WWE NXT Halloween Havoc Results, Grades: Who helped Johnny Gargano?

The full results and grades from WWE NXT Halloween Havoc.

The frightful event known as Halloween Havoc returns on WWE NXT with exciting championship matches, while rivalries are finally settled amongst some of the brand’s absolute best. Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae face off against Damian Priest and Io Shirai for the gold, but the stipulations are determined in a game of “Spin the Wheel, Make a Deal”!

Damian Priest Vs. Johnny Gargano

Grade: A

The first Spin the Wheel contest was determined to be a Devil’s Playground match. Damian Priest immediately overwhelmed Johnny Gargano with an early Flatliner and splashes in the corner. He would then set his focus on the jaw, only for Gargano to gain the advantage with rope-hung attacks. Priest reassumed control by using the plexiglass to weaken his opponent’s midsection, continuing to use the steps for added damage.

Towards the conclusion, an unknown assailant attacked Priest with a steel pipe. Gargano then struck Priest with a tombstone and made the pin to win the championship.

Johnny Gargano and Damian Priest looked to methodically dismantle each other in this contest, using a combination of weapons and major attacks both in and out of the ring. When things looked grim for Gargano, he would receive some unexpected assistance to seal the Archer of Infamy’s fate.

Santos Escobar Vs. Jake Atlas

Grade: B

Next up was NXT Cruiserweight Champion Santos Escobar against the death-defying Jake Atlas. Escobar commenced the contest with attacks in the corner, including a grueling double knee strike. He would take pleasure in mocking Atlas, leading to the latter putting on a major show of big hits and slams. Escobar’s Legado Del Phantasma allies received equal punishment from Atlas after continued interference.

Towards the conclusion, Escobar hit a Samoan driver for the pinfall victory.

Jake Atlas was in extremely dangerous territory for this match, yet he would keep the latter half of the contest in his favor with a speedy yet fluid offense. Unfortunately for him, Legado Del Phantasma would steal the win once more with their treacherous tactics.

Dexter Lumis Vs. Cameron Grimes

Grade: A

In an NXT first, Cameron Grimes faces the unsettling Dexter Lumis in a Haunted House of Terror match. Grimes began by searching for his opponent in a dark forest, continuing the quest inside a nearby house. Lumis made his presence known by busting through doors as Grimes suffered various frights, including ghost ladies and some terrifying disciples.

Towards the conclusion, Lumis once again appeared in a car as Grimes attempted to escape, leading to a hasty retreat and the first of their encounters left ambiguous. Cameron eventually made it back to the Capitol Wrestling Center, where Lumis would use a rear-naked choke to win by submission.

In an unorthodox and disturbing contest, Cameron Grimes found himself surrounded by malevolent forces in an attempt to finally settle the score with his rival. Dexter Lumis has a psychological one-up on his adversary, but will he fully break the Southern superstar before the year is out?

Raquel Gonzalez Vs. Rhea Ripley

Grade: B

Raquel showed her dominance with turnbuckle slams, quickly reaching a stalemate with Rhea’s equal strength. A face-to-face showdown led to heavy strikes as Gonzales frequently failed to gain a proper advantage. Rhea would use two missile dropkicks to further weaken her adversary, but the latter would finally use the surrounding glass to finally damage her opponent and secure the upper hand.

In the climax of the match, Ripley would hit the Riptide to put away the imposing Gonzales and obtain her long-awaited vengeance.

Raquel Gonzales put her unbelievable strength to great use in this match, constantly halting Rhea Ripley’s fast-paced maneuvers and inflicting tons of in-ring damage for the duration. The Mosh-Pit Kid would not be deterred in her quest as she counted on a late burst of energy to secure the win.

Io Shirai Vs. Candice LeRae

Grade: A

The main event of the evening featured Io Shirai defending the NXT Women’s Championship against Candice LeRae in a “Tables, Ladders, and Stairs” contest. LeRae started searching for weapons, leading to Shirai attacking her with plastic limbs. She would then use the stairs and chairs to keep her opponent down and weaken her physical strengths.

In the climax of the match, the two implemented ladders in an attempt to reach the championship. Amidst interference from the unknown assailant and Candice landing on a nearby ladder, Shirai would climb up and retain her championship.

This tremendous contest saw Candice LeRae pull out all the stops to harm the champion and find a proper opening. Her efforts alongside the inclusion of two unexpected factors would only present an easier opportunity for Io Shirai to continue her dominant run as she once again retained the title.

October 28th NXT Results

• Johnny Gargano defeated Damian Priest to become the new North American Champion via pinfall
• Santos Escobar defeated Jake Atlas via pinfall
• Dexter Lumis defeated Cameron Grimes via submission
• Rhea Ripley defeated Raquel Gonzales via pinfall
• Io Shirai defeated Candice LeRae to retain the NXT Women’s Championship