WWE NXT Results: Winners, Live Grades, Reaction and Highlights From October 22
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"All Ego" Ethan Page earned another shot at Trick Williams and made a statement at the NXT champion's expense.Credit: WWE.com.
Halloween is just around the corner, which means WWE NXT was preparing for Halloween Havoc throughout its October 22 show.
After earning another NXT Championship opportunity and laying out Trick Williams, "All Ego" Ethan Page would face down the current champion ahead of their title bout.
Giulia and Stephanie Vaquer stepped up to Fatal Influence's Jacy Jayne and Fallon Henley in their first tag team match, hoping to build momentum before colliding with Roxanne Perez and Cora Jade.
Iyo Sky and Kairi Sane made a stop in NXT to get some revenge against Lash Legend and Jakara Jackson as both looked to challenge for the Women's Tag Team Championships.
Luca Crusiifino honored Tony D'Angelo by fighting Oba Femi on his behalf. Jaida Parker looked to make a statement at the expense of Tatum Paxley.
It was certain to be an eventful night, even including a special guest NASCAR Xfinity Series Champion Cole Custer.
Damage CTRL vs. Meta-Four
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- Damage CTRL is over with the NXT faithful. The match started with an "Iyo" chant. When Sane kicked in, she got a loud "Kairi" chant as well.
- Legend showed off her strength early and often, including dribbling both of her opponents at the same time.
- Sky sent Sane into the air for a diving elbow in a move that continues to look like the perfect tag-team finisher for Damage CTRL.
Lash Legend and Jakara Jackson looked as good as they ever have together, neutralizing the speed advantage of Iyo Sky and Kairi Sane. However, as Meta-Four looked poised to win big, Chelsea Green and Piper Niven attacked.
The sneak attack forced a no contest as Green and Niven took out both teams and stood tall.
WWE @WWEWHAT ARE THEY DOING HERE?!?<a href="https://twitter.com/PiperNivenWWE?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PiperNivenWWE</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/ImChelseaGreen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ImChelseaGreen</a> just took out EVERYONE! 😱<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WWENXT?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WWENXT</a> <a href="https://t.co/csejIF7jKY">pic.twitter.com/csejIF7jKY</a>
This was a strong showing for Meta-Four. Legend and Jackson remain a work in progress, but the regular tag team opportunities are paying out.
It is a shame the ending was so flat. In an attempt to build more of the women's tag team division, no one got over by the close of this match.
Meta-Four could have afforded a loss and still made a statement. Instead, Damage CTRL was made to look weak against an inexperienced competition, and Meta-Four didn't even get the upset out of it.
As a whole, this will likely help the division more than hurt, but the non-finish was still disappointing.
Result
Damage CTRL vs. Meta-Four goes to a no contest.
Grade
B-
Notable Moments
Jaida Parker vs. Tatum Paxley
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- OTM took offense to Cole Custer's parking spot and got into an argument with Hank Walker and Tank Ledger to set up a match later.
- Vice was shown watching this match closely in the locker room.
- Choo continued to wheel Paxley away backstage right past Je'Von Evans, who got into an argument with Nathan Frazer. Wes Lee taunted The Young OG.
Jaida Parker found a challenge in Tatum Paxley but still managed to connect on the Hipnotic for the victory.
After the bell, officials barely stopped Lola Vice from starting another fight. Meanwhile, Wendy Choo choked out Paxley and threw her into a crate, wheeling her away.
Solid action followed by a fascinating post-match almost made up for a four-minute run time on a contest that was only getting going before the finish.
It seems Parker's face run is already over based on recent weeks. She still has the crowd behind her though, and it would be better to ultimately pair Parker and Vice together.
Paxley continues to deal with start-stop pushes in NXT. It is hard to tell how much fans are supposed to take her seriously. At least she and Choo are delivering some memorable moments.
Result
Parker def. Paxley by pinfall.
Grade
C+
Notable Moments
Oba Femi vs. Luca Crusifino
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- Someone attacked Rizzo backstage. D'Angelo stayed with her while Crusifino headed to the ring.
- Nikkita Lyons told Tyson Dupont and Tyriek Igwe that they needed to act to find success. Femi then thanked Lyons, implying she attacked Rizzo.
- D'Angelo laid out a passionate warning to Femi that he would not back down at Halloween Havoc.
Luca Crusifino was completely outmatched by the power of Oba Femi, who knocked him out with a Fall From Grace.
Tony D'Angelo tried to stop Femi's continued attack after the bell, but The Ruler zip tied The Don to the steel post. He forced D'Angelo to watch as he sent Crusifino through a ladder with another Fall From Grace.
WWE @WWEMESSAGE. SENT. <a href="https://twitter.com/Obaofwwe?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Obaofwwe</a> just DESTROYED <a href="https://twitter.com/LucaCrusifino?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LucaCrusifino</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/Stacks_WWE?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Stacks_WWE</a> and forced <a href="https://twitter.com/TonyDangeloWWE?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TonyDangeloWWE</a> to watch it all! 🤯<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WWENXT?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WWENXT</a> <a href="https://t.co/Axlont7L28">pic.twitter.com/Axlont7L28</a>
There was hardly a match here as The Ruler destroyed The Consigliere. With a mysterious attack on Adriana Rizzo, D'Angelo is left with only Channing "Stacks" Lorenzo in his corner.
However, it was a great segment, making this match feel hotter than just about anything else on the upcoming premium live event.
It is going to be an uphill battle at Halloween Havoc, which should make for a very dramatic title match. Unless NXT pulls out a swerve betrayal on The Don, D'Angelo must win somehow some way.
Femi has been heavily protected, and NXT will need to rebound to a feud he can win after falling to The Don again.
Result
Femi def. Crusifino by pinfall.
Grade
B
Notable Moments
"All Ego" Ethan Page Warns Trick Williams That He Will Go Through Hell on Sunday
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- NXT showed multiple promos hyping NXT's arrival in the 2300 Arena on November 6.
- Andre Chase challenged Ridge Holland to an Ambulance match at Halloween Havoc.
- A final video package for the former Delta aired, ending with the promise of Zaria arriving at Halloween Havoc.
Trick Williams walked up to "All Ego" Ethan Page with confidence but faced the verbal wrath of a former champion. All Ego warned that Trick was not ready to taste his own blood in the Devil's Playground.
WWE @WWE"Have you ever tasted your own blood?"<a href="https://twitter.com/OfficialEGO?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OfficialEGO</a> doesn't think <a href="https://twitter.com/_trickwilliams?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@_trickwilliams</a> is prepared to enter the Devil's Playground at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HalloweenHavoc?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HalloweenHavoc</a>...<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WWENXT?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WWENXT</a> <a href="https://t.co/XubpbBJrit">pic.twitter.com/XubpbBJrit</a>
Page finally got personal in this promo, exploring his own insecurities as a 17-year-old veteran that finally made it to WWE. It was a good hook to sell this final match in this rivalry.
Throughout this angle, Page has carried the story, particularly on the microphone. This was no different, though his cadence was more stilted than usual, not quite comfortable hitting his key lines.
Whether he was scripted or not, he certainly seemed less comfortable with his words. Trick hit his own words well, but he did not sell the serious nature of this angle like All Ego, even with Page at less than his best.
For a rivalry that NXT has tried harder to build than any other in recent memory, Trick vs. Page comes off as less than the sum of its parts. Hopefully, the final match lands more than the previous bouts.
Grade
C-
Notable Moments
Sol Ruca vs. Karmen Petrovic
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- Adonis tried to get a read on how Petrovic felt about him, but Ruca told him to back off. Petrovic took offense.
Ashante "Thee" Adonis barely paid attention to this match as he chatted with a "friend" in the crowd. Karmen Petrovic kept looking toward Adonis, setting her up for a Sol Snatcher from Sol Ruca.
WWE @WWESOL. SNATCHER. <a href="https://twitter.com/karmen_wwe?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@karmen_wwe</a> took her eye off the ball and <a href="https://twitter.com/SolRucaWWE?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SolRucaWWE</a> made her pay! 😤 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WWENXT?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WWENXT</a> <a href="https://t.co/6H8S2xrAxT">pic.twitter.com/6H8S2xrAxT</a>
After a short excursion in TNA Wrestling, Ruca is back and winning again. However, this match was not truly about her despite picking up the victory.
Petrovic and Adonis continued a tumultuous romance where it is becoming clear quickly that Adonis is not worth her attention. At least that seems to be the angle for the moment.
This angle is working for the moment but has the potential to get annoying quickly if Adonis does not shape up or Petrovic see through him.
Result
Ruca def. Petrovic by pinfall.
Grade
C+
Notable Moments
OTM vs. Hank and Tank (w/ Cole Custer)
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- Jaida Parker looked poised to lay out Tank, but Vice wiped her out.
- After issues earlier in the night, Nathan Frazer talked Axiom and Ava into giving Je'Von Evans and Cedric Alexander a title shot.
- Lexis King convinced Charlie Dempsey to give him a Heritage Cup match next week. King struggled though to find anyone to be his corner man.
Hank Walker and Tank Ledger came in fast, flanked by Cole Custer. Custer used his NASCAR helmet to blast Bronco Nima, which set up the Collision Course by Hank and Tank.
Vice slipped into the ring afterward to dance with Hank, Tank, and Custer.
WWE @WWEWHAT AN ENDING!<a href="https://twitter.com/lolavicewwe?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@lolavicewwe</a> takes out <a href="https://twitter.com/Jaida_Parkerwwe?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Jaida_Parkerwwe</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/ColeCuster?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ColeCuster</a> helps out <a href="https://twitter.com/HankWalker_WWE?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HankWalker_WWE</a> & <a href="https://twitter.com/TankLedgerWWE?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TankLedgerWWE</a> and now EVERYONE is dancing! 😂<a href="https://twitter.com/NASCAR?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NASCAR</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/NASCAR_Xfinity?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NASCAR_Xfinity</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WWENXT?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WWENXT</a> <a href="https://t.co/3D6Gvo0sz4">pic.twitter.com/3D6Gvo0sz4</a>
NXT's tag team division remains a mess despite the strong champions, but it was nice to see OTM back in action as well as an energetic performance from Hank and Tank.
A lack of time and too much noise at ringside from various people did not allow this to be much of anything.
These are teams that need this kind of regular in-ring experience to take the next steps. Nima and Lucien Price have lost serious steam in time away, and this loss does not help.
Custer's involvement was the usual celebrity fare, more spectacle than impact, though he kept his involvement to a minimum.
Result
Hank and Tank def. OTM by pinfall.
Grade
D+
Notable Moments
Giulia and Stephanie Vaquer vs. Fatal Influence
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- NXT aired a video package for Giulia and Vaquer that highlighted their journey from enemies to friends.
- Fatal Influence, Roxanne Perez and Cora Jade bonded over their hatred of NXT newcomers coming for their spot.
- Giulia and Vaquer ran into Kairi Sane and Iyo Sky backstage. Sky and Giulia gave knowing smiles, playing on their history.
- Fatal Influence refused to tell Kelani Jordan who would face her at Halloween Havoc.
- Nyx distracted Giulia at ringside behind the referee's back, allowing Henley and Jayne to wipe out The Beautiful Madness with a pair of running kicks.
Even with the best efforts of Fatal Influence, Giulia and Stephanie Vaquer picked up the big win. Kelani Jordan eliminated Jazzmyn Nyx at ringside, and Giulia and Vaquer hit the G-Trigger into the package neckbreaker on Jacy Jayne to seal it.
Fatal Influence spun the wheel for a Spinner's Choice match at Halloween Havoc. The lights went out, and Zaria appeared on the stage as the broadcast cut out.
Giulia and Vaquer's signings did not just add top stars in NXT's women's division. It also gave the division veterans to work with that can elevate the roster around them.
This was clear in a tag team match that made Henley and Jayne look fantastic in defeat. Henley and Jayne are far from rookies, but they have rarely worked with talent that move at this speed and hit this hard.
This was by far the best match of the night. It was more competitive than expected, which was for the best. Fatal Influence passed an important test with flying colors.
It's a shame Zaria's arrival was cut short. NXT probably should have waited for Halloween Havoc with no overrun possible on The CW.
Result
Giulia and Vaquer def. Fatal Influence by pinfall.
Grade
A-
Notable Moments
Overall Show
8 of 8
NXT delivered a fairly standard show with days before Halloween Havoc, clearly rushing to put the final touches on the key matches.
"All Ego" Ethan Page and Trick Williams tried to deliver something special, but it did not feel like either man was ready to cut the hard-hitting promo the feud needed.
Giulia and Stephanie Vaquer stole the show, delivering a great TV match with Fallon Henley and Jacy Jayne that took nothing away from the heels. Roxanne Perez and Cora Jade though barely appeared live.
Kelani Jordan vs. Fatal Influence has been a feud for months, yet the final build to the Women's North American Championship match was rushed and overshadowed.
Oba Femi and Tony D'Angelo have set the stage for a big blow-off match thanks to a simple story executed perfectly in the last month.
As a whole, Halloween Havoc looks like a good show that could have used at least one more week of build to be great. This night of action was forgettable beyond the PLE set-up, including a poorly booked Damage CTRL apperance.
Overall Grade: C-