Who will get to wreak Halloween Havoc with the champ?

Tonight, Ethan Page, Wes Lee and Je’Von Evans battle in a Triple Threat to become #1 contender to Trick Williams’ NXT Championship! Who gets to spin the wheel and make the deal with Tricky Two-Time Two Time?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Stephanie Vaquer VS Wren Sinclair; Vaquer wins.
• Gentlemen’s Duel: Lexis King VS Oro Mensah; Lexis wins.
• Nikkita Lyons VS Lola Vice; Lyons wins.
• Ridge Holland VS Riley Osborne w/ Thea Hail; Ridge wins.
• Ashante THEE Adonis VS Brooks Jensen w/ Shawn Spears; Jensen wins.
• NXT Championship #1 Contender’s Triple Threat: Ethan Page VS Wes Lee VS Je’Von Evans; Ethan wins and will challenge Trick Williams for the title at Halloween Havoc.

PLAY BY PLAY

NXT returns a new and improved Capitol Wrestling Center!

Vic Joseph & Booker T welcome us back, and hypes up the card from the main event to the Gentlemen’s Duel, to then plug the recap video package.

Tony D’Angelo sits in the ring at a private table.

The Don has some wine and the North American Championship with him, and the fans cheer him on. Tony says he wanted to come out here, have a big celebration as the NEW NXT North American Champion, and celebrate with the family. Because without the family, he wouldn’t be sitting here today with this title. But he wants to first give a toast to the former champion, Oba Femi. Oba is the longest reigning North American Champion in history, and the man that honestly, did break Tony. Oba is a machine, but Tony needed to win this title. So Tony used Oba’s greatest strength against him: His pride. His pride that he could dominate and break any man that stood against him.

Tony says he baited Oba into thinking he once again broke The Don, and got him right where he wanted him. Tony seized the moment and did the unthinkable by beating Oba! The fans cheer, and Tony smiles. Tony says part of him wants to think this is over. But Tony’s done this long enough to know, far from it. So in the meantime, to Oba. Salud. But speaking of, here comes Oba! The Ruler passes by the roulette wheel on his way to the ring, and Tony stands up, belt in hand. The Family is also there to have Tony’s back as Oba steps between the ropes. Oba says he cannot lie. Tony got him. He did, he really did. Congratulations.

It happened once, but it will not happen again. Because at Halloween Havoc, Oba regains that title, and once again will be The Ruler of NXT! The fans do applaud that. Oba steps away, but then he says, “One more thing. Your little family, yeah? They will not be by your side to help you.” What kind of veiled threat is that? Oba SPINS THE WHEEL! Time to make the deal! And it lands on Tables, Ladders & Scares! Will Oba use this tiebreaker to truly break Tony physically and emotionally once and for all?

Backstage interview with Oro Mensah.

Byron Saxton is with Meta Four’s Main Man, and brings up the Gentlemen’s Duel and its unique rules. Oro wants to have them explained real quick. Byron says first up, you cannot strike the opponent while they have “four points of contact on the ground.” Second, no throwing your opponent over the top rope to the floor. Third, ropebreaks are down from five to a three count. And finally, absolutely NO fighting on the outside. All violations result in disqualification. Wow, pretty wild. What’s Lexis gonna do, though? Who’s he trying to fool? Like he’s not his father’s son. Oro says Lexis is just annoyed he lost at his own game.

But in steps Lexis. That is disappointing to hear. Before last time, Oro said to Lexis, make your father proud. But that would’ve meant cheating! Lexis didn’t cheat, but Oro did. That won’t happen tonight. Tonight will be a fair wrestling match, so may the best man win. Lexis leaves and Oro says he is still not buying it. Has The Drama King turned over a new leaf? Or will Oro be proven right that a cheetah can’t change his spots?

Stephanie Vaquer VS Wren Sinclair!

La Primera has arrived, and she has her in-ring debut against the ambitious yet impulsive member of the No Quarter Catch Crew. Will Wren simply be an example to Roxanne Perez and the rest of the best women’s division today?

NXT returns and #WrenQCC makes their entrance. The bell and the two circle. They tie up, Wren wrenches and hammerlocks but Vaquer squats, uses a leg to break the grip then wrench back. Wren trips Vaquer, headlocks, but Vaquer headscissors. Wren kips free, the fans cheer, but Vaquer gets around to waistlock, wrangle and BRIDGE! TWO! Wren escapes and trips Vaquer to cover, ONE! Vaquer sweeps and covers, ONE! Vaquer keeps on Wren with an armlock but also some hair pulling. Vaquer wrenches, trips and steps through on Wren to then turn her over, DEATHLOCK, move around, bridging cover! TWO!!

The fans cheer as Wren is all tied up and Vaquer flexes. Wren trips Vaquer, and has the arms, CATTLE MUTILATION! Vaquer endures, Wren moves around and around to keep on the pressure! The fans fire up as Wren then shifts into a FUJIWARA ARMBAR! Vaquer endures, fights up, but Wren grinds the shoulder. Wren wrenches, but Vaquer rolls, handsrpings and rolls Wren up! TWO and Wren scrambles away to ropes. Vaquer grins, and eggs WRen on> Wren runs up, Vaquer dodges to SUPERKICK! Vaquer stalks Wren to a corner and scrapes her boot off her face! Roxie & Cora are watching, not so impressed, and then they head out.

Vaquer brings Wren up but Wren fires body shots. Wren whips, Vaquer reverses but Wren susent flips! Vaquer stays up to SCRAPE soles off Wrens’ face! Vaquer runs , to drop a LEG brother! Headscissors, and Vaquer just HAMMERS Wren into the mat again and again! Cover, TWO!! Wren stays in this but Vaquer stays cool. Vaquer brings Wren up, brings her around, but Wren CHOPS! The fans “WOO~” but Vaqquer fires a forearm! Wren fires back, they go back and forth, WRen CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Vaquer swings, Wren dodges and runs up to run Vaquer over! Then BASEMENT BULLDOG! Wren fires up and the fans rally!

Wren runs up, float around into the BUTTERFLY SUPLEX! The NQCC fire up as Wren puts Vaquer in t aocnrer. Wren LARIATS, then runs, but Vaquer dodges! Vaquer comes back, blocks boots, and DRAPING DRAGON SCREWS! Wren writhes, Vaquer puts her back in the corner, for the METEORA! Vaquer drags Wren up, reels her in, and tucks her in! PACKAGE BACKBREAKER!! Cover, Vaquer wins!

Winner: Stephanie Vaquer, by pinfall

But before The Dark Angel can celebrate, Roxie & Cora attack! The fans boo, but here comes Giulia! The Beautiful Madness dodges Roxie, DECKS Cora, then DECKS Roxie! Cora returns but gets a HEADBUTT! Roxie CLOBBERS Giulia from behind, then she and Cora double whip. But Giulia DOUBLE SHOTGUNS them down! The fans fire up, Giulia helps Stephanie up, and they DOUBLE BOOT Cora & Roxie out of the ring! Stephanie gets a mic. She tells those two it’ll be them VS Stephanie & Giulia, at HALLOWEEN HAVOC! Roxie says bring it! But will she regret disrespecting the international superstars?

Trick Williams talks with Kelani Jordan backstage.

The NXT Champion says, “Well if it isn’t Tricky Two-Time and the first and only, The Standout herself, Kelani, in the same place at the same time.” They looked good with the gold up in the air, didn’t they? Kelani agrees. And even better, that moment will go down in history. But wait, isn’t Trick finding out who he faces at Halloween Havoc tonight? Yeah, he does. He knows it’s a match with The Young OG, who did his thing against Randy Orton last week, “that no good backbiting” Wes Lee, and “that cockroach who will not leave me alone,” Ethan Page. Either way it goes, Trick knows for sure that it’ll go better than before.

What about The Standout? What’s she got cooking? Kelani isn’t sure, but the way this NXT Women’s Division keeps growing, it could literally be anyone, so she’ll let Ava decide. But one thing she does know is that no one does it like Lani. Talk about it! They do a secret handshake while we see The Fatal Influence watching from the background. Jacy Jayne says they need to pay Ava a little visit. Will these three influence the decision for Halloween Havoc?

Brinley Reece and Karmen Petrovic talk in the concourse area.

Brin says Vaquer & Giulia, whoa! Karmen says yeah, she saw, it was- Ashante THEE Adonis steps in with a rose. He apologizes for messing up their match a few weeks ago, Brinley. Adonisly, he got caught up in the moment. By the way, do they know who that was before? The woman in the crowd? Shawn Spears walks over and can’t believe this is how Adonis talks to women. Adonis sighs but Spears says this is disrespectful. They are ladies, who deserve to be treated with respect. The Chair Man takes the rose and is sure Brooks Jensen feels the same way. Brooks takes the rose now, RIPS it up, and the ladies leave.

Adonis asks if there’s a problem. Spears steps aside so Jensen and Adonis can stare down, but Robert Stone hurries in. He says they are NOT doing this here. To Ava’s office, now! Security backs Stone up, and we look at the rose on the ground. Karmen picks up the pieces? Has Adonis’ style somehow worked out after all?

Gentlemen’s Duel: Lexis King VS Oro Mensah!

We just learned the very stringent rules that guarantee no shenanigans or dirty tactics. But then, who proves they’re the better man through and through?

NXT returns and Oro makes his entrance solo given Lash Legend & Jakara Jackson were just in St. Louis for Raw. The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, Lexis slips around to headlock but Oro slips free. They tie up again., Lexis waistlocks, but Oro reaches back to headlock for the takeover. Lexis headscissors, squeeze tight, but Oro kips free. Oro headlocks, Lexis fights back to his own headlock, and hits a takeover. Oro headscissors now, and he squeezes tight. Lexis fights around, pops free, and the two tie up again. They go around, Lexis puts Oro on ropes but Oro puts Lexis on ropes. Oro lets go at 2 and the two reset.

Lexis storms up, Oro gets around to waistlock, but Lexis wrenches free to wristlock. Oro rolls, and he reaches up to BOOT Lexis from below. Tavion Heights tweets about this match, saying we’ll see if Lexis paid attention to NQCC when going over the ruleset. Oro storms up on Lexis but Lexis UPKICKS! Lexis whips but Oro reverses to SOBAT! Oro winds up, but Lexis is on all fours so the ref says no hitting! Oro didn’t get the rules, and Lexis rolls Oro up! TWO, and Lexis again has all four on the floor. Oro frowns, and Lexis smirks as he stands, only for Oro to ENZIGIRI! Lexis staggers top ropes, Oro sunset flips him! TWO!

Oro runs but into an arm-drag! Oro arm-drags in return! Lexis blocks a hip toss to hip toss, but Oro turns that into a takedown! Cover, TWO! Oro runs up, hops up, but Lexis fights him! Oro still MONKEY FLIPS, and then he drags Lexis up. Oro whips, Lexis goes up, but has to adjust. CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Lexis is frustrated but the fans rally up. Oro SUPER PUNCHES! The ref reprimands about closed fists, that’s an unwritten rule of this match. Oro runs, goes up the ropes, but Lexis SHOVES him! The ref reminds Lexis of the No Ring Out rule and Lexis hurries to keep Oro in! Lexis apologizes, that’s old habits!

Oro is upset, but Lexis runs up. Oro blocks a kick, kicks in return, and then whips. Lexis ducks ‘n’ dodges, hurdles, but Oro comes back, DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! The fans fire up while both men are down, and NXT goes to break.

NXT returns again and the two brawl up top! Lexis ROCKS Oro and Oro falls back. Lexis adjusts to SWANTON! Cover, TWO! Oro stays in this and Lexis grows frustrated. Lexis drags Oro up, half nelsons and KNEES him low! And again, but Oro blocks! Oro BACKDROPS free! And he dropkicks legs out! Lexis stands, Oro fires CHOP after CHOP after CHOP! MACHINE GUN CHOPS! Oro whips, Lexis reverses, but Oro flips to RANA! Lexis staggers up, Oro clinches to POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Oro drags Lexis up, but Lexis ducks a lariat to half nelson and fisherman! FISHERMAN DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Oro survives and the fans fire up!

Lexis pounds the mat in frustration but the fans rally behind him. Lexis brings Oro up, fires forearms, but Oro fires back! Lexis CHOPS, Oro CHOPS, repeat! The fans fire up, Lexis UPPERCUTS but Oro UPPERCUTS, repeat! The UPPERCUTS keep going, but Lexis shifts to forearms! Both men wobble, and Oro ROLLING KICKS! Down goes Lexis and the fans fire up! Oro rises, staggers to ropes, and he grits his teeth. Lexis goes to the apron, Oro storms over, but Lexis RAMS into him! Lexis climbs, but Oro TIGER WALL KICKS! Lexis falls into the ring, and Oro goes to the apron! The fans fire up with Oro!

Oro springboards in, FLYING RIDER KICK!! Cover, TWO!! Oro is frustrated but he hauls Lexis up. Lexis slips out of the hammerlock to SUPERKICK! Oro kneels, Lexis runs, but into the LARIAT!! Oro fires up again and the fans are with him! Oro goes to a corner, aims at Lexis as he goes to the other, and runs in corner to corner! MURAMASA hits buckles! Lexis avoids disaster, and he has Oro in the straitjacket! But Oro wrenches, cradles, TWO!! Lexis escapes, Oro clinches, but Lexis trips him! Jackknife, TWO! Oro slips around a lariat to crucifix takedown, TWO! Lexis hooks Oro, body scissors and BRIDGE! LEXIS WINS!

Winner: Lexis King, by pinfall

A win fair and square, and it goes to The King! Oro can’t believe he got caught, but Lexis offers a handshake. The fans cheer as Oro takes the handshake, and Lexis raises Oro’s hand in return. Have these two buried the hatchet now that Lexis proved he is changing his ways?

Cedric Alexander talks with Je’Von Evans.

“Uncle Ceddy” commends The Young OG on his efforts against Randy Orton. Je’Von says yeah, he really tried out there. But that is some bucket list stuff! Tonight, though, he has to focus on the Triple Threat and getting that title shot. Speaking of titles, Nathan Frazer & Axiom say hey and way to go, OG. That was a hell of a match. Je’Von thanks them for that, and Cedric says Fraxiom should apologize for the tag match they messed up a couple weeks ago. Je’Von says yeah, facts. Fraxiom apologizes, they were just after A-Town Down Under.

But then Wes Lee walks by, and he hopes Je’Von enjoys his 15 minutes of fame. Being in the Triple Threat does not mean Je’Von is ready. That title scene is Wes’s now, so just stay out of his way. Je’Von says honestly, ever since Wes lost his friends, he’s been a little, uh… salty. Just calm down a minute, for real. Wes says when you want to win the NXT Championship, you don’t need friends. How would Wes know? He hasn’t been NXT Championship. Yeah well Wes has had every other title, what’s Je’Von ever had? Oh, well, he just needs two more wins and he’ll be somewhere. That won’t ever happen because he’ll lose to Wes!

Je’Von says he’ll never be like Wes, and Wes says that’s because Je’Von ain’t got the potential to be like him! Axiom & Frazer keep things from going down here, the main event still needs to happen. But will the Young OG be so bouncy, he bounces Wes right out of the picture? Or will the Cardiac Kid crush Je’Von’s hopes and dreams?

The Meta Four speaks.

Lash Legend says Iyo Sky is the Genius of the Sky, and Jakara Jackson says Kairi Sane is the Sky Pirate. They fly high above the clouds and have had success on every level: each former NXT Women’s Champions; former WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions; and Iyo was former WWE Women’s Champion. But Meta Four is gonna swat them out of the sky. They don’t care how dangerous Damage CTRL is, because next week, they found ain’t nothing sweet. Miss Jackson & The Bougie Bully eliminate DMG CTRL from the tag title picture, and they’re coming back for Jade Cargill & Bianca Belair. They clack fingernails, but will DMG CTRL make them SKRRR the brakes?

Nikkita Lyons VS Lola Vice!

Guess who’s back, back again. The multi-faceted talent says the “pounce back” is always greater than the setback. Will she finally take over NXT? Or will the Mayor of Vice City tame this Lioness right out the gate?

NXT returns and Lyons makes her entrance. The fans certainly go wild, just call them the Lyons Pride. The bell rings, the fans chant “Welcome Back! Welcome Back!” as the two circle. Lyons and Loa each test the water with kicks, and they each try a little something something. The two reset, tie up, and Lola waistlocks. Lyons throws Lola off, but Lola comes back to BODY SHOT! And SUPERKICK! Lola shakes her hips, but Lyons stands up. The two go again. Lola waistlocks to headlock, but Lyons stays up. Lyons powers up and out, then CLOBBERS Lola! Lyons shows she can shake it, bake it, and quake it, too!

The two tie up, Lyons wrenches to a wristlock, and she whips Lola, only for Lola to reverse and KICK! Lola whips, KICKS again, and shows off more dance moves. Lola whips to KICK but Lyons scoops! Lyons SLAMS Lola, then scoops her again! Another SLAM, and Lyons brings Lola back up. Lyons whips Lola to a corner, runs up and RAMS into her! And RAMS again! And again! The ref counts, Lyons picks Lola up, and she TOSSES Lola away! Lola staggers up, Lyons runs in, but Lola dodges! Lyons POSTS herself, and Lola brings her in for a SLEEPER! Lola is a backpack and squeezes tight!

The fans rally, Lyons drops to a knee, but she fights back up. Lyons RAMS Lola into buckles, but Lola holds on! Lyons RAMS Lola into buckles again, but Lola won’t let go! Lyons swings around to SLAM Lola down! Cover, TWO! Lola stays in this and Lyons stays focused. The two stand, and Lyons KICKS, KICKS, but Lola TACKLES her! Lola hammers away on Lyons, but Lyons turns things over to hammer back! Lola gets an ARMBAR! Lyons powers up to stack Lola, TWO! Lola has the ARMBAR again, Lyons has the ROPEBREAK! Lola lets go, the fans fire up, and Lola storms up. Lyons ELBOWS Lola, then ROCKS her!

Lyons fires shots from all side, then LARIATS! Lola dodges the next one to SPIN KCIK! KICK! And SPIN- NO, Lyons ducks, lifts, but Lola slips free! Lola fires off LIGHTNING KICKS! The fans fire up, Lola sits Lyons down. Lola soaks up the cheers and jeers, “I’m a Latina~!” HIP ATTACK! Lola snarls, and she KICKS Lyons in the side! Wait, Jaida Parker is here!? The fans fire up but Lola SUPERKICKS Miss Parker down! Lyons SUPERKICKS Lola! Lola tumbles out, the ref keeps Lyons in, HIPNOTIC on Lola!! Jaida puts Lola in after the drive by, and Lyons goes up! Lyons roars, for the VADER BOMB!! Cover, Lyons wins!

Winner: Nikkita Lyons, by pinfall

The Lyons Roar wrecks Lola, but Jaida says you’re welcome. Will Lola and Jaida settle things on their end soon enough?

Ava meets with Stephanie Vaquer & Giulia.

The NXT General Manager congratulates Vaquer on her first NXT win, and says yes, the idea of a tag match, Vaquer & Giulia VS Roxie & Cora? Perfect! But in step The Fatal Influence. Jacy says, “Wow. All they had to do was ask and they get whatever they want?” Jazmyn says in that case, they want a North American Championship match with Kelani. Ava’s gotta love that idea, too, right? Ava says no. These two here actually have valid reasons for facing Roxie & Cora. The Fatal Influence just have a request and so they can talk. Fallon says this is the office spinning things like always. Ava says actually, she is fair.

So if The Influence wants a title opportunity, any two of them can take on Giulia & Vaquer next week. The Influence is stuck, but Ava asks, “How bad do you want it?” Fallon says fine! They’ll do it! FINE! The Influencers storm out, will The Dark Angel & Beautiful Madness use Fallon, Jacy and/or Jazmyn as appetizers for The Prodigy & Generation Jade?

Ridge Holland VS Riley Osborne w/ Thea Hail!

The grudge between Yorkshire Grit and Chase U has NOT been settled, as Ridge has yet to destroy Turbo Terry. Will Ridge finally bury Chase U in the past? Or is there no avoiding a Chase University sized ass kicking!?

NXT returns and Ridge makes his entrance. But then Riley CLOBBERS Ridge at the ramp! Riley gets back in the ring to FLY back out! Down goes Ridge again and the fans fire up! Ridge fires forearms, he pushes Ridge in the ring, and the bell rings. Riley runs up to CALF KICK Ridge down, then CALF KICK again! And SHOTGUN! Ridge ends up in a corner, Riley runs in, and he A-LIST LARITS! The fans fire up, and Riley BULL- NO, Ridge powers out! Ridge whips Riley, Riley goes up, WHISPER IN THE WIND! STANDING SHOOTING STAR! Cover, TWO! Ridge is tough but Riley keeps on him with forearms.

Ridge whips Riley away, Riley ducks, ducks, and slips around to- NO, Ridge stops the crucifix takedown to AIR RAID CRASH! Ridge throws down hands on Riley, then drags him up. The fans boo but Ridge bumps Riley off buckles, KICKS him in the back, and CLUBS him down! Ridge drags Riley out onto the apron to SLAM him! Ridge runs up to KNEE LIFT! Riley falls to the floor, Ridge refreshes the count, and Ridge soaks up heat. Ridge drags Riley up, scoops him, and sets him on the commentary desk. But Riley KICKS Ridge away! Riley stands, leaps, and TORNADO DDTS to the floor! The fans fire up as Riley has a wild look in his eyes.

Riley rises, puts Ridge back in the ring, and he climbs a corner. The fans fire up as Riley aims, but Ridge is up! Ridge CLUBS Riley, climbs up to join Riley, and he fires hands. Riley SLAPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Ridge wobbles, but he comes back to ROCK Riley! Riley wobbles way back, but Ridge sits him up. Ridge clinches, for a SUPER OVERHEAD SUPLEX! The fans are torn but Ridge roars! Ridge storms up on Riley, brings him in, gut wrench and POWERBOMB! Ridge taunts the fans as he looms over Riley. Ridge drags Riley up, KNEES low, and reels him in for the REDEEMER DDT! Cover, Ridge wins!

Winner: Ridge Holland, by pinfall

Thea is devastated, but then Ridge beats up on Riley more! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, and Thea shouts at Ridge, but Ridge won’t stop! Ridge TOSSES Riley out hard! Ridge says this is what Chase U gets! Ridge storms out, clears the desk this time, and he almost hits Thea with the hood! Ridge drags Riley up, puts him on the desk, and fans chant “YOU SUCK! YOU SUCK!” Ridge soaks it all up as he climbs up after Riley. Ridge brings Riley up, Thea right there begging, but wait! ANDRE CHASE IS BACK! Ridge grins as he runs up to meet Chase, but Chase dodges, BOOTS, and rallies with LARIATS!

The fans are thunderous as Chase LARIATS Ridge up and out of the ring! Thea hugs Mr. Chase, and then they both get ready to fight Ridge! Security rushes in to stop this, and Ridge’s rage is boiling! Will Mr. Chase avenge his university himself?

Backstage interview with Tatum Paxley.

Byron Saxton finds Tatum playing with her dolls, and she says he can have this one. He thanks her, and brings up Tatum helping Sol Ruca against Wendy Choo. Did she… Tatum says, “Forget?” Tatum says silly Byron, Tatum never forgets. Tatum didn’t forget that Wendy pretended to be her friend, then played with her dolls, all to stab her in the back. Wendy might’ve forgotten, but Tatum didn’t! Tatum is sure- Wait, OTM interrupts. Jaida says we all saw how she did Lola. And Lola knows has hands, but Jaida is the one on point. Lola is going to learn to- Tatum says rude! Jaida knows she may be playing with Lola right now, but she interrupted Tatum’s time!

Jaida says okay, freak, we don’t doubt Tatum can handle Wendy. But baby girl, Jaida doesn’t play, at all. OTM heads out, and Wendy is lurking in the shadows! Will Wendy give Tatum the sinister slumber party she wants? Will Lola make sure Miss Parker regrets not leaving well enough alone?

Ashante THEE Adonis VS Brooks Jensen w/ Shawn Spears!

The confrontation backstage has been turned into a match! Adonis just wants romance in his life, but will he see that all is fair in love and war? Or will The Chair Man’s follower find that Adonis can be a lover and a fighter?

The bell rings, the two tie up, and they go around in an aggressive collar ‘n’ elbow. Jensen puts Adonis in a corner, gets up on him, but the ref counts. Jensen lets off slowly, but Adonis sucker punches him! Adonis fires hands, stomps a mudhole, then fires more hands. Adonis whips corner to corner but Jensen reverses. Adonis comes back to LARIAT! Jensen stays up, so Adonis dodges and LARIATS again! Jensen falls, Adonis covers, ONE! Adonis stays on Jensen but Jensen FLAPJACK HOTSHOTS! Adonis sputters, the fans boo, but Spears says keep on him! Jensen stomps Adonis and rains down fists!

Jensen smothers Adonis, the ref reprimands, but Jensen stands up, to rain down another punch! Spears coaches Jensen, Jensen ELBOWS Adonis in the head, and Jensen scoops. Adonis CLAWS Jensen’s eyes! Adonis RAMS Jensen into the corner, throws hands, but lets off as the ref counts. Adonis brings Jensen up to CLUB him, but Jensen throat chops! The fans boo, but Jensen sits Adonis up to ELBOW him in the head. Jensen pushes Adonis to a cover, ONE! Jensen stays on Adonis as he grinds wrist tape into Adonis’ face. Jensen shifts to a chinlock, then he HIP DROPS! Jensen mocks the fans as they boo.

Jensen stands on Adonis’ head, lets off as the ref counts, but Adonis fires hands. Jensen kicks low, CLUBS Adonis down, then brings him up. Jensen SMASHES Adonis off his knee, then hauls him up. Jensen whips Adonis but Adonis stops himself. Jensen runs up but Adonis DUMPS him out! Adonis WRECKS Jensen with a dropkick, then slides out to put Jensen back in. Adonis slides in, brings Jensen up, but Jensen throat chops again! Jensen runs, but into a drop toehold! Jensen is put on ropes, and then the AIR DROP hits! Wait, is that Karmen coming out here? She kicks at Spears to back him off!

Karmen then goes to the apron, and she pours the petals on the apron. Adonis wonders what this means, and Karmen backs away. Jensen runs up on Adonis, but Adonis fires hands! Adonis ROCKS Jensen, hammers away in the corner, then goes corner to corner! SWINGING DROPKICK! The fans fire up and Karmen seems to like what she sees. Adonis goes up a corner, but Spears distracts! Jensen trips Adonis up! DRAPING DDT!! Cover, Jensen wins!

Winner: Brooks Jensen, by pinfall

Jensen says, “They can’t hold me down!” Are the teachings of Shawn Spears actually paying off? Or is it mostly Spears’ direct influence during the match? As for Adonis, he may have lost this match, but has he won the heart of the black belt princess?

Lexis returns backstage.

And he comes across The NQCC. Lexis says he got a huge win, right down the middle, just like he wanted. He also tells Wren, sorry about that loss, that was rough. Lexis shakes hands with Dempsey, tells them to have a good night. Oh, and one more thing. Maybe now Lexis is ready for one of those Rounds matches? Nah, just kidding. Lexis heads out to the parking lot, and he spots Tony D. Lexis says Tony’s looking sharp, looking dapper. Lexis keeps moving but we stick with The D’Angelo Family. Stacks hopes Tony isn’t worried, seeing the look in Oba’s eyes. Tony says don’t worry, that’s just Oba trying to regain a mental edge before their rematch.

Rizzo asks what Tables, Ladders & Scares even means. Luca says it’s basically anything goes. The real concern is Oba threatening them. Luca knows Tony’s got Oba in a couple weeks, but Luca wants to take Oba on next week so Oba can learn the power of this family. Tony says good on him, get it done. The family heads out, but will Luca just be an appetizer before Halloween Havoc?

NXT Championship #1 Contender’s Triple Threat: Ethan Page VS Wes Lee VS Je’Von Evans!

This match came about because A) All Ego blames CM Punk for his loss in Chicago, B) The Cardiac Kid finally settled things with Zachary Wentz, and C) The Young OG took the fight to The Viper and proved why he’s the future of this company. But in the end, only one of them is going to Hershey, Pennsylvania! Who will get to trick-or-treat with Tricky Two-Time Two-Time?

NXT returns and Ethan makes his entrance. The bell rings, and Je’Von SUPERKICKS Wes! Je’Von says that’s what he gets, but Ethan ROCKS Je’Von! Ethan whips Je’Von but Je’Von springboards to get around and schoolboy! But Wes rolls Je’Von! Ethan SLAMS Wes down! Ethan brings Wes up, but Je’Von sunset flips over them both! Ethan shoves Wes away, then flails, but grins and says he’s all good. Until Wes winds up! Ethan freaks out, Je’Von finishes the sunset, TWO!  Wes ghost pins Je’Von, TWO! Wes UPKICKS Je’Von, then BODY SHOTS Ethan! Wes pushes Ethan down, runs up on Je’Von, but Je’Von puts him on the apron!

Ethan swings on Je’Von but he wrenches, and says, “Ya boi BOUNCY~!” Je’Von JUMP KICKS Wes to then FLYING ARM-DRAG Ethan! The fans fire up and Je’Von DROPKICKS Ethan! Wes slithers back in and runs up, DROPKICK for Je’Von! Wes says that’s what Je’Von gets! The fans rally for “NXT! NXT!” as Wes scuffs Je’Von. Wes runs up on Ethan, but Ethan puts him on the apron. Ethan ROCKS Wes, catches Je’Von, and FALL AWAY SLAMS him into Wes! Wes goes flying into barriers, Ethan BOOTS Je’Von down! Cover, TWO! Je’Von is tougher than that and Ethan grows frustrated. Ethan stalks Je’Von while the fans rally up.

Ethan drags Je’Von up, scoops, and hits a BACKBREAKER! Ethan drags Je’Von up, reels him in, and Canadian Racks, but Je’Von slips free! Je’Von spins Ethan, cravats, SLICED BREAD! Not the cleanest, but Je’Von coves, only for Wes to KNEEBOARD SENTON on it! Wes covers Je’Von now, TWO! The fans rally while Wes scowls. Wes drags Je’Von up, DECKS him, then stomps him. Wes kicks Je’Von around, the fans boo, but Wes rains down fists! Je’Von pushes Wes away but Wes drags him up. Wes wrenches but Je’Von ROCKS Wes! Je’Von SLAPS Wes, ROCKS him again, and Ethan eggs them on!

Wes fires shots back on Je’Von, but Je’Von blocks a kick! Ethan says yeah, do it! Je’Von swings Wes’ foot into Ethan! Ethan wobbles, says that’s not what he mean! Wes blocks Je’Von’s kick, and he swings it into Ethan! Ethan falls out of the ring and fans fire up! Wes and Je’Von stare down, Je’Von blocks a shot to SUPER PUNCH! Je’Von storms up, but Wes ROCKS him back! Wes whips, runs, but Je’Von ducks, only for Ethan to trip him! Wes WRECKS Ethan with a dropkick! The fans are torn, but Wes uses the desk to TORANDO- NO! Ethan RAMS Wes into the apron, then TOSSES him onto the desk!

The fans fire up while Ethan grins, but Je’Von FLIES out onto them both!! Everyone falls off the desk and the fans are thunderous! Je’Von says he’s coming for that title, Trick! The fans cheer Je’Von on while NXT goes to break.

NXT returns again and Ethan whips, but Je’Von reverses! Ethan is sent into Wes at the corner! The fans cheer and Je’Von runs in, but Wes and Ethan both move! Je’Von hits buckles and gets stuck up top! The fans fire up again as Je’Von slumps back and the other two stir. Ethan crawls to a far corner, the fans cheer “NXT! NXT!” for making this match. Wes snarls and glares at Je’Von but the feeling is mutual. They fire haymakers on each other back and forth! They pick up speed, and the fans rally with every shot! Je’Von ROCKS Wes, but Wes rebounds, and DOUBLE LARIATS collide! The fans fire up, and Ethan stands.

Ethan sees the aftermath and he storms up. Ethan stomps away on Wes, he stomps away on Je’Von, and then he drags Je’Von up to scoop and SLAM onto Wes! Ethan drags Wes up, and he suplexes, to GOURD BUSTER onto Je’Von! Wes and Je’Von both sputter, but then Ethan POSTS Wes! Ethan drags Je’Von around, rains down fists, and the fans are torn as he hammers away. Ethan lets off to grab the wrists. RIPCORD POWERSLAM! Cover, Wes breaks it in time! The fans rally up, and Wes fires hands on Ethan! Wes fires shots from all sides, even as he stands. But Je’Von hooks Wes, so Wes ROCKS Je’Von!

Ethan stands, Wes ELBOWS him! Je’Von dodges Wes to SUPER PUNCH Ethan! Wes SUPERKICKS Je’Von! Wes kicks off Ethan to TORNADO DDT Je’Von! Je’Von flounders up to his feet but then falls back over! Wes STANDING SHOOTING STARS onto Ethan! Cover, TWO! The fans are thunderous as this match continues! Wes lines up a shot and he fires hands on Je’Von. Je’Von hits back! Wes fires hands, Je’Von fires back, but Wes KICKS! Je’Von ROCKS Wes! Ethan ROCKS Je’Von! Wes BOOTS Ethan! All three men ROUNDHOUSE! All three men fall and the fans are electric! The ref checks, all three men stir, and this match continues.

Ethan crawls to the apron on one side, Je’Von goes to another corner, and fans want these three to “FIGHT FOREVER!” But someone has to win! Wes sees Ethan go up, so  he rolls to SHORYUKEN! Wes then climbs up, CLUBS away, but Ethan HEADBUTTS Wes down! So Je’Von LEAPS up top! SUPER SPANISH FLY!! Je’Von keeps moving, TWISTING KICK on Wes!! Cover, TWO!! Wes survives and shocks Je’Von! The fans are just as shocked because this place is electric! Je’Von drags Ethan up, brings him around, but Wes is also up. Ethan shoves Je’Von into Wes, then he RUONDHOUSES Je’Von!

Ethan Canadian Racks Je’Von, but Je’Von pops free to RANA! Wes is up top, he METEORAS! Je’Von goes up and up, O G CUTTER!!! Cover, TWO?!?! No one can believe Wes survived, but Je’Von won’t stop! Je’Von goes up and up again, but Ethan CLUBS him down! Ethan uses the corner for the crucifix lift, but Wes SUPERKICKS Ethan! Wes climbs up over Ethan to grab Je’Von! But Ethan gets up and under Wes! Wes holds onto Je’Von! SUPER BACK SUPLEX POWERBOMB COMBO!! But Je’Von lands out!? Je’Von runs back up, SUPERKICK! Ethan falls out of the ring! Je’Von sets Wes in the drop zone and climbs!

Je’Von SKY TWISTERS!!! Cover, ETHAN ROLLS HIM! ETHAN WINS!?!?

Winner: Ethan Page, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the NXT Championship)

Ethan bails out of the ring and grabs a mic. He has them cut his music so that he can tell Trick Williams, “I’m not going anywhere! If I have air in my lungs, that NXT Championship is mine. I know you’re watching, get out here, and let’s spin this damn wheel!” Trick makes his way out and the fans chant “WHOOP DAT TRICK!” as hard as they can for the NXT Champion! Ethan spins and we all watch it land on… DEVIL’S PLAYGROUND! Trick says he ain’t scared. He holds up the belt, but then Ethan CLOBBERS him with a stage light!! Ethan holds up the belt and says Trick’s about to see the devil inside him! Will All Ego be all evil if it means getting the title back?

My Thoughts:

A great NXT here, and great new look for the Performance Center. Hard to say if it’s really bigger inside, but they did great with the new silver ‘n’ black aesthetic. And we got started on the Halloween Havoc build, but something just seems a little off about each part. Tony’s celebration wasn’t much before Oba interrupted it, but of course they’re having their rematch since things are 1-1. Oba said the family wouldn’t be there for Tony, but a Halloween themed Tables, Ladders & Chairs match doesn’t fit that. A cage match would. But perhaps, with how Luca wants a match with Oba, Oba’s just going to demolish Luca and Stacks in 1v1 matches so that Tony only has Rizzo in his corner.

Vaquer VS Wren was very good, with Wren getting to show her stuff, but maybe a little too much of her stuff when you consider Vaquer is a former CMLL Women’s World & Women’s Tag Team Champion, simultaneously, and was then a NJPW Strong Women’s Champion on top of that. Vaquer of course won, and of course Roxie & Cora attacked her. Giulia therefore of course made the save, but I’m a little surprised we’re making the tag team match for Halloween Havoc and not a title match. Fatal Influence of course wants their match with Kelani, but I feel like they’re eating the loss to Giulia & Vaquer so Giulia & Vaquer can have momentum going into Halloween Havoc.

But even with the Influence about to eat a loss, one of them is surely going after Kelani for the title, maybe even on Halloween Havoc given Kelani is on the poster. Speaking of, Ethan Page is on the poster, so that’s why they made him the #1 contender again. I was really hoping it was either of the other two, but with that promo with Wes, Je’Von and the others, that was a sign they were going to have their own feud first. The Triple Threat was awesome, practically a PLE match in itself, and Ethan stealing the win from Je’Von is a great detail all on its own. Trick VS Ethan in a Devil’s Playground match does make for a great blowoff, but I hope they don’t take the title off Trick so soon after giving it back to him.

As for non-PLE build, we got a good promo from Lash & Jakara calling out Damage CTRL, as I figured would happen. As I put for Raw last night, I hope this all leads to every brand having someone fighting for the Women’s Tag Team Championships at Survivor Series. Lash & Jakara for NXT, DMG CTRL for Raw, and Chelsea & Piper for SmackDown all going after Jade & Bianca as the champions, that’d be some great stuff. Lexis and Oro had an awesome “Gentlemen’s Duel” match, I actually appreciate how those rules change things up while also giving story to Lexis’ Face turn. Lexis winning was also a good move, as it does keep that Face turn going, and maybe Oro comes around on seeing Lexis is trying to make up for his past.

Great match from Lyons and Lola, but I should’ve figured Jaida would cost Lola. Lyons still gets a solid return win, and hopefully she can keep her legs healthy so she can make a run at the gold. I also appreciate that they’re keeping us aware of story going on in the NXTNA exchange as it goes the other direction. It was a Six Woman Tag in which Sol got the pin on Wendy and that Tatum had to save Sol from a Wendy sneak attack. Good stuff with the interview with Tatum being interrupted by Jaida to plug both stories at once, and we’ll get some great grudge matches out of Jaida VS Lola and Tatum VS Wendy.

Great stuff with the Chase U story, as Riley takes the fight to Ridge but still loses. Andre Chase had a great return here to save Riley, and I wonder if Ridge VS Chase in the blowoff makes it to Halloween Havoc. If not, they can still have an awesome grudge match on the NXT after Halloween Havoc, and really give this a big moment for Chase U to stand tall again. And then, I can’t believe I had it right about this Ashante THEE Adonis story. He’s been looking for love, and I do appreciate someone was criticizing his “pickup artist” style, but kinda funny that it was Spears. Adonis VS Jensen was a really good match, and Karmen being the one who is into Adonis is a bit surprising. But good win for Jensen, he could be slow burning his way to a title story, maybe get there by like Royal Rumble season at earliest.

My Score: 8.8/10