Happy Halloween, wrestling fans! Stinger here, reporting from high above the squared circle in the magnificent Halls of Titanquisitor, where the pumpkins are glowing, the candy bowls are overflowing, and the World Wrestling Federation has somehow managed to schedule Halloween Havoc on ACTUAL HALLOWEEN!
Ladies and gentlemen, tonight, October 31, NXT brings Halloween Havoc to the WWF Performance Center in Orlando, Florida, beginning at 6 PM Central on The CW and ESPN Unlimited.
We’ve got six advertised matches, two championships on the line, a couple of former friends preparing to beat each other senseless with household objects, and Danhausen presiding over the festivities as our very nice, very evil host.
Somewhere backstage, Shawn Michaels is probably wondering why he agreed to let a face-painted lunatic oversee a wrestling event involving mysterious spinning wheels and participants who already have serious anger-management issues.
But that’s Halloween Havoc, ladies and gentlemen!
And before we proceed, I should remind our loyal readers that yesterday we published our special AVFR: NXT Halloween Havoc Preview & Predictions, featuring yours truly and the incomparable Maddie, our resident Glyphkeeper.
We’ve already made our picks. We’ve already established that I’m the superior wrestling analyst. And we’ve already uncovered a potentially catastrophic failure by NXT management to advertise Chantel Monroe for tonight’s event.
Maddie disputes at least one of those statements.
I’ll leave it to you to determine which one.
For now, let’s get down to business and examine what awaits us at Halloween Havoc!
NXT Championship: Grayson Waller (c) vs. Tony D’Angelo
The NXT Championship headlines tonight’s festivities as Grayson Waller defends his title against the man he defeated to capture it, Tony D’Angelo.
Waller’s championship reign began at Heatwave, where he capitalized on outside interference from Cruz Montana to pin D’Angelo and walk away with the gold. Since then, the champion has seemingly devoted every waking moment to making Tony’s life as miserable as humanly possible.
Mind games, personal insults, family involvement, and enough running around Central Florida to qualify as a sightseeing tour have defined this rivalry.
Waller has proven himself exceptionally skilled at getting underneath an opponent’s skin, and D’Angelo has reached the point where he’s considerably more interested in beating the hell out of the champion than engaging in another conversation.
The situation finally erupted during Tuesday’s NXT when the two competitors became involved in a parking-lot brawl at the Performance Center.
And ladies and gentlemen, when a wrestling rivalry reaches the point where the competitors can’t even wait to get inside the building before attempting to murder one another, you know things have gotten personal.
Tonight, D’Angelo finally has the opportunity to settle matters inside the squared circle.
From a wrestling standpoint, Waller’s greatest advantage is his ability to frustrate opponents into making mistakes. He’s crafty, opportunistic, and perfectly willing to exploit any opening, regardless of whether his methods meet the approval of the more respectable members of society.
D’Angelo, meanwhile, possesses the physical tools necessary to overwhelm the champion, provided he can maintain his composure and avoid allowing Waller to dictate the pace.
That’s the central question heading into this championship encounter.
Can Tony D’Angelo control his emotions long enough to reclaim the title, or will Grayson Waller once again find a way to escape with championship gold?
Personally, I’m hoping Tony remembers that the objective is to win the match rather than get himself disqualified for attempting to rearrange Waller’s facial features.
Although I certainly understand the temptation.
NXT Women’s Championship: Kelani Jordan (c) vs. Wren Sinclair
The NXT Women’s Championship will also be defended tonight when Kelani Jordan faces Wren Sinclair, whose journey to this championship opportunity has been one of the most delightfully ridiculous developments in recent NXT history.
Sinclair was suspended after striking an official during an attempt to attack Jordan. Under ordinary circumstances, that would have placed a rather substantial obstacle between Wren and her championship ambitions.
But ladies and gentlemen, this is professional wrestling.
When faced with an inconvenient suspension, Wren apparently decided the logical solution was to disguise herself as AAA wrestler Lady Shani, enter a 20-woman battle royal, and win the damn thing!
Outstanding investigative work was apparently performed by absolutely nobody before the match.
Naturally, Jordan wasn’t particularly enthusiastic about rewarding Sinclair’s deception, but NXT General Manager Robert Stone reinstated Wren and confirmed her status as the number-one contender.
Which brings us to tonight.
Jordan has established herself as an impressive champion, combining remarkable athleticism with a growing confidence that makes her one of the division’s most formidable competitors.
Sinclair, however, possesses tremendous determination and a technical wrestling foundation that could create problems for the champion if she succeeds in grounding Jordan’s explosive offense.
This is also the only match where Maddie and I disagreed during yesterday’s AVFR predictions.
Maddie believes Jordan retains.
I believe Wren Sinclair is leaving Halloween Havoc with the championship.
And ladies and gentlemen, if Wren wins, I fully expect the entire Titanquisitor Wrestling Department to celebrate the occasion with a special edition of Wrensday.
Of course, should Kelani retain, I’m certain Maddie will handle her victory with dignity and grace.
Unlike yours truly, who intends to spend the next several weeks explaining why I was actually correct regardless of the outcome.
That’s called journalistic flexibility!
Weapons Wild Match: Myles Borne vs. Tavion Heights
Former friends and tag team partners Myles Borne and Tavion Heights are preparing to settle their increasingly bitter differences tonight in a Weapons Wild Match.
And frankly, ladies and gentlemen, I’m beginning to wonder whether anybody in NXT has ever heard of professional mediation.
These two men were once partners, even holding the NXT Tag Team Championship together, but their relationship has completely collapsed following a series of violent confrontations.
Borne’s attacks on Heights eventually forced the latter to respond in kind, leaving the two competitors with very little interest in resolving their problems through conventional wrestling.
Enter Danhausen.
During Tuesday’s NXT, our very nice, very evil Halloween host instructed four druids to spin the infamous Halloween Havoc wheel, which landed on Weapons Wild.
Now, I don’t know about you, but whenever four mysterious druids are responsible for determining the rules of a professional wrestling match, I tend to question whether the company’s legal department is actually paying attention.
Nevertheless, here we are.
Both Borne and Heights possess impressive amateur wrestling credentials and the physical ability to deliver a compelling contest. Their familiarity with one another should make this especially interesting, as neither competitor will have the luxury of surprising his opponent with unfamiliar techniques.
But the Weapons Wild stipulation changes the equation.
Traditional wrestling strategy becomes considerably less important when your opponent can introduce a steel chair into the proceedings.
Borne has demonstrated a willingness to embrace increasingly ruthless tactics, while Heights has every reason to seek revenge for the attacks he’s endured.
The result could be one of the most physical encounters of the evening.
And after seeing the Hardys involved in a Slaughterhouse Match earlier this week, I’m beginning to think professional wrestling has developed an unhealthy obsession with giving angry people dangerous objects.
I LIKE IT!
But somebody should probably make sure the first-aid kits are fully stocked.
Spin the Wheel, Make the Deal: Zilla Fatu vs. Charlie Dempsey
Zilla Fatu returns to action tonight seeking revenge against Charlie Dempsey and the increasingly unpleasant members of BirthRight.
The faction attempted to recruit Fatu into its ranks, but when he refused their invitation, they responded with a series of brutal attacks that included repeatedly targeting and crushing his hand.
An interesting approach to personnel recruitment, ladies and gentlemen.
“Would you like to join our organization?”
“No, thank you.”
“VERY WELL! BREAK HIS FINGERS!”
Somebody should seriously consider revising BirthRight’s employee handbook.
Fatu now has an opportunity to confront Dempsey inside the ring, although there’s one rather significant complication.
We still don’t know precisely what kind of match these gentlemen will be competing in!
The stipulation will be determined by the legendary Spin the Wheel, Make the Deal concept, one of the great traditions associated with Halloween Havoc.
And for those unfamiliar with the history, the wheel has been responsible for introducing some wonderfully bizarre match stipulations over the years.
Sometimes you get a straightforward wrestling contest with an added twist. Other times, you discover that somebody backstage has apparently been drinking heavily while inventing new ways for human beings to injure one another.
With Danhausen overseeing the proceedings, I wouldn’t completely rule out anything.
From a competitive standpoint, Dempsey’s greatest advantage is his technical wrestling expertise. He’s exceptionally skilled at manipulating limbs, applying submissions, and exploiting weaknesses, which could become especially important given Fatu’s injured hand.
Fatu brings tremendous physical power and explosiveness, but his ability to use that power effectively may depend on the stipulation selected.
A conventional contest could favor Dempsey’s methodical approach, while a chaotic brawl might provide Fatu with the opportunity to unleash his frustration.
Either way, BirthRight’s involvement remains a potential concern.
And if Danhausen’s wheel somehow lands on a Haunted Pumpkin on a Pole Match, I reserve the right to throw myself directly off the rafters.
MADDIE! CHECK WHETHER THE INSURANCE POLICY COVERS THAT!
Zaria vs. Izzi Dame — Non-Title Match
NXT Women’s North American Champion Zaria will face Izzi Dame tonight in an intriguing non-title encounter that has developed from one of the strangest psychological confrontations in the women’s division.
You see, ladies and gentlemen, Zaria actually offered Dame an opportunity to challenge for her championship.
And Dame refused.
SHE REFUSED!
I’ve been watching professional wrestling for decades, and I’ve seen grown men betray their families, abandon lifelong friendships, and risk serious bodily injury for an opportunity to capture championship gold.
Meanwhile, Izzi Dame gets offered a title match and essentially responds, “Nah, I’m good.”
What the hell?!
Of course, there may be considerably more strategy behind Dame’s decision than initially meets the eye.
By refusing the championship opportunity, she’s succeeded in frustrating Zaria and making the champion increasingly emotional. Rather than pursuing the title directly, Dame appears interested in controlling the psychological dynamics of their rivalry.
And that can be a dangerous strategy when executed properly.
Zaria possesses extraordinary strength and physical intensity, but a wrestler who allows frustration to dictate her actions can become vulnerable to an opponent who remains composed.
Dame will undoubtedly attempt to exploit that possibility tonight.
The champion, however, doesn’t have to worry about losing her championship in this particular encounter, potentially allowing her to compete more aggressively without the additional pressure of defending the title.
Whether that becomes an advantage or another opportunity for Dame to manipulate her emotions remains to be seen.
Personally, I’m still trying to comprehend the logic behind declining a championship match.
Perhaps Izzi has a long-term strategy.
Perhaps she’s playing some elaborate psychological game.
Or perhaps somebody should sit her down and explain how professional wrestling is supposed to work.
Either way, this could be an important chapter in a rivalry that appears far from finished.
Shiloh Hill vs. Naraku
Our final advertised match features Shiloh Hill battling the mysterious Naraku, whose preferred method of handling disagreements apparently involves spraying opponents directly in the face with unidentified substances.
And ladies and gentlemen, I have questions.
Several questions, actually.
Chief among them: WHY THE HELL IS THIS ALLOWED?!
Naraku previously cost Hill an opportunity at the NXT North American Championship by attacking him with a mysterious mist, leaving Hill to deal with the consequences.
Rather than simply waiting for medical professionals to resolve the situation, Hill apparently decided to utilize his knowledge of chemistry to develop a countermeasure.
That’s right, ladies and gentlemen.
We’re now witnessing professional wrestlers conducting scientific experiments to prepare for upcoming matches!
Somewhere in a laboratory, a legitimate research scientist is probably wondering why the wrestling industry has suddenly entered his field of expertise.
Nevertheless, Hill has recovered and is preparing to confront Naraku tonight.
The matchup presents an interesting clash between Hill’s determination and unconventional preparation and Naraku’s mysterious, unpredictable offense.
Hill will need to remain alert to the possibility of another mist attack while finding opportunities to establish control of the contest.
Naraku, meanwhile, has already demonstrated an ability to exploit distractions and create openings through methods that most respectable wrestling organizations would probably classify as deeply suspicious.
This could become one of the more unusual encounters on the card.
And I sincerely hope somebody has advised the referee to wear protective eyewear.
Better yet, give the entire ringside crew goggles.
Safety first, ladies and gentlemen!
At least until somebody gets hit with a steel chair.
Danhausen Hosts Halloween Havoc!
Of course, no discussion of tonight’s event would be complete without mentioning the man responsible for overseeing the festivities.
DANHAUSEN!
Very nice.
Very evil.
And apparently entrusted with a remarkable amount of authority over the evening’s proceedings.
Danhausen’s involvement adds another layer of unpredictability to an event already featuring mysterious wheels, supernatural personalities, and enough personal animosity to keep a team of therapists employed for the foreseeable future.
The Halloween Havoc concept has always thrived on embracing the ridiculous side of professional wrestling without abandoning the athletic competition that makes the industry worthwhile.
And that’s precisely where Danhausen can contribute.
His peculiar personality, bizarre presentation, and ability to turn ordinary situations into comedic spectacles make him an ideal host for a Halloween-themed wrestling event.
Just so long as his involvement enhances the show rather than distracting from the competitors inside the ring.
Although I must admit, the thought of watching Danhausen attempt to explain an absurd match stipulation to an increasingly furious Zilla Fatu sounds tremendously entertaining.
I only hope the druids have been properly compensated for their services.
And that somebody has remembered to feed them.
Stinger’s View: Halloween Havoc Comes Home!
Ladies and gentlemen, tonight’s Halloween Havoc has the ingredients necessary to deliver an excellent evening of professional wrestling.
Grayson Waller and Tony D’Angelo have developed a deeply personal championship rivalry that deserves a satisfying payoff. Kelani Jordan and Wren Sinclair provide another compelling title encounter, while Borne and Heights should deliver the kind of physical violence that makes a Weapons Wild stipulation worthwhile.
Zilla Fatu’s confrontation with Charlie Dempsey offers the unpredictability of Spin the Wheel, Make the Deal, while Zaria and Izzi Dame continue an intriguing psychological rivalry.
And somewhere in the middle of all this madness, Shiloh Hill and Naraku will apparently attempt to determine whether professional wrestling or applied chemistry is the more dangerous profession.
I love Halloween Havoc, ladies and gentlemen.
The tradition, the atmosphere, the unusual match stipulations, and the opportunity for professional wrestling to embrace its wonderfully ridiculous personality have always made this event special.
And having the show take place on Halloween itself makes the occasion even better.
But before I conclude tonight’s preview, we must address an extremely troubling matter.
As of this writing, CHANTEL MONROE IS STILL NOT ADVERTISED FOR HALLOWEEN HAVOC!
Ladies and gentlemen, I brought this issue to your attention yesterday, and despite my extraordinary investigative efforts, I have received absolutely no confirmation that WWF management intends to correct this injustice.
Shawn Michaels, I know you’re a busy man.
You’ve got a wrestling promotion to manage, championships to oversee, and apparently a very evil Halloween host who requires constant supervision.
But surely you can find a few minutes to recognize the extraordinary talents of one Chantel Monroe!
And before Theia starts reminding me that Blake and Chantel aren’t actually sisters, WE’VE ALREADY ESTABLISHED THAT!
The Monroe twins are a Titanquisitor institution!
Much like my impeccable journalistic integrity, their importance to professional wrestling should never be questioned.
MADDIE! STOP LAUGHING!
Anyway, if you’re looking for our official predictions, including the one championship match where Maddie has foolishly decided to disagree with my superior judgment, be sure to read yesterday’s Halloween Havoc AVFR special.
We’ll return after the event with our complete results, match-by-match analysis, and a thorough examination of which predictions were correct.
And should Maddie somehow manage to outperform me, I fully intend to request an independent investigation into potential irregularities.
Until then, enjoy your Halloween festivities, grab yourself something delicious, and settle in for what promises to be a wonderfully entertaining evening of professional wrestling!
And remember, my friends, whether you’re cheering the heroes, booing the villains, or wondering why the hell somebody just sprayed green mist into another man’s eyes…
Wrestling Matters.
— Stinger, reporting from the rafters of Titanquisitor Hall, where the pumpkins are plentiful, the predictions are fearless, and management continues to ignore my increasingly urgent correspondence concerning Chantel Monroe.
WWF NXT Halloween Havoc 2026 — Tonight’s Card
Saturday, October 31, 2026
Start Time: 6 PM Central
Location: WWF Performance Center — Orlando, Florida
Watch: The CW and ESPN Unlimited
Advertised Matches:
- NXT Championship: Grayson Waller (c) vs. Tony D’Angelo
- NXT Women’s Championship: Kelani Jordan (c) vs. Wren Sinclair
- Weapons Wild Match: Myles Borne vs. Tavion Heights
- Spin the Wheel, Make the Deal: Zilla Fatu vs. Charlie Dempsey
- Non-Title Match: NXT Women’s North American Champion Zaria vs. Izzi Dame
- Singles Match: Shiloh Hill vs. Naraku
Special Host: Danhausen
Card subject to change. And if it does, don’t blame me. I didn’t book the damn show. Although I’m beginning to think I should, considering the continued absence of Chantel Monroe from the advertised lineup.
