WWE NXT Review - October 22, 2024

By Graham "GSM" Matthews

Damage CTRL (IYO SKY and Kairi Sane) vs. The Meta-Four (Lash Legend and Jakara Jackson) Ended in a No Contest

I stand corrected from a few weeks ago: The Meta-Four are (unfortunately) still a thing, it was included as part of their ring announcements. They've been getting a ton of television time lately and to their credit, they're making the most of it. This was a good match up until the non-finish, which was logical so both teams were protected. Chelsea Green and Piper Niven getting involved seems to suggest we're going to get a multi-team matchup for the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship one of these days.

Jaida Parker def. Tatum Paxley

Parker disrespected Paxley backstage last week, so that was how this match came about. These two are definitely capable of having a longer match, so I was disappointed this was on the shorter side. Then again, that's not exactly out of the ordinary for NXT TV these days. Post-match, Lola Vice attempted to go after Parker and Wendy Choo attacked Paxley. I thought that feud was over, but apparently not.

Oba Femi def. Luca Crusifino

Femi will face Tony D'Angelo for a third time at Halloween Havoc, this time in a Tables, Ladders and Scares match. Thus, it was logical for him to pick up a decisive win over a member of The D'Angelo Family before then. Crusifino has improved since joining the group, but this was all about Femi, not ensuring Crusifino looked credible in defeat. For what it's worth, Femi came off like a heel while attacking Crusifino and Channing Lorenzo afterward while D'Angelo had to watch while zip-tied to the turnbuckle.

NXT Champion Trick Williams and Ethan Page Went Face-to-Face

We've seen so much of these guys together in matches and promos that I'm ready for both of them to move on to something new, but this was a strong segment with top-notch mic work, specifically Page. There's not a doubt in my mind that Williams is retaining at Halloween Havoc, but this did its job of hyping up their Devil's Playground match. By the way, they didn't explain what the rules of said match would entail exactly, but I assume it will contested under No Disqualification rules (didn't they do one last year?).

Sol Ruca def. Karmen Petrovic

Much like Parker vs. Paxley from earlier, I'm sure this would've been better with more time. Where's the harm in making this an actual match as opposed to a vehicle to progress a storyline? What we got was decent but rather forgettable. Petrovic being distracted by Ashante "Thee" Adonis talking to a girl in the crowd was what cost her the win. I can't say I care about that angle.

Tank Ledger and Hank Walker def. O.T.M. (Bronco Nima and Lucien Price)

The sole reason this match existed was so NASCAR drive Cole Custer could make an appearance. That's totally fine, and the match itself was also fine, but I don't think it was necessary on the Halloween Havoc go-home show. Parker and Vice again furthered their feud with Vice going after Parker right before the finish and dancing with Ledger, Walker and Custer afterward.

Stephanie Vaquer and Giulia def. Fatal Influence (Jacy Jane and Fallon Henley)

I loved the video package that aired earlier in the episode introducing viewers to these two and explaining why they would want to team together. They made for a terrific tandem here and it was an entertaining main event, but I do question having Fatal Influence be the ones to get beat by Vaquer and Giulia considering one of them will be challenging Kelani Jordan for the NXT Women's North American Championship at Halloween Havoc. Zaria (f.k.a. Delta) making a surprise appearance at the end was cool.

Overall Show

Based on what's advertised, I'm less excited for Halloween Havoc than I have been most NXT premium live events this year. I'm still looking forward to it, but the rematches aren't all that appealing and the rest of the card doesn't stand out in my opinion despite the stipulations. Nonetheless, this was a solid show that accomplished what it needed to with some effective final hype throughout.

SEE MORE: NXT Reviews