Who will have their golden opportunity at Halloween Havoc?

To determine the NEW #1 contender to the NXT Women’s Championship, a battle royal that is open to both NXT AND TNA will be held! Will Jacy Jayne be facing a Superstar or a Knockout in Arizona?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Matt Cardona VS Josh Briggs; Briggs wins.
• Dr. Wagner III VS Lexis King; Wagner wins.
• Zaria w/ Sol Ruca VS Blake Monroe; Blake wins.
• Tag Team Triple Threat: Hank ‘n’ Tank VS Kale Dixon & Uriah Connors VS Shawn Spears & Niko Vance; No Contest.
• NXT Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Battle Royal: Tatum Paxley wins and will challenge Jacy Jayne for the title at Halloween Havoc.

PLAY BY PLAY

Ricky Saints is here!

The fans cheer for the Absolute NXT Champion as he goes to the ring. Ricky grabs a mic and says, “I never get tired of that, just to let you know.” The fans cheer again, and Ricky says he wanted to come out here to say that after Showdown last week, two things were very clear. First: When you stack the odds against Saints, when you put his back against the wall, he’ll fight like hell! Not just for himself, but for the fans and everyone in here. And the other thing is… When things get very tough, Trick is gonna fold under pressure! Origami-like! And that right there is the difference between them.

And Ricky won’t lie, the night he won the NXT Championship, everything became very, very clear to him in that moment when he immediately held this title. But for Trick Williams, it has not been very clear whatsoever! For a man who says he built this place, that he is the Face of NXT, he sure hasn’t been tidying up after himself! Trick abandoned this place, he wants to think he’s above it all. But he’s delusional, crazy, and stupid! The fans cheer that! But with all that being said, Ricky would love to go ahead and give Trick the opportunity to prove him wrong. There have been a lot of people who have held this title and waited on others to become #1 contender.

But this is Ricky Saints, this is the Absolute Era, and guess what? He’s calling his shot! So prove Ricky wrong, Tricky! He’s calling you out for Halloween Havoc, the NXT Championship! But Trick is on the tron to says, “Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. I know you mad over there, Pretty Ricky. It ain’t my fault you couldn’t get the job done last week when I left you. But the truth is, you walk around here, you tell everybody that you the man, you the one carrying the brand, right? But the truth is, you just following in my footsteps. And we all know these size 15s are too big for you, dog.

“You know the real difference between me and you? You been grinding your whole life, your whole life, just so you could be here. Trick Williams didn’t wait in no line, I’m VIP. As soon as I pulled up, I was in the spotlight, and you can’t stand that. You can’t stand it, Ricky. Because I’m doing everything you ever wanted to do, except I’m looking better than you while I do it. You’re pressed, you’re mad. I know you’re mad. You so mad that you wanna put the NXT Championship on the line. You want Trick Williams to be a three-time, three-time-, three-time NXT Champion? We gonna do this on my time. Let’s talk about it. See you soon, champ.”

Ricky says, “Wow, wow, wow, your time. Your time is up! And lemme tell you this, all that damn cocoa butter you done been putting on, you probably slipped, bumped your head, and now you’re talking crazy!” But Ricky admits, he should’ve expected this from Trick to not come out and face Ricky like a man. Fine. Because the fantasy land Trick lives in, Ricky’s about to burst that bubble and show us why Ricky’s Absolute! So yeah, let’s talk about it! The fans fire up with Ricky, but will Trick be willing to spin the wheel and make the deal for Halloween?

Je’Von Evans and Leon Slater are backstage.

The Young OG is still upset that DarkState ruined their match. The Youngest In Charge agrees, they ruined an instant classic. But he can’t lie, he had Je’Von there. Aw hecc no, bruh! You know Je’Von would be X-Division Champions if not for goofy-ass DarkState. Agree to disagree, fam, but what is DarkState even at? They’re crazy. Their egos must be hurting after losing the tag titles. But then in step the Hardy Boyz, and Matt says DarkState is trying to hit us all where it hurts. Jeff says not to take it personal, that was really a shot at the Hardys. DarkState knows the Hardys took Leon under their wing, and that Je’Von is a fellow North Carolinian.

Matt says both Je’Von and Leon are threats to DarkState. Don’t let those guys drag down what you were doing at BFG. That was a sneak peek at the future of pro-wrestling. Je’Von and Leon both than Matt & Jeff, and Matt brings up the rematch with DarkState at Halloween Havoc. They will avenge BFG and put in some receipts for the Young & The Youngest! Well, if you need them, they’ve got your backs. The Hardys head out, Je’Von & Leon get to fanboy now, and the date is set. Will Matt & Jeff DELETE DarkState once and for all? Or will no one be safe on Halloween Havoc night?

NXT Anonymous posts a video.

They’ve been watching backstage, and they caught Kelani Jordan complaining to “referee” Jordynne Grace. The Juggernaut understood The Standout wasn’t happy with her out there, and Kelani says she has bigger problems to solve than this, but since Grace said it, no, she’s not! Grace did not call it down the middle. How did she not call it down the middle?! Kelani accuses Grace of being jealous that Kelani has the Knockouts title now, and that Grace is upset she’s also failed multiple times to be champion in NXT, so she feels some kinda way. Yes, Grace made the Knockouts Championship prestigious, but she was a big fish in a small pond. Now, she’s swimming with sharks.

Kelani points out that her first try, she walked away Knockouts Champion, something Grace chased for a very, very, very long time. Grace tells Kelani that the only reason Kelani even has that title is because Grace made it possible. So see you in the battle royal. Grace heads out, will she make sure to make an impact on the road to Halloween Havoc?

Matt Cardona VS Josh Briggs!

The Complete “apologized” for punking out the bully ahead of the Showdown, but now he and the Bullhead Brawler are going to have a showdown of their own! Will Cardona prove he’s #AlwayZReady? Or will Briggs show none of that matters when you’re a Man of Mayhem?

NXT returns and Briggs makes his entrance. The fans boo but Briggs tunes it out. The bell rings and Cardona fires off on Briggs! The fans fire up as Cardona ROCKS Briggs, then stomps away in the corner! The fans chant, “Woo woo woo! YOU KNOW IT!” for old time’s sake. Cardona stops as the ref counts, and then he runs back up. Briggs kicks low first, and fans boo as Briggs throws elbows and forearms in the corner. Briggs CLUBS Cardona, the fans rally behind Cardona, but Briggs ROCKS him. Briggs whips corner to corner, but Cardona BOOTS him! Then goes up to MISSILE DROPKICK! The fans fire up as Cardona then WRECKS Briggs with a dropkick!

The fans fire up and Cardona puts Briggs back in. Cardona KICKS Briggs in the ropes, then storms up to LARIAT in a corner! Cardona climbs up, rains down fists, and the fans count along, only for Briggs to slip out at 4. Briggs TRIPS Cardona up and Cardona crashes down hard! The ref checks Cardona, but Briggs stomps away! The fans chant, “Briggs, Go Away~!” Briggs paces and seethes, then he BOOTS Cardona against ropes. Briggs whips Cardona but Cardona ducks ‘n’ dodges, only for Briggs to LEAPING LARIAT! Cover, TWO! The fans boo and Briggs seethes, but Briggs tells them to watch their mouths.

Briggs stomps Cardona’s fingers, then stands Cardona up. Briggs whips Cardona to a corner, runs in, and ELBOWS! Then he fires fast hands and DECKS Cardona! The fans boo, the ref counts, but Briggs mocks the Long Island Iced Z! “Woo woo woo, YOU-” NO, Cardona DUMPS Briggs out! And then he FLIES! The fans fire up as down goes Briggs! Cardona nods as NXT goes to break.

NXT returns again and Briggs grinds Cardona down with a chinlock. The fans rally, Cardona fights up, and he JAWBREAKERS free! Cardona fires forearms and CHOPS, then runs, but into a BOOT! Briggs BOOTS Cardona again, then pushes him down to cover, TWO! The fans rally but Briggs seethes. Briggs rises, the fans rally up more, but Briggs talks trash on Cardona. Cardona rises, goes to ropes, but Briggs spins him around to guzel! CHOKE- NO, DDT!! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Cardona and Briggs crawl, Briggs storms up, but into an ELBOW! Cardona runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, LARIAT!

Cardona whips, Briggs reverses, but Cardona SMASHES him off the mat! The fans fire up, Cardona fires forearms in the corner, then stops as the ref counts. Cardona soaks up the cheers, then shows Briggs how it’s done! BOOT WASH! Then a chicken wing, and an UNPRETTY-HER! Shoutout to the Hot Mess! Cover, TWO!! Briggs survives and Cardona is shocked! The fans also agree, “That was Three! That was Three!” Cardona stays focused, and he resets for another- NO, Briggs dodges the #ReBoot! But then Cardona BOOTS through the ropes! The fans fire up as Cardona puts Briggs in the ring. Cardona reaches out but Briggs ELBOWS him!

Briggs HIP TOSS BACKBREAKERS! Then the choke grip, CHOKE SLAM!! Cover, TWO!! Cardona survives and the fans fire up! Briggs is beside himself as Cardona survives. The fans rally, Briggs rises, and he takes off that chain! But the ref senses it and stops Briggs! The fans cheer, and then RADIO SILENCE!! Cover, TWO?!!? Briggs survives that rough ride, and no one can believe it! The fans blame the ref but Briggs is just that tough! Cardona goes up the corner now, for a SUPER- POWERBOMB!! Briggs turns things around on Cardona, and he wants Cardona to know he did this to himself! Briggs runs, but into KNEES!!

Cardona tries the chicken wings, Briggs powers out, but Cardona ELBOWS him! Then TORNADO- NO, Briggs slips free! They both run, and the BOOT from Briggs hits first! Cover, Briggs wins!!

Winner: Josh Briggs, by pinfall

Briggs may not respect Cardona, but this was truly a big win for him tonight! He just beat a former WWE Tag Team, WWE Intercontinental & WWE US Champion, among many other accolades. Was this just what Briggs needed to get some respect of his own around here?

Hank ‘n’ Tank hang out with Chase U and Lyra Valkyria.

Tank Ledger tells The Morrigan that clearly, everyone is thinking it. Everyone knows that whoever comes out of Halloween Havoc as NXT Tag Team Champions, whether it is The Hardy Boyz or DarkState, what’re they gonna need? New #1 contenders! Right! Uriah Connors says who better than Chase U? Well, maybe Hank ‘n’ Tank. Lyra says it could be either. But what she was asking was, has anyone seen Tatum Paxley? Oh, yeah, she’s over there. And that gets Tatum’s attention so she says hi to her “dove.” But then Izzi Dame says no need for hugs. And no need to answer questions, because The Culling has all the answers everyone needs. Right…

Izzi tells Hank ‘n’ Tank that they already had their shot and failed, and Chase U lack… Well, what don’t they lack? Point is, the only team talented enough or experienced enough to win the titles are Shawn Spears & Niko Vance. That iz what it iz. Oh, wow, okay. But is Tank thinking what Hank is thinking? Tank might be thinking that. What the tag division is known for is a little Triple Threatski~! YEAH~! Mr. Chase says now THAT is a Teachable Moment! Let’s go talk to Ava and make the match! Great idea! Hank, Tank, and Chase U head out, and Tatum is so happy to see Lyra wearing their shirt. Lyra says yeah, she thought it’d be a nice surprise.

Izzi again keeps Tatum back from Lyra, and Niko says at least they’ll all be one step closer to gold. Izzi agrees, and after she wins tonight’s Battle Royal, she will become the NEW NXT Women’s Champion. Oh? What about Tatum? Izzi chuckles, what about Tatum? She’ll be with Izzi every step of the way. The Culling leaves, Tatum waves by to Lyra, and Lyra wishes her luck. Lyra says they are spooky… But will things go the way Izzi wants them? Or will she simply lose control along with the battle royal?

Fatal Influence speaks.

Jacy Jayne says, “When we formed Fatal Influence, we set out to guide and influence the deepest women’s division in wrestling today.” Fallon Henley adds, “To make the locker room look up to us. I mean, go ahead, check the receipts. Championships won, shocking moments, main event after main event, PLE classics. Fatal Influence has been running this women’s division.” Jacy admits, there were problems at times, but they never let their problems get in the way. The one they set out to bring along turned out to be the biggest problem. But she’s no longer an issue, and it was time to drop her anyway. Only the strong survive.

Jazmyn was eliminated by someone willing to prove their loyalty that Jazmyn never did. That someone is Lainey Reid. The Southern Charm says Jacy & Fallon are “titans in this division.” She watched them ascend all the way to the top. And yes, she thought she needed to beat Jacy to get there, but losing to her made Lainey realize that in order to be like them, she had to follow them. Win at all costs. That’s just their style. Lainey, welcome to the Influence. You earned your spot. Now, they’ll watch tonight’s Battle Royal and see who earns their shot at Jacy. Lainey says it doesn’t matter who it will be, she isn’t worthy.

Revamped yet just as toxic, will Jacy, Fallon & Lainey continue to look down on the rest of this division? Or will someone finally free us all from their influence?

Dr. Wagner III VS Lexis King!

The son of Dr. Wagner Jr. makes his NXT in-ring debut, but The Drama King says he’s not a real doctor, what good is he? Well, Lexis isn’t actually a king, so what does he know? Will Dr. Wagner III at least humble Lexis a little? Or will Lexis shockingly defeat the AAA Latin American Champion?

NXT returns as Lexis makes his entrance. The bell rings and the two tie up. Lexis wrenches an arm, wristlocks, but Wagner rolls, kips and kips and kips up, to then WRING Lexis !Lexis gets up, Wagner arm-drags and drop toeholds, to then step over and LA MAGISTROL! TWO, and Wagner arm-drags again! Then he hooks Lexis’s arm, brings him around, wrenches again, and wristlocks. Lexis endures, fights up, and he rolls, cartwheels, and handsprings to BOP Wagner in the face! Things speed up, Lexis hurdles, but Wagner leaps over! Wagner sidesteps, but Lexis walks all over him! Lexis mocks Wagner, but Wanger rushes up!

Wagner headlocks, Lexis powers up and out, but Wagner RUNS Lexis over! The fans cheer and Wagner flexes. Things keep moving, and Wagner sees the dropdown so he can walk all over it! Wagner poses, the fans cheer, and Lexis says okay, he’ll show respect. Lexis holds out his hand, but Wagner blocks the cheap shot! Lexis still SLAPS Wagner! Lexis brings Wagner around, Wagner blocks the buckle bump to bump Lexis! Then CHOP! Wagner follows Lexis to a corner, RAMS him and CHOPS him, then keeps him cornered to CHOP again! Lexis goes to a corner, Wagner storms up, but Lexis uses the ropes as defense.

The ref has Wagner stay back, but then Lexis grabs at the mask! The fans boo as Lexis claws Wagner’s eyes! Lexis kicks low, CHOPS, and then knuckle locks to CHOP again! Lexis says he can do lucha! Lexis goes p, up, tightrope walks, and he goes OLD SCHOOL to SLAP Wagner! The fans boo, but Wagner powers up! Lexis CLUBS Wanger, CHOPS him, then whips. Wagner hurdles, ducks, and RANAS! Then he scoops to BACKBREAKER! Lexis bails out, Wagner fires up, and he goes up, out, and up again, to ASAI MOONSAULT! Direct hit on Lexis and the fans fire up! Wagner stands tall while NXT goes to break.

NXT returns again and Wagner ROLLING ELBOWS in the corner! Lexis staggers, Wagner runs, but Lexis TOSSES him up and out! The fans boo but Lexis huffs ‘n’ puffs as he storms out after Wagner. Lexis RAMS Wagner into steel steps! The fans boo but Lexis has the bad leg, and hits an APRON SHIN BREAKER! Wagner writhes, Lexis stomps him, and then he grabs the bad leg to stomp it! The fans rally but Lexis stomps away on the hamstring, then YANKS the leg. Wagner writhes, Lexis brings Wagner up, and Lexis bumps Wagner off buckles. Lexis puts the leg in the ropes to KNEE DROP it! The fans sing for Wagner, but Lexis CROWNS Wagner! Cover, TWO!

Wagner toughs it out but Lexis snarls. Lexis talks trash on Wagner, talks trash at Wagner, then drags him up. Wagner fires body shots! Lexis ducks the haymaker, grabs the leg, SHIN BREAKER! And DRAGON SCREW! And then a step through for the DEATHLOCK! Wagner endures, the fans rally, but Lexis puts on the pressure. Wagner sits up but Lexis kicks him down. Wagner sits up again, but Lexis kicks him again! The fans rally, Wagner rises a third time, and Lexis kicks. Wagner just powers up and “fixes” his neck to stare Lexis down! Wagner ROCKS Lexis, is free of the hold, and he rallies on Lexi LARIAT after LARIAT!

Lexis takes a swing, Wagner wrenches and then CHOPS Lexis on the back! Wagner whips Lexis to a corner, runs up, and SHINING WIZARD! Then he brings Lexis around, underhooks, TIGER DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Lexis survives but Wagner stays focused. The fans rally and Wagner goes to a corner. Wagner shakes out the bad leg, then runs up, but into a SUPERKICK! Lexis runs up and LARIATS! And CHOPS! And then DRAGON SCREW! The fans boo but Lexis’s plan is working. Lexis goes up, up, and SWANTON FLOPS as Wagner moves! Wagner runs from the corner, SHINING WIZARD! Then the scoop and MICHINOKU DRIVER! Cover, Wagner wins!

Winner: Dr. Wagner III, by pinfall

The Latin American Champion comes out on top as he knocks The Drama King off his high horse! Wagner grabs a mic to tell everyone that he wants Ethan Page to come out here right now! The fans cheer, and here comes All Ego! Ethan Page has a mic already to say, “Wagner, Wagner, Wagner. Lemme tell you something, muchacho. It is absolutely exhausting being the Greatest North American of All Time. No, it truly is! Everybody seems to be hunting ‘All Ego’ Ethan Page and his beautiful Canadian Championship. Truthfully, I have wrestlers from AAA, TNA, Raw and SmackDown all coming to NXT to get their eyes on ME.”

But Wagner doesn’t have to hunt for Ethan anymore, Ethan went and personally handled this for them. At Halloween Havoc, Wagner will be challenging the Greatest North American of All Time for his North American Championship, aka Ethan Page. Wagner tells Ethan in Spanish that this is what he wanted. Ethan says, “Okay, Papi. I have no clue what you just said! And honestly, it really doesn’t matter, because October 25th, I’m still gonna beat you at Halloween Havoc, pal!” Wagner tells Ethan, “Callete,” aka shut up. Because he’ll translate to English. Wagner spoke to Ava, and this is no regular match.

Wagner faces Ethan in a DAY OF THE DEAD MATCH! And Ethan… ANYTHING GOES! All ego is upset now, but can he survive a Saturday with Dr. Wagner III? Or will there be a NEW Greatest North American of All Time?

#ZaRuca talks backstage.

And Zaria says this Maybelline red is perfect for her. Oh, wait, what’s Sol doing getting ready? Zaria VS Blake Monroe is 1v1. Yeah, but there’s the 20 Woman Battle Royal. Whoa, what? Why’s Sol in it? Because she wants to face Jacy for the title… What? How many titles does Sol need? Maybe after Showdown, Sol was gonna be in Zaria’s corner. Y’know? It’s fine, Zaria can handle Blake on her own. Zaria storms off before Sol can apologize. But will the Agent of Change handle The Glamour with easy? Or will she instead get the Woman From Hell?

Ava & Santino talk with Je’Von & Leon.

The NXT General Manager and TNA Director of Authority talk with Young OG & Youngest In Charge, and Santino says they can spare about five seconds. Leon says they appreciate this. And hey, Leon knows Halloween Havoc is around the corner. Do they have any tag team Je’Von & Leon can go up against? Ava isn’t sure because things are busy, but then in step “Stacks” Channing Lorenzo & Arianna Grace. Stacks asks if she hears this: The X-Division Champion is getting real comfortable around here. And if Stacks recalls, Je’Von can clarify this, if not for DarkState, Leon wouldn’t even be holding that title right now.

Je’Von says he didn’t have to put it like that. But then Arianna whispers to Santino, and he sighs. Santino asks Ava is his… future son-in-law… is in line for a title shot. Je’Von asks what, and Ava says hey, an X-Division Championship match on her show, she’s down. Leon says yeah, he’s down. Then it is official. Okay, but Je’Von will be watching, just to be sure. Oh snap, what was that noise back there? TRICK ATTACKED RICKY! Trick shouts he’s doing this on his time, and he WILL see Ricky at Halloween Havoc! Ava tells Trick to get out of here, then she shouts for medics. Is Trick going to do everything he can to be back on top?

Zaria VS Blake Monroe!

The Agent of Change wants her own title opportunities, but she was doing this match to stand up for her friend. Now that Sol is going for more gold, will Zaria regret fighting for nothing? Or can she make an example of The Glamour on the road to Halloween Havoc?

The bell rings and Blake mockingly asks where Sol went. Zaria and Blake tie up, Zaria powers Blake to a corner, then she THROWS Blake across the way. Zaria flexes, the fans rally, and Blake shakes it off. The two reset, Zaria eggs Blake on, and they tie up. Blake waistlocks, Zaria THROWS her off, then she runs up to scoop! Blake slips free, shoves Zaria, then dodges Zaria to go for a leg. But Zaria is sturdier than that. Blake apologizes but Zaria drags her up. Zaria CHOKE- NO, Blake slips free and CHOP BLOCKS! That takes Zaria down! But then Blake KNEE SMASHES and SHOTGUNS! Zaria flounders, the fans cheer, and Blake sneers.

Blake runs to UPPERCUT Zaria in the corner, then she wraps the leg around ropes. Blake pulls on the leg, the ref counts, and Blake lets go to DROPKICK the knee. Zaria leans against the ropes but Blake is on her again. Blake whips, Zaria blocks! Blake tries again, but Zaria still blocks! Zaria whips Blake to the corner, then SPLASHES! Zaria TOSSES Blake, goes up, but Blake SLAPS Zaria first! Sol then goes up into the STRATUS- NO, Zaria stops that and BOOTS Blake! Then she reels Blake in and the fans fire up for the HANGING SLEEPER! Blake flails, the ref reprimands, but Zaria drops Blake.

Zaria flexes, the fans fire up, and Zaria goes out after Blake. Blake RCOKS Zaria, Zaria ROCKS Blake! Zaria fires off, then SMACKS Blake off the apron. Zaria puts Blake int he ring, but Blake goes out the side. Zaria blocks a shot, ROCKS her back, then drags Blake up. Blake clings to ropes to stop the suplex! Then she SMACKS Zaria off the crossbar! Zaria falls, the fans are torn, but Blake smiles as NXT goes to break.

NXT returns and Blake runs, but Zaria dodges! But Blake catches Zaria to a SLEEPER! And she becomes a backpack! Zaria endures, the fans rally, but Zaria drops to a knee. But then she pries the hold open, and she RAMS Blake into buckles! Blake lets go, Zaria runs back in, but Blake goes up and over! Then she BOOTS Zaria into buckles! Cover, TWO! Zaria toughs it out, but Blake clamps on a SLEEPER! Blake thrashes Zaria around but she endures. The fans rally, Zaria fights up, and Blake is again a backpack. BACKPACK SENTON! The fans fire up while both women are down! Blake and Zaria stir, and both women rise up.

Zaria CLUBS Blake first, but Blake comes back to ROCK Zaria! And ROCK! And SLAP! Zaria is pissed, and she CLOBBERS Blake! And CLOBBERS her again! And then BOOTS her! Zaria hurries to get Blake up for a whip, only for Blake to KICK back! Zaria shrieks again, Blake dodges the lariat, but not the SPEAR! Zaria roars because she’s not done yet! The fans fire up as Zaria fireman’s carries, but Blake grabs ropes! The ref counts, Zaria dumps Blake, but Blake has the SLEEPER! Zaria HEADBUTTS Blake! Both women fall back and Blake staggers along ringside. Zaria shakes out the stars, but Blake is looking under the ring!

Blake brings out a chair! The fans are torn but the ref reprimands. Blake gets in the ring with the chair, but SOL is here! Sol snatches the chair from Blake! The fans cheer, but the ref argues with Sol now. But Blake has a HAIR PICK! Zaria fireman’s carries, but Blake JAMS the pick into Zaria’s neck!! Underhooks and BEAUTY SHOT DDT!! Cover, Blake wins!

Winner: Blake Monroe, by pinfall

Blake scurries away and Sol is shocked! Blake mocks poor #ZaRuca, but will Sol avenge her friend? And what about tonight’s main event? Can Sol focus on the battle royal knowing her friend is hurt?

Ava Raine speaks.

“At Heatwave, I announced that the WWE Speed Championships were officially coming to NXT. After a very successful women’s tournament, resulting in Sol Ruca retaining her championship at No Mercy, I’m thrilled to announce that next week, the Men’s Speed Tournament will officially begin. This tournament will feature various competitors from different brands, such as Friday Night SmackDown’s Axiom, who will take on WWE Evolve’s Sean Legacy, and TNA’s Zachary Wentz, who will take on NXT’s Jasper Troy. Whoever wins these matches will then advance to the finals, and whoever wins the finals will get a shot at the Men’s Speed Championship against El Grande Americano. Thank you, and best of luck to all the competitors.”

Tag Team Triple Threat: Hank ‘n’ Tank VS Kale Dixon & Uriah Connors VS Shawn Spears & Niko Vance!

Just as they talked about backstage, these three teams will fight it out to see who is potentially next for the NXT Tag Team Champions, no matter who wins at Halloween Havoc. Will it be The Big Belly Bandits, Chase U Class of 2025, or The Culling that takes pole position in the title chase?

NXT returns and Chase U makes their entrance, with Mr. Chase sending them off to the ring. Then The Chair Man & Right Hand Man make their entrance, Izzi & Tatum staying back so they can handle this themselves. The teams sort out, and in this type of Triple Threat, each team sends one man. Tank, Uriah and Niko start, and Tank is already revved up. They circle, feel things out, and Uriah grabs Tank’s arm, but Niko BOOTS Tank down! Uriah rolls Niko up, TWO as Tank rolls Uriah up! But then Niko rolls Tank up! Uriah sunset flips but Niko stays up! Niko YANKS Uriah up, but Uriah gets around to send Niko into Tank!

Uriah then O’Conner Rolls, TWO, Tank cradles Uriah! TWO, Niko HEADBUTTS Tank, but Uriah runs up, only for Niko to ROLLING ELBOW hard! Niko sucker punches Hank, but then Tank & Uriah DOUBLE SUPERKICK Niko! Tank and Uriah throw hands, Spears tags in, Tank KNEES Uriah! Spears hits the CODE BREAKER! Tank staggers, Hank tags in while Spears SUPERKICKS Kale! Hank blocks a kick, winds up, but Spears SUPERKICKS! Spears runs, but into a BIG BOSS MAN SLAM! Niko runs in, but into a KNEE! Feed to Tank’s FLYING SHOULDER! The fans fire up with Hank ‘n’ Tank, and they fire themselves up with a HONK HONK!

Hank ‘n’ Tank go outside to BIG BELLY SANDWICH The Culling! But Chase U builds speed to DOUBLE TOPE!! The fans fire up with Kale & Uriah, but The Culling SMACKS Chase U off the apron! Niko DECKS Uriah, he puts Hank in the ring, and Spears hurries to tag Niko in. Niko drags Hank around, rains down fists, then drags Hank up. Niko underhooks for a BUTTERFLY SLAM! Cover, Kale breaks it! Niko SMACKS Kale for it, then kicks low. Then he DECKS Hank! Niko runs up to ROCK Kale in a corner! Kale fires back, but Niko RAMS low! Niko puts Kale up top, ROCKS him, then HEADBUTTS him!

Niko climbs, Kale fires hands, but Spears runs up! Kale BOOTS Spears, but Niko is back up top! Hank tags Tank, Kale fights Niko off, and the big boys DOUBLE SCOOP AND SLAM Niko! Spears runs up, Hank ‘n’ Tank DOUBLE HAYMAKER! Then they both lift Spears up for a DOUBLE BACK SUPLEX! But Chase U has the corners to DOUBLE FROG SPLASH!! The fans are all fired up as all six men are down, and- OUT THE MUD IS BACK!? Bronco Nima & Lucien Price THROW Niko into steel steps! And then they CLOBBER Spears! The ref throws this one out as OTM rampages on Chase U and Hank ‘n’ Tank!

No Contest

The fans fire up for OTM as they set Hank up for the DOUBLE CHOKE SLAM!! Then Tank gets up, and he gets caught into the combo GOURDBUSTER SPINEBUSTER!! OTM stands tall, will they finally be the ones to make a name for themselves?

ZaRuca regroups backstage.

Sol asks if Zaria’s alright. Zaria says Blake got Zaria’s windpipe with that cheap shot, but she’ll be alright. Sol apologizes, she should’ve been out there from the beginning. But she thanks Zaria for always having her back. Zaria says of course, she always will. Sol says ZaRuca will beat #Charlexa for the tag titles. Yes, Sol has her titles, but it’s about time Zaria has her opportunity. Which is why Sol is going to give Zaria her spot in the 20 Woman Battle Royal. Zaria asks if she means that and Sol says yes. Sol hates to admit it, but Blake was right about one thing: Sol’s getting a bit greedy. ZaRuca should have all the gold, so that means it is Zaria’s turn.

They hug, but then Zaria remembers her bad neck. Sol tells her it’s alright, just go win the battle royal. Will the Agent of Change jumping in now change the entire dynamic of the main event?

Ricky Saints is enraged!

He wants to find Trick for payback, but Ava wants him to calm down so they can talk. Ricky says no, there’s nothing to talk about unless she knows where Trick went. Ava says Ricky’s gonna want to listen to this. Trick is gone, okay? There’s no point in hunting. Oh, how convenient. Ricky isn’t sure Ava say, but Ricky tried to give Trick his title match at Halloween Havoc, and Trick pops up on the tron. Then he goes and attacks from behind! Ricky will stand up to a smug SOB by the name of Trick Williams! Ava says yes, okay, but he doesn’t need to. He will see Trick next week. What she needs is for Ricky to keep it together for the contract signing to make it official.

Ricky says for Ava, he can do that. She thanks him and he says you’re welcome. Ricky storms off, but will Trick be the one to worry about? Or can they put their pens to paper and have it out at Halloween Havoc?

DarkState has attacked The Hardy Boyz!

Dion Lennox, Osiris Griffin, Saquon Shugars & Cutler James talk trash on Matt & Jeff, then refs rush in. Osiris says Hardys thought they could get one over on DarkState and get away with it! Dion says they picked the wrong damn ones! Saquon promises they’re gonna destroy The Hardy Boyz! Ain’t nobody safe ’til they get back what’s theirs! These four leave, what is going to happen the closer we get to Halloween Havoc?

NXT Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Battle Royal!

Jordynne Grace’s song says, “It isn’t over ’til I win.” But she will have to get through Kelani Jordan, Izzi Dame, Tatum Paxley, Lola Vice, Lash Legend, Jaida Parker, Thea Hail, Karmen Petrovic, Arianna Grace, Kendal Grey, Wren Sinclair, Lei Ying Lee, Xia Brookside, Victoria Crawford, The IInspiration, Mara Sade, Kali Armstrong, and now Zaria if she wants another shot at Jacy Jayne. Will this finally be the Juggernaut’s time? Or will another get their golden ticket to Prescott, Arizona?

The bell rings and there’s havoc right here as all 20 brawl! It is clearly a divide of NXT VS TNA to start things off, such as IInspiration going after Thea and The Angel Warriors going after Kali Armstrong, who’s not even NXT yet but Evolve. Mara and Karmen brawl, The IInspiration help against Karmen, but then Tatum runs into Lash! Lash lifts Tatum up, but Tatum makes it a HANGING HEADSCISSOR! Crawford goes after Lash, Tatum clicks her heels to stagger the Bougie Bully, but Crawford is after Tatum now! The fans rally as Tatum ROCKS Crawford, then Lash ROCKS Crawford! Lash lifts but Crawford clings to ropes!

The IInspiration whip Karmen to a corner, then Jessie sends Cassie, only for Karmen to SOBAT! Lash BOOTS Crawford, Karmen BUMPS Cassie off buckles and fires hands on Jessie! Kendal and Kali grapple as a continuation of their Evolve feud, and Karmen ends up on the apron! Jessie BOOTS Karmen down and ELIMINATES her! Cassie & Jessie strike their IICONIC pose, then watch the field. Kali fights off the Angel Warriors, IInspiration go after their TNA rival in Crawford, and Tatum RAMS Wren! Tatum hurries back in to help Izzi. Arianna fights from the apron, as does Crawford. They bump into each other, and they strike fight stances. But then they work out a truce!

Arianna and Crawford decide to work together and they get fired up, only for Jordynne to BLAST them both off the apron! Jordynne ELIMINATES Arianna and Crawford! Now Arianna blames Crawford for it! The fans rally up, Jordynne kicks Kendal aside, then puts her in a corner to RAM her! Kelani fights from the apron, slingshots back in, and she brings Wren up. Lei Ying body scissors Kali up and over the top! Lei Ying BOOTS Kali, but then Kali DECKS Lei Ying and ELIMINATES her! Kali waves bye, but then Xia goes after her as revenge for her teammate! The IInspiration DOUBLE SUPLEX Wren to the apron!

Wren slips free, she’s cornered, but then she uses the corner! But the IInspiration CLOBBER her and she falls, they ELIMINATE Wren! The IInspiration blow a kiss goodbye, but Kendal goes after them for her friend! Jessie & Cassie mug Kendal, whip her to a corner, then Cassie sends Jessie in. Kendal ELBOWS Jessie away, and ducks Cassie’s leg lariat to DUMP her out! Cassie is on the apron, Kendal ROCKS her, but Jessie ROCKS Wren! Wren RAMS Jessie into Cassie! Cassie and Jessie hold hands to keep Cassie in this, but Wren breaks that grip! Cassie ROCKS Kendal, slips under her, and mule kicks! But Kendal kicks in return!

Cassie puts Kendal on the apron, Kali is after Jessie. Kendal RAMS Cassidy, DUMPS her out and ELIMINATES her! The fans are torn, but they cheer Kendal on for surviving. Kendal then SMACKS Jessie off buckles. Zaria fights Mara off, trophy lifts her, and TOSSES her out! Mara lands on the apron, ROCKS Zaria, but Lash runs up! Zaria dodges, Lash hits Mara, and now Mara holds onto Lash for dear life! The Meta Four Girls reunite, and for a moment, Lash thinks of dropping the former Miss Jackson. But she can’t, and she brings Mara in for a hug! The fans cheer, but then Zaria BOOTS Lash into Mara! Mara falls, Zaria (or is it Lash?) ELIMINATES Mara!

Lash is shocked, she apologizes to Mara, but too late to do anything about it now. Kali has Xia, but Xia HANGING HEADSCISSORS! Kali pries free, “Too Strong! Arm Strong!” Kali fights off the scissors, SHOVES Xia down, and ELIMINATES her! But Kelani gets Kali’s legs! Lash and Jaida brawl, Jaida runs up, but Lash puts her on the apron! Jaida avoids the shoulder, but Lash avoids a boot to BOOT! Jaida falls, Lash ELIMINATES Miss Parker! Lash gets payback, but then Jaida HIP-NOTICS Xia!? Jaida blames Xia for tripping her up a moment ago, which is what led to this elimination! Security rushes out here to stop Jaida from bullying Xia!

But wait, the entire rest of the field has LIFTED Lash!! The fans freak out as they all THROW Lash out onto security! The entire field ELIMINATES Lash! The fans cheer on “NXT! NXT!” as NXT goes to break.

NXT returns again and Zaria is up top! But then BLAKE ATTACKS SOL! The fans boo as Blake stomps Sol down, and Zaria hops off the top! And she jumps down, ZARIA SELF-ELIMINATES! Blake runs away like a coward, and Zaria just gave up this opportunity to make sure her friend is alright. That leaves us with seven: Jordynne Grace, Kendal Grey, Izzi Dame, Tatum Paxley, Jessie McKay, Lola Vice, and Kelani Jordan. Though speaking of, Lola fireman’s carries Kelani and dumps her to the apron. Kelani swings, misses, and Lola has a SLEEPER! But Kelani HOTSHOTS Lola! And Jessie DUMPS Lola out to ELIMINATE her!

Jessie cheers herself on, but she misses Kelani getting back in the ring. Kendal runs up, Jessie wrenches and SMASHES her, to then TOSS her up and out! But Kendal stays on the apron! Kendal slides under the boot to DUMP Jessie up and out to ELIMINATE her! The fans cheer Kendal, but then Tatum BOOTS her down! Tatum SMACKS Kendal off buckles, Kelani DUMPS Jordynne out, but Jordynne ROCKS Kelani! And SHOVELS her up, only for Kelani to sunset flip! But Kelani also keeps her feet off the ground and skins the cat! Jordynne clings to the ropes, Kelani dangles with just her legs, and Kelani lets herself handstand!

Kelani walks around, finds her way back to the apron, and she skins the cat, only for Jordynne to STOMP her down! Jordynne ELIMINATES Kelani! And now our final four: Jordynne, Tatum, Izzi and Kendal! The fans fire up for Kendal and Tatum, but The Culling rush up! CORNER CROSSBODY on Jordynne and an ELBOW on Kendal! Then they switch it up, BOOT for Kendal and FOREARM for Jordynne! Izzi and Tatum TOSS Kendal and Jordynne, but they hold on to skin the cat! Kendal and Jordynne BOOT in return, then bait The Culling in! HAYMAKER for Izzi and SUPERKICK for Tatum! The fans fire up as Kendal then dodges Jordynne!

Kendal fires off hands on Jordynne, then a kick, and a CHOP, and- SMACK from Jordynne! Jordynne shoves and scoops to GUT BUSTER Kendal! Jordynne SPINEBUSTERS Tatum, but Izzi runs up! Jordynne fireman’s carries to ROLLING DEATH VALLEY! Jordynne runs, blocks Tatum’s boot, and pops her up and over! Tatum lands safe, ducks, and Izzi ROCKS Jordynne! Tatum ROUNDHOUSES Jordynne, Izzi choke grips, CHOKE SLAM! Then a BOOT for Kendal! Izzi shoves Kendal to a corner, hauls her up and over, but Kendal clings to ropes! Kendal fires free, leaps in, but Izzi catches her! ANd SWINGS her for a- DDT!!

The fans fire up as Kendal rises, and she BOOTS Jordynne, SMACKS her, and GERMAN SUPLEXES! Tatum is back, Kendal dodges, OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Kendal TOSSES Tatum but Tatum clings to the ropes! Izzi runs up, Kendal SMACKS her! Kendal kicks at Tatum, but Jordynne lifts Kendal! Kendal fights free, dodges a haymaker, then Tatum ROCKS Jordynne! Izzi FLYING CODE BREAKERS Kendal! Izzi TOSSES Kendal and ELIMINATES her! Tatum has a SLEEPER on Jordynne, drags her up, and Izzi sees her target. Izzi smiles as she runs up, and LARIATS Jordynne up and out, only to go down with her! TATUM WINS!!

Winner: Tatum Paxley (NEW #1 Contender to the NXT Women’s Championship)

Even Tatum’s surprised, but what luck! Jacy is on stage and tells Tatum it’s not gonna matter. But then Lyra runs out here to celebrate with Tatum! As for Izzi, she’s beside herself. Is Izzi going to find it in herself to be happy for someone else? Will “spooky girl” Tatum make the spookiest night of the year the greatest night of her career?

My Thoughts:

A great NXT here to start things towards Halloween Havoc, and the card is already stacked. Very good promos from Ricky and Trick, and Trick attacking Ricky felt rather inevitable. While Ava only announced the contract signing for the title match, I hope the contract signing segment brings up the Wrestling Roulette. While Ricky and Trick have only orbited each other, this already got personal, so why not go with a No Disqualification style stipulation? Meanwhile, good promo from Je’Von, Leon, and the Hardy Boyz, as well as DarkState’s “attack,” all to give us the tag title match for Halloween Havoc. Though if not for Leon Slater VS Stacks next week, I would’ve thought we’d get an 8 Man Tag of Je’Von, Leon & Hardys VS DarkState first. Maybe we still will before the PLE.

Speaking of Leon VS Stacks, I guess the NXT Heritage Cup is just gone now? Lost at sea after Tony D tossed it into the river? For that matter, where is Tony D? Why have we not even gotten a follow-up of what happened to him? Apparently Tony needed time off for a personal matter, nothing to do with injuries, but NXT could’ve still kayfabed something. Or have I just missed missing person posters as Easter eggs? Well, Halloween Havoc would be a great place for someone to return from the seemingly dead, maybe The Don rises from the proverbial grave to go after his attacker, giving us a strong feud going into the tail end of 2025.

Very good match from Wagner VS Lexis, very good win for Wagner, and good promo between him and Ethan to set up their Day of the Dead match. That’ll of course be a themed Street Fight style match, but at least they’re being subtle about it. I feel like Ethan finds a way to win to then prompt a Latin American Championship match, but I’m still hoping for a Winner Takes All situation. Cardona VS Briggs was a really good match, especially as Cardona’s in-ring return to the WWE, but Briggs finding a way to win was good stuff for Briggs. Despite the literal “Briggs, Go Away~” chant, that’s just the right Heel heat for Briggs.

Great stuff with that Tag Team Triple Threat, but a pleasant surprise to see OTM back again again. Hopefully Nima & Price can stay healthy and get the tag titles this time, that’s been a long time coming for these guys. Great announcement with the Men’s Speed Tournament coming. If someone is going to actually defeat El Grande Americano Kaiser for the Speed Championship, I’m thinking it’s Axiom. Sean Legacy is Evolve, he still needs to get that Evolve title. Zachary Wentz is TNA, he also would/should be more focused on TNA titles. Jasper Troy is a pretty good choice for NXT, though, since that’s where these Speed titles will be featured…

And naturally, the best women’s division in wrestling today had the best stuff of NXT tonight. Good promo from Culling with Lyra, Hank ‘n’ Tank and Chase U, especially with Izzi again getting between Tatum and Lyra. Great stuff with ZaRuca’s dysfunction, and with it costing Zaria against Blake. Though, Blake cheating with the neck attack was also good stuff. As it stands, Blake, Sol, and maybe even Zaria are all gonna fight over that North American Championship, making it that much easier for a new champion to be crowned. Very good stuff in the Women’s Battle Royal, especially that moment of Lash and Mara hugging it out. And what a clever way for Tatum to win, you don’t usually see that kind of finish.

The only problem is that Izzi will absolutely cost Tatum out of jealousy, so that Fatal Influence won’t even have to cheat for Jacy like they usually do. Good promo from them to address Jazmyn being gone and Lainey joining in, though. But Tatum and Izzi are definitely going to feud after this because Izzi can’t let anyone else be the lead in The Culling.

My Score: 8.9/10