NXT Halloween Havoc 2026 Review
NXT Halloween Havoc has become one of the brand's most reliable themed events, and the 2026 edition delivered a mix of hard-hitting grudge matches, championship drama, and the usual dose of spooky silliness courtesy of host Danhausen. While the show occasionally felt closer to an extended television special than a major premium live event, the in-ring action was consistently entertaining and featured several standout performances.
Myles Borne vs. Tavion Heights
Weapons Wild Match
This long-running rivalry finally exploded into a weapons-filled brawl, and both men made the most of the stipulation. Kendo sticks, chairs, tables, toolboxes, nuts and bolts, and a fire extinguisher all came into play, but the match never relied solely on gimmicks. Instead, it highlighted just how physical and hungry both wrestlers are. Borne's increasingly ruthless character work continues to impress, while Heights brought plenty of intensity as the sympathetic former friend looking for revenge. The match delivered exactly what it promised: chaos, violence, and a decisive finish.
Score: 4/5
Izzi Dame vs. Zaria
This was arguably the biggest surprise of the night. Zaria looked dominant early, but the ongoing psychological games involving Sol Ruca distracted her long enough for Dame to steal a major victory. The storytelling was stronger than the wrestling itself, with Dame's victory feeling more important for future storylines than the match in isolation. It accomplished its purpose and provided an upset result without overstaying its welcome.
Score: 3/5
Zilla Fatu vs. Charlie Dempsey
Very Nice, Very Evil Match
The first-ever "Very Nice, Very Evil Match" was pure Halloween Havoc madness. Essentially a no-rules, falls-count-anywhere fight, it gave Zilla Fatu another opportunity to showcase his physical charisma and explosive offence. Dempsey remains one of NXT's most underrated technical wrestlers, and his ability to play the foil for Fatu's power offence created a fun contrast. The stipulation felt appropriately ridiculous without hurting the quality of the match.
Score: 3.75/5
Kelani Jordan (c) vs. Wren Sinclair
NXT Women's Championship
Wren Sinclair entered as a clear underdog but arguably left looking like a bigger star than when she arrived. Jordan, meanwhile, continued her excellent championship run with another confident title defence. The match wasn't packed with near-falls or shocking twists, but it featured strong wrestling throughout and succeeded in elevating Sinclair while protecting the champion. That's smart booking and quality execution.
Score: 3.5/5
Shiloh Hill vs. Naraku
Naraku has quickly become one of NXT's most unique personalities, and this match leaned heavily into that presentation. Shiloh Hill's victory felt like a genuine step forward for someone WWE clearly sees potential in. While the match wasn't quite on the same level as the evening's bigger encounters, it delivered a memorable character-driven contest and helped establish Hill as a rising player on the roster.
Score: 3.25/5
Grayson Waller (c) vs. Tony D'Angelo
NXT Championship
The main event was solid, though perhaps not spectacular. Waller continues to thrive as champion, effortlessly generating crowd reactions and carrying himself like the centrepiece of the brand. D'Angelo gave a spirited challenge, but the outcome rarely felt in doubt. The match delivered good drama and competent wrestling, yet it lacked the sense of occasion you'd hope for from a Halloween Havoc main event. Even so, Waller retaining was probably the right decision.
Score: 3.5/5
Halloween Havoc 2026 was an enjoyable show anchored by an excellent Weapons Wild opener and a consistently strong undercard. The event occasionally felt like an enhanced episode of NXT rather than a major premium live event, but the performers worked hard and the Halloween presentation gave the show its own identity. It may not be remembered as an all-time classic, yet it succeeded as a fun night of wrestling that advanced several storylines heading into the next chapter of NXT.
Match Rankings
Myles Borne vs. Tavion Heights - ★★★★☆
Zilla Fatu vs. Charlie Dempsey - ★★★¾
Kelani Jordan vs. Wren Sinclair - ★★★½
Grayson Waller vs. Tony D'Angelo - ★★★½
Shiloh Hill vs. Naraku - ★★★¼
Izzi Dame vs. Zaria - ★★★☆☆
XPN Rating: 3.5 out of 5 (SILVER) - A fun Halloween-themed NXT show with one standout match and plenty of solid wrestling, even if it never quite reached must-see territory.
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