WWE NXT Halloween Havoc Review - October 27, 2024

By Graham "GSM" Matthews

NXT North American Champion Tony D'Angelo def. Oba Femi in a Tables, Ladders and Scares Match

I didn't really think about it until someone brought it up to me recently, but WWE hasn't done a TLC match on the main roster since the TLC pay-per-view was still around four years ago. However, there's been a few of these Tables, Ladders and Scares (TLS for short) matches in NXT since then and this was a good one with both men making the most of the stipulation. Why not have the belt hang from the ceiling like it does in a TLC matchup? That would've prevented Femi from eating the clean pinfall loss, but at least it was a nice endorsement of D'Angelo.

Stephanie Vaquer and Giulia def. NXT Women's Champion Roxanne Perez and Cora Jade

It's unfortunate that the NXT Women's Championship wasn't defended in a Fatal 4-Way on this show, but I understand why they would want to save that for a little later on. Plus, Vaquer pinning Perez for the victory ensures her an eventual opportunity at the title. This was an excellent showcase for the newcomers, but Perez and Jade received plenty of shine as well. The future of NXT women's division is bright.

Ridge Holland def. Andre Chase in an Ambulance Match

After Holland destroyed Duke Hudson and Riley Osborne, I assumed Chase would give him his comeuppance here, but I'm glad I was wrong. Holland has done the best work of his entire WWE career as a heel as of late and needed this win to keep this momentum going. Ambulance matches aren't ordinarily the most exciting, but this was solid stuff and I liked that Chase worked with such intensity given the nature of their feud.

NXT Women's North American Champion Kelani Jordan def. Jazmyn Nyx; Jordan def. Jacy Jane; Fallon Henley def. Jordan to Win the NXT Women's North American Championship (Gauntlet Match)

Fatal Influence landed on Spinner's Choice on Spin the Wheel, Make the Deal during the pre-show, so they went with a Gauntlet match. Jordan's first two matches with Nyx and Jane were decent at best and the third match with Henley was slightly better because there was a chance Henley could win and I'm happy she did, especially since she's largely been an afterthought in Fatal Influence. Zaria attacking all three members of Fatal Influence afterward might indicate that the title will soon be in her possession. 

NXT Champion Trick Williams def. Ethan Page in a Devil's Playground Match

This was the third singles match these two have had since June, but for as much as they've delivered in their promos throughout their feud, I just don't think they have the strongest in-ring chemistry together. This was another enjoyable installment in their rivalry and the No Disqualification-esque stipulation helped, but it was one of the weaker NXT premium live events we've gotten this year. At least it told the story of Williams proving he could persevere in the extreme environment and emerge victorious. Post-match, Bubba Ray Dudley (who was disrespected by Holland earlier in the episode) made the save when Page and Holland attempted to attack Williams.

Overall Show

I was pleasantly surprised that NXT settled on a five-match card. Usually the NXT PLEs have six matches, but this turned out to be an entertaining event on the whole with what we had. There was hype for the upcoming episode emanating from the ECW Arena, a new NXT Women's North American Champion was crowned, Zaria made an impact in her debut, and there was quality action across the card. Halloween Havoc was an easy thumbs-up show.

SEE MORE: NXT Reviews, NXT PLE Reviews