes Shirai around as NXT returns to single picture. Shirai CLUBS away on Persia as Jacy is medically not cleared to continue. Persia RAMS Shirai into the corner then BOOTS her down! Cover, TWO! Shirai gets to ropes while Persia is frustrated.

Persia gets Shirai up to RAM her into the corner again and again! Fans rally for Shirai as Persia whips corner to corner. Persia runs in to SPLASH, and she lets Shirai fall. Cover, TWO! Persia gets Shirai up to snap suplex hard! Persia drags Shirai up again but Shirai blocks this suplex to a cradle! TWO! Persia runs in and CLOBBERS Shirai! cover, TWO! Persia pie faces Shirai around, fans rally for Shirai, and Shirai throws body shots! Shirai throws forearms over and over, runs, and RANA- No! Persia blocks and swings Shirai for a SIT-OUT BOMB! Cover, TWO! Fans are fired up as both women are down!

Shirai rolls to the ropes and flounders but Persia scowls as she sits up. Persia storms over to Shirai, CLUBS her against ropes, then CLUBS her again. Persia stands Shirai up but Shirai throws forearms again! Shirai ROCKS Persia then ROUNDHOUSES her to ropes! Shirai runs in, TIGER FEINT! Direct hit and Shirai adds on with a springboard missile dropkick! Cover, TWO! Shirai clamps onto Persia with a CROSSFACE! Persia endures, fights up, scoops Shirai, but Shirai fights and waistlocks! GERMAN SUPLEX! Persia is down, Shirai steps on her on her way to the corner! OVER THE MOONSAULT! Cover, Shirai wins!

Winner: Io Shirai, by pinfall (Shirai & Stark will spin the wheel)

And now the champions’ fate are in their own hands! Zoey Stark joins Shirai on stage and Shirai gives the wheel a real good spin. And we get… A SCAREWELL TO HELL! It’s a ladder match, which is right up Shirai’s alley! She loves it, Stark loves it, but Persia & Indi do not. Will this keep Shirai & Stark bonded through gold? Or can Toxic Attraction recover and climb up over everyone to win?

Legado jump Trey Baxter!

Lopez kept Jade back with intimidation, but then Briggs & Brooks jumped in to even the numbers! Will #AllHeart and the bar fighting buddies get even with Escobar, Mendoza & Wilde?

Solo Sikoa speaks.

“With all of the others gone, I had nothing but my feet and fists to survive. The streets will break you or make you. My scraps don’t last forever, but the pain I drop on yo’ ass does.” He goes from pavement to NXT. The territory changes, but the beatings stay the same! The Street Champion of the Island arrives next week!

Ikemen Jiro finds Kushida… in the bathroom?

Jiro is VERY excited to finally fight side by side with his hero. Kushida is excited to beat the crap out of Diamond Mine, too! Jiro is ready to crush! But they are a team, so Kushida wants to get some #StyleStrong. Whoa, no! Kushida is Kushida. No, don’t pour out his luggage in the restroom! But Jiro did find the Marty McFly jacket. He wants Kushida to wear that for the match. Kushida puts it on, and it’s time to go back to the future! The Time Splitter is ready, the Handsome One is ready, but are Diamond Mine ready for this one?

Tony D’Angelo VS Ru Feng!

‘Ey, that thing with Lash Legend’s producer? Forget about it! But will Tony make sure no one ever forgets his name?

The bell rings, Tony and Feng circle. Feng strikes a fighting stance, he ties up with Tony and Tony headlocks. Feng powers out, Tony runs him over! Tony talks trash to Feng, then hits a double leg takedown! Tony floats around, slaps Feng around, then hits a headlock takeover. Feng can’t get free and Tony says this is like beating up his little brother, Dominic! Tony gives Feng a noogie, Feng rolls it to a cover, ONE! Tony holds on, knees low and talks more trash. Feng ROCKS Tony, Tony comes back but Feng heel kicks! Feng runs but Tony CLOBBERS him with a back elbow! Tony stomps Feng around, dares him to get up, then wrenches to short arm LARIAT!

Fans fire up and Tony says, “He’s done!” Tony gets Feng up, Northern Lights and roll over to FISHERMAN SCREW! Cover, Tony wins!

Winner: Tony D’Angelo, by pinfall

Bada boom! Tony gets another win, and Samantha Irvin congratulates him. However, last week, Lashing Out’s producer went missing and there are rumors about Tony’s involvement. Why would you ask Tony that? You sure are nosy. You a snitch? Tony swears on his grandfather’s grave. Maybe that guy just went on vacation. But hey, sweetheart, go get yourself something nice and #ForgetAboutIt! He just slipped Samantha money!? Well, is Tony gonna go all the way to the top with this?

NXT checks in on Duke’s Poker Room.

Hudson thinks about his opponent’s hand given how he bet the flop, checked the turn and bet the river. Does he have a flush? Nah, Hudson’s three fives will get this. And it does! Better luck next time, guys. And then the next guy is all in, only to get taken for a ride. Room’s always open. Hudson loves taking someone’s hard earn cash. Call him The House, because the house always wins.

Josh Briggs & Brooks Jensen VS Legado del Fantasma!

Well, they would be having a match, but Legado attacks again! Brooks is down and then Wilde uses a CHAIR SHOT to take out Briggs! Legado goes to the ring, but will they even have to compete with what just happened?

NXT returns and this match is happening as Wilde bumps Brooks off buckles. Wilde throws body shots, CLUBS Brooks on the back, then throws more body shots. The ref counts, Wilde lets off and kicks Brooks low. Wilde taunts Brooks but Brooks turns things around to throw hands! Brooks HIP TOSSES Wilde, drags him up and tags Briggs in. They double whip Wilde to DOUBLE SHOULDER! Briggs snarls, drags Wilde up and scoops for a STANDING SIDEWALK SLAM, to a SPLASH! Wilde bails out, Lopez distracts, Briggs goes out and DECKS Wilde, but Escobar RAMS him into the apron! Wilde then kicks Briggs in return and fires off forearms!

Wilde gets in the ring and Lopez stops distracting. Tag to Mendoza and he WRECKS Briggs! Escobar taunts Briggs, Briggs flounders up and gets in the ring, and Mendoza stomps away. Mendoza keeps Briggs from Brooks, CLUBS him to ropes and then brings him around. Briggs shoves but Mendoza stomps. Tag to Wilde, Wilde stomps Briggs then taunts Brooks, to run in and clothesline! Tag to Mendoza, he clotheslines! Tag to Wilde, he runs in and clotheslines! Mendoza tags, runs in, and clotheslines! Tag to Wilde, Legado double back suplex! Cover, TWO! Wilde stomps Briggs, tags Mendoza, and Mendoza goes up top to DIVING SPLASH! Cover, TWO!!

Briggs survives but Mendoza keeps on that back with a chinlock stretch! Briggs endures, fights up, has Mendoza as a backpack and staggers around. Wilde tags in, Briggs throws Mendoza off but Wilde trips Briggs up! Briggs crawls, kicks Wilde away but Wilde gets his foot! Briggs still tags in Brooks! Brooks rallies on Legado, whips Wilde and pops him up for a FLAPJACK! Then a BOOT! Brooks CHOPS LARIATS, then repeat! He whips corner to corner, then gets a POWERSLAM! Escobar distracts but gets away as Brooks swipes at him. Wilde kicks low, reels Brooks in, but Brooks back drops free! Brooks goes out to DECK Escobar just because!

Brooks gets in, ROCKS Wilde, but Wilde elbows back! Mendoza tags in, Wilde dropkicks Briggs down! Tilt-o-whirl into the GAMANGIRI LEG SWEEP! Cover, Legado wins!

Winner: Legado del Fantasma, by pinfall

Brooks & Briggs had a lot of heart, but they couldn’t withstand the numbers game! Will Legado get back up towards the tag titles soon enough?

NXT looks closer at the coming NXT Women’s Championship match.

Raquel says “What I love most about being NXT Women’s Champion is the element of surprise. Not knowing who is going to come for you next. I feed off of it. Mandy, chiquita, you bit off way more than you can chew.” But Mandy says when people see her, they stop in their tracks in awe. How could someone that looks like her be skipped in line so many times? It wasn’t until Toxic Attraction was born that she realized there are no more lines. The difference between her and Raquel is that she’ll look a hell of a lot better doing the same exact thing. Raquel says that while Mandy is telling us why it took her so long to get this moment, Raquel is putting in the work. While Mandy changes hair colors, Raquel works her ass off to keep the gold.

Spin the wheel make the deal! Mandy’s been called many things: from hot, sexy to eye candy. But she will finally be called champion at Halloween Havoc. Raquel vows to Chigona Bomb the SH*T out of Mandy so that she learns she just isn’t championship material.

The mysterious figure continues to dig a grave.

They bury a television, a crutch, some cards, a chair. “Affliction leads to reincarnation.” Who is this mysterious person? And what will they do to NXT when they reveal themselves?

Carmelo and Trick search for the NXT North American Championship.

It has to be somewhere in the locker room, right? They find Jiro’s spare jackets, but then this locker has lights in it. It’s all spooky, too. They bring out a paper, and it’s got Lumis’ drawings all over it! He’s inviting them to a Halloween Havoc Open House? Well fine! They’ll get the title back. Trick doesn’t like haunted houses, but Melo doesn’t like getting played. Will it be a trick or treat for Melo ‘n’ Trick next week?

LA Knight VS Grayson Waller!

The Million Dollar Megastar always asks, “Whose game is it?” but he also wants to know, “Whose show is it?” He and the 21st Century Success Story both want to host Halloween Havoc, and they battle for that position after the break!

NXT returns and Waller makes his entrance. The bell rings, Knight and Waller talk trash and fans are on Waller’s side. They tie up, Waller waistlocks to a roll-up, TWO!! Knight almost got caught! Knight kicks low, scoops but Waller turns that to a cradle! TWO, and Waller eggs Knight on. Knight and Waller circle, Waller JABS Knight! Knight fights the backslide, Waller dodges the clothesline to run and get a Dragon’s Lair! TWO, Waller clinches and throws knees! Waller whips, Knight reverses but Waller goes up and over! Knight blocks the roll-up to stomp Waller down! Knight stomps Waller around, throws clubbing crossface forearms, then soaks up heat.

Knight puts Waller on ropes, throws hands then shoulders. Knight runs but is put on the apron! Waller wants to hotshot but Knight hits it first! Then he SLINGSHOT SHOULDERS! Cover, TWO! Knight wraps on a chinlock and grinds Waller but fans rally up. Waller fights up and JAWBREAKERS! Waller throws haymakers, counter punches, then spins Knight to ROLLING ELBOW! Waller rallies and LEG LARIATS! Knight stands up into an STO! Fans fire up with Waller and he goes to the corner, walks the ropes, but Knight runs in! Waller dodges, but returns into a BOOT! Fans boo but Knight still hits B F T! Cover, Knight wins!

Winner: LA Knight, by pinfall (will host Halloween Havoc II)

Whose spotlight is it? L A Knight’s, yeah! But will he be the host with the most? Or just second rate compared to Shotzi Blackheart?

Tommaso Ciampa & Bron Breakker VS Grizzled Young Veterans!

The Psycho Killer said he’ll follow the new guy’s lead in this match, but how long will that last? Can they make it through Zack Gibson & James Drake before going against each other at Halloween Havoc?

NXT returns and Breakker makes his entrance. The teams sort out and Drake starts with Bron. They tie up, Drake headlocks but Bron powers out and runs Drake over! Fans are fired up with Bron and Bron dares Drake to run. Drake does, Bron rams shoulders with him then headlocks again. Drake powers up and out but drops, only for Bron to rolling waistlock to a SLAM! And then a deadlift to another SLAM! Drake scrambles away and is furious, but Bron stares him down. Gibson gives Drake advice, Drake gets around and throws body shots! Drake headlocks, Bron powers out and HURDLES! Bron runs, ducks and dodges, then catches Drake for a SLAM!

Fans hoot and holler for Bron, Ciampa reaches out for a tag but Bron tells Ciampa, “See you next week, buddy.” But Ciampa won’t stand for that and he tags himself in! Ciampa storms at Drake, Gibson is a shield, but then Drake sucker punches Ciampa! Drake headlocks, Ciampa powers out but Gibson tags in! Things speed up, Ciampa ducks both GYV and rallies with clotheslines! Corner clothesline for Drake! Corner clothesline for Gibson! Ciampa redirects Drake and DOUBLE CLOTHESLINES GYV! Fans are fired up and Gibson flounders to the corner. Ciampa runs in to KNEE Gibson down! Ciampa waves to Bron and drags Gibson as NXT goes picture in picture. Cover, TWO!

Ciampa stays on Gibson with a chinlock, puts him on the mat and stomps him down! Ciampa clamps back on, drives his elbow into Gibson’s forehead, then drags him back up. Gibson throws body shots, wrenches the arm and tags in Drake. Drake gets the hand-off to hammerlock but Ciampa uses that to headlock and hit a takeover! Drake endures the grind as Ciampa also traps an arm. Drake fights up, pulls Ciampa’s beard, and Bron is rather amused by that. Gibson tags in as Drake powers out, and then Gibson trips Ciampa! Gibson drags Ciampa out, Ciampa DECKS Gibson, but Drake DIVES and hits Ciampa into the announce desk!

Bron walks over to see if Ciampa’s okay but Gibson puts Ciampa in to smother with forearms. Ciampa pushes him away, Gibson stomps Ciampa down, and then springboard stomps him on the back. Gibson drags Ciampa up, DECKS him with a right, then drags him up to ROCK him again! Tag to Drake, the GYV mug Ciampa, then Drake covers. TWO, and Drake clamps on with a chinlock. Ciampa endures, NXT returns to single picture and fans fire up. Ciampa fights up, throws body shots, but Drake shoves him to the corner. Ciampa elbows Gibson, BOOTS Drake, but Drake headlocks to keep him from Bron! Ciampa hits a BIG back suplex and both men are down!

Fans rally and duel, Ciampa crawls but Drake anchors the foot. Gibson trips Bron up then runs away! This keeps Bron from being there to tag Ciampa! Drake stomps Ciampa, taunts Bron, then drags Ciampa away. Tag to Gibson, GYV double whip and DOUBLE CLOTHESLINE! Cover, TWO! Gibson clamps onto an arm, then has a top wristlock for a cover, TWO! Gibson covers again, TWO! Fans chant, “Gibson Sucks!” but Gibson ROCKS Ciampa to the ropes. Gibson uses a cravat to choke Ciampa on ropes. He lets off as the ref counts and stomps Ciampa down. Gibson drags Ciampa up, throws forearms, then chokes Ciampa on ropes again.

Tag to Drake, Gibson hoists Ciampa up and Drake climbs to drop ax handles on Ciampa’s back! Drake drags Ciampa up to throw haymakers, then tags Gibson. Ciampa trips Drake but Gibson chinbars and CLUBS Ciampa down!  Gibson gives Ciampa more clubbing crossface forearms but Ciampa CHOPS back! And CHOPS again! Gibson knees low, CLUBS Ciampa down then stomps him to ropes! Gibson digs his boots in, lets off as the ref counts and tags in Drake. Fans rally for Ciampa but GYV give him the MISSILE DROPKICK COMPLETE SHOT! To a KOJI KLUTCH! Ciampa endures and moves around, and he pries at Drake’s leg! Ciampa is free and he rains down fists!

But Drake pulls Ciampa’s beard! Drake rains down rights, brings Ciampa up to CLUB him, then turns him, only for Ciampa to slips out! Ripcord and DDT! Fans fire up but Gibson goes after Bron. Bron is ready and he CLOBBERS Gibson! Ciampa gets up and is frustrated with Bron, and SLAPS him for the tag! Ciampa wants Bron to know where the hell he’s been, but then Bron gets in to CLOBBER Drake! And again! And then dodges to FLYING SHOULDER TACKLE! Bron clinches to Belly2Belly! Fans fire up as the straps come down, and Bron reels Drake into the RECLINER! But Gibson gets in to BOOT Bron! Bron just turns his attention to Gibson!

Bron powers Gibson out, clamps onto Drake and tells Ciampa this is him next week! Gorilla press to the POWERSLAM! Cover, Breakker & Ciampa win!

Winners: Tommaso Ciampa & Bron Breakker, by pinfall

Bron gets his hand raised but Ciampa has his hands on Goldie. The new kid did good, but he tells Ciampa to hold onto the belt nice and tight. Ciampa gets back in the ring to stare Bron down. Will Ciampa show how far Bron still has to go in NXT?

My Thoughts:

A very good episode, especially considering it was a go-home to Halloween Havoc. We got a decent pseudo Prime Target for Raquel and Mandy but I feel like they could’ve tried a little harder. There are a few things that I feel could’ve waited until after Halloween Havoc so that we got more of that vignette, and more out of some other matches. Jones VS Chase could’ve happened any time, but Jones winning is logical. We did NOT need Hudson actually playing poker in his poker room and us hearing his thoughts as he wins. So sad that he gets turned into this after getting jumped by Melo & Trick instead of just feuding with Melo & Trick.

Speaking of, Melo & Trick had a good opening segment with Gargano & Lumis, and that “Open House” is definitely going to be the cinematic match like Lumis VS Grimes in the haunted house last year. That will be a lot of fun one way or another, I’m liking that the North American Championship scene is getting full again. Maybe there’s something big in the works for a New Year’s Evil 2 to go with “WWE Day One.” Jade VS Lopez was very short, but I suppose it fits with Lopez being so confident and Jade getting her by surprise. Legado is apparently taking a detour to feud with Baxter, Briggs & Brooks while those other things happen with the North American Championship for a moment. Definitely a step down from their feud with Hit Row, but that’s just me.

Creed Brothers VS Imperium was good but could’ve been a lot better, getting a lot more in before Jiro and Kushida showed up. We knew that match was coming after last week, but I do like that Jiro and Kushida had that bathroom promo to hype it up. And Imperium winning was definitely the right call, and MSK going after them makes sense, even with the CWC fans booing MSK. Of course, the CWC fans still haven’t given MSK a fair chance but the title match having Spin the Wheel attached will make it one to watch. Kyle and Von are definitely a tag team now, pretty sure we see them do some big things starting with November, and they could head to the holidays as contenders.

Knight VS Waller having a match to determine the Halloween Havoc host was alright. It could’ve also been a better match than that, but Knight winning makes sense. He does have the charisma to be a host, but I am betting any number of things happen to “ruin” things for him. Hell, they’re advertising Chucky is going to show up for #CorporateSynergy between the NBC Chucky series and WWE programming, so maybe Chucky scares the crap out of Knight by the end of the show. D’Angelo gets another win, I like that they touched on him kidnapping Lash Legend’s producer, I’m waiting for her to name a proxy. Also Ru Feng should join Tian Sha to give them a men’s tag team with Xia Li moving on to SmackDown.

I do like that they wanted a Triple Threat to determine the wheel spinner for the women’s tag match, but maybe, just maybe, they threw the wrong contenders into this. Jacy went for the tope, it didn’t work out, I’m sure she’ll be okay for next week’s match. Kinda killed things, though, since this was meant to be a Triple Threat. But once it became 1v1, of course Shirai won, and a “scareway to Hell” Ladder match is going to be a great match that parallels Shirai being in a TLC match last year with Candice. This could be the way to get the titles off Shirai & Stark without really hurting either of their power rankings. In that case, now would be the time for Toxic Attraction to win, and then there’s suspense on whether or not Mandy wins against Raquel.

I’m very curious about that vignette with obviously Dakota Kai. A lot of things thrown into the grave were references to male superstars on NXT right now. TV for Bron Breakker, playing cards for Duke Hudson, a crutch for basically both Ciampa and Gargano. Is this a blatant misdirect to try and make us think it isn’t Dakota Kai? Weird. And lastly, we got a very good tag match out of Ciampa, Bron and GYV, but it makes a lot of sense for Bron to get the finish here. They’re pushing him strongly, he is literally Mr. NXT 2.0 cuz his singlet looks like the colors in the new logo, and honestly he is a pretty complete wrestler already. But with this win, I am pretty sure Ciampa wins because he hasn’t had that title, he deserves to have that title, and he can continue to help other 2.0 wrestlers get going.

My Score: 8.4/10