NXT HALLOWEEN HAVOC REVIEW

When it comes to putting on quality, top notch PLEs, the unofficial third brand in WWE is second to none. Ever since the days of the black and gold NXT Takeovers, every single match would attempt to outshine its predecessor. Every single competitor seemingly had the proverbial chip on the shoulder and something to prove on NXT's grandest stages. This year's installment of Halloween Havoc was no different. 

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Our opening match saw Tony D'Angelo defend his NXT North American Championship against former Champ, Oba Femi, in a Tables, Ladders, and Scares Match. This was a great match with lots of big spots often and early. This included ladder spots, table spots, and even the classic breaking the barrier spot. Femi would get an early advantage but thanks to some bigtime help from the family, D'Angelo was able to retain.

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The second match of the evening, which in my mind was THE match of the evening, was the women's tag team match between the teams of NXT Women's Champion Roxanne Perez and Cora Jade against NXT newcomers Giulia and Stephaie Vaquer. Really crisp, solid work by all four women here. All four showing out with technical wrestling ability, high spots, high risk maneuvers and more. Giulia and Stephanie shined as a team immediately. After a hard fought match the team of Vaquer and Giulia gets the win, but their celebration is cut short by the appearance of Zaria up the in the rafters. It has become clear that NXT may now officially have the BEST Women's Division in ALL of professional wrestling. 

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Zaria would return later in the evening, after Kelani Jordan would lose her NXT Women's North American Championship after facing all three members of Fatal Influence in a gauntlet match, ultimately losing to Fallon Henley. Another really great match here, and so good to see Henley win some gold in NXT. However, as previously stated, the new NXT Women's Champion's celebration would be cut short by Zario appearing seemingly out of thing air into the ring and attacking all three members of Fatal Influence. 

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The feud between Ridge Holland and Andre Chase seemingly came to an end after a grueling ambulance match in which the fans in Hershey, PA REALLY wanted to see the two man use pumpkins as weapons. And so they did. Ridge would get the win in this one after a devastating DDT on the stage. 

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The Main Event saw Trick Williams defend his NXT Championship against "All Ego" Ethan Page in a Devil's Playground Match, which essentially meant anything goes. Extra points for the Trick Willy Wonka gear in Hershey. Absolutely BRILLIANT. After a hot start by Page, both competitors went all out and then some. Lots of ring stair usage including a scary slam by Page onto Trick from the ring steps. Regardless, Trick was able to get the win along with some extra pumpkin usage, to retain his NXT Title. 

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Post-match Ridge Holland and Page beat down Williams, but WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray who was hosting the pre-show and live show alongside Busted Open's Dave LaGreca, made his way to the ring to make the save on Trick. I very much look forward to the announcement of Ridge Holland vs Bully Ray (now saying that we can call him Bubba again) at The NXT Show in 2300 Arena in Philadelphia. 

 

Stellar show living up to the historic PLE's of NXT's past, no question. I look forward to see the what's next for Zaria, and will be certain to tune into Busted Open tomorrow morning.  

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