NXT Halloween Havoc 2026 offered plenty of tricks and treats for the WWE Universe, with Danhausen hosting an evening filled with championship matches, personal rivalries, and Halloween-themed chaos. Held on October 31 at the WWE Performance Center, this year’s event featured six matches, several memorable moments, and a major surprise that could have significant implications for NXT’s future.
While not every match reached the same level, there were certainly a handful of moments that made Halloween Havoc worth watching. From an unexpected appearance that immediately changed the landscape of the NXT Championship picture to two competitors settling their differences in particularly brutal fashion, here are the three biggest moments from NXT Halloween Havoc 2026.
Honorable Mention: Kelani Jordan Retains the NXT Women’s Championship
Kelani Jordan successfully defended her NXT Women’s Championship against Wren Sinclair, but the champion’s victory came with a little controversy. After surviving Sinclair’s Final Wrench submission and a 450 Splash, Jordan used the bottom rope for extra leverage during the winning pinfall without the referee noticing.
It was another impressive opportunity for Sinclair to showcase her abilities, while Jordan’s questionable tactics could become an interesting part of her championship reign moving forward.
Overall, Halloween Havoc delivered several memorable moments, but the return of CM Punk, Izzi Dame’s victory over Zaria, and the brutal Weapons Wild Match between Myles Borne and Tavion Heights stood above the rest
3. Myles Borne and Tavion Heights Take Their Rivalry to Another Level
Myles Borne and Tavion Heights kicked off Halloween Havoc with a Weapons Wild Match, and the two former friends wasted little time making things personal.
Dressed as Jason Voorhees and Freddy Krueger, respectively, Borne and Heights brought the Halloween spirit into the ring while continuing their increasingly heated rivalry. The two utilized everything from kendo sticks and chairs to a toolbox and other miscellaneous weapons throughout the contest.
However, the most memorable sequence came when Heights attempted to pulllmanize Borne’s ankle before transitioning into an Ankle Lock. Borne appeared to be in serious trouble, but managed to escape the situation and turn the tables on his former friend.
Borne eventually grabbed a camera from one of the ringside camera operators and used it to strike Heights, sending him crashing through a table on the outside. He followed that up with a Borne Again onto a collection of debris and a trash can to secure the victory.
The match was a fitting way to open Halloween Havoc, giving both competitors an opportunity to showcase their aggression while continuing a rivalry that has become increasingly personal. Borne picking up another victory over Heights also keeps his momentum moving in the right direction.
2. Izzi Dame Gets Inside Zaria’s Head and Picks Up a Huge Victory
Izzi Dame and Zaria’s rivalry has been one of NXT’s more entertaining women’s division storylines, and Halloween Havoc provided another chapter in their ongoing feud.
Dame had spent weeks getting under Zaria’s skin, using the Women’s North American Champion’s childhood experiences and her involvement in a school production of Wicked as ammunition. With Zaria portraying Elphaba and Dame embracing her Glinda comparisons, the two brought their personal issues into the ring.
Despite the match not having Zaria’s championship on the line, Dame had plenty to gain from defeating the champion. She also made sure to take advantage of every opportunity to frustrate her opponent.
Throughout the match, images of Zaria and Sol Ruca appeared on the arena screen, while people dressed as characters from the production distracted the champion. Zaria managed to fight through the mind games and appeared to have the match won on multiple occasions.
However, the finish proved to be particularly controversial. After Zaria grabbed her championship belt, Dame capitalized on the referee’s distraction, striking the champion with the title before scoring the three-count.
Dame walked away with a significant victory, proving that her mind games were more than just talk. She also made it clear afterward that she has her sights set on Zaria’s Women’s North American Championship.
The victory gives Dame considerable momentum and leaves Zaria with plenty to think about heading into their next encounter.
1. CM Punk Returns to NXT and Challenges Grayson Waller
The biggest moment of Halloween Havoc came after the main event, when CM Punk made a surprise appearance to set up a major championship match.
Grayson Waller successfully defended the NXT Championship against Tony D’Angelo in a hard-hitting main event. The two competitors brought plenty of history into the contest, with Waller doing everything possible to keep D’Angelo from reclaiming the championship he previously lost.
D’Angelo came close to winning on multiple occasions, including hitting a spear that appeared to put the champion away. However, after the referee was accidentally taken out of the equation, Waller capitalized by retrieving a carjack and using it to strike D’Angelo. He followed up with a Rolling Cutter to secure the three-count and retain his championship.
Waller’s celebration didn’t last long, though.
Following the match, Halloween Havoc host Danhausen appeared with a message for the champion from a close personal friend. That friend turned out to be CM Punk, who appeared on the big screen and announced that he would be challenging Waller for the NXT Championship on Wednesday.
The announcement immediately changed the conversation surrounding NXT. Not only would Waller be defending his championship against one of WWE’s biggest stars, but the match would also take place on a night when NXT goes head-to-head with AEW’s Blood & Guts.
It was a massive announcement and an excellent way to close the show. Punk’s return to NXT gives Waller an opportunity to establish himself against a major name, while also creating a must-see championship encounter for the upcoming episode.
There was no bigger moment at Halloween Havoc, and it will undoubtedly be the one fans remember most from this year’s event.
What do you think? Any comments, questions, or concerns? Reach out to me on Twitter, X, at @Scott44Mitchell.
Until next time,
Scott Mitchell
