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This week's NXT upheld in alignment with its theme, Halloween Havoc. The event was hosted by two of the spookiest WWE Superstars, Shotzi and Scarlett Bordeaux, who donned iconic horror character costumes.
From Akira Tozawa stealing the Heritage Cup to Boa making a surprising hidden-in-plain-sight return backstage, let's dive into the best and worst from the latest edition of NXT:
Best: Chase U won their first gold on NXT
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Chase University was established on NXT in 2021, led by Andre Chase. Soon, he was joined by Duke Hudson and Thea Hail, who accompanied and cheered other members of the group.
At Halloween Havoc, Duke Hudson and Andre Chase defeated The Family (Tony D'Angelo and Channing Lorenzo) to win their first reign as NXT Tag Team Champions. This is also the duo's first time as titleholders in WWE.
The Family talked a big game before their clash and vowed to put an end to Chase University. Thea Hail had also gone on a mission to win the NXT Women's Title not too long ago but failed to do so when her fellow teammates literally threw in the towel. Her new alliance with Jacy Jayne and her influence teased a potential interference in Hudson and Chase's title match.
The group has won over a majority of fans with their unique concept, and this win is the beginning of many things to come for the new NXT Tag Team Champions.
Worst: Carmelo Hayes in a dilemma over being the suspect in Trick Williams' attack
Carmelo Hayes found himself in hot water following Trick Williams' attack in the parking lot last week. His 'friend' was set to be a part of the Fatal-4 Way #1 Contendership Match for the NXT Championship.
At the contract signing with Ilja Dragunov prior to their clash at No Mercy, Carmelo Hayes accidentally listed Trick Williams as one of the mediocre talents who would never reach his level. He realized his error and seemed to regret it instantly. However, when Williams was added to the contenders' match, Hayes was not pleased.
This week on NXT, everyone approached the former champion with a glimmer of disdain, suspecting him to be the one behind the assault. The 29-year-old dismissed the allegations.
Best: Lexis King (aka Brian Pillman Jr.) makes in-ring debut
Lexis King (aka Brian Pillman Jr.) finally made his in-ring debut. The former AEW star was featured in vignettes over the past month, showcasing him watching his father, Brian Pillman Sr., on television, along with clips of current stars and happenings in WWE.
Last week, he teased his new name, paying homage to his sister Alexis, who passed away, and his surname, King, in tribute to his family. The 30-year-old faced Dante Chen in an impressive debut match. He kept repeating how he did not want to keep his father's name and was looking to create his own legacy.
His entrance was taken up with much flair as he entered while seated on a throne, making a statement to the WWE Universe and his place in the company.
Worst: Blair Davenport and Gigi Dolin's feud
Gigi Dolin and Blair Davenport have been at it for the past few weeks. They feuded in a Lights Out Match at Halloween Havoc. They were allowed to use tables, chairs, garbage cans, and whatever they could get their hands on to their advantage.
Towards the end of the match, Davenport sent Dolin crashing through a table while perched on the announcer's table. Gigi Dolin continued to fight back despite the spot. The two NXT stars used weapons, but the lighting for the match led to some spots being unnoticeable, which wrestling fans were not pleased with.
Given the theme and nature of the event, the concept of the match was in alignment, but the lack of a solid foundation in their feud was prominent.
Best: New NXT Women's Champion
Becky Lynch and Lyra Valkyria clashed in the main event. The two women had a lot weighing on their shoulders given their intense history of training together in their formative years, the young NXT star idolizing Lynch and their rich Irish heritage adding pride to their personalities and contributions to the industry.
The Man and Valkyria put their best efforts to diminish one another. Eventually, Lyra Valkyria picked up a win after a hellacious bout, winning her first WWE title. During their match, Jade Cargill was seated on a throne and observed her future competitors.
Despite Becky Lynch losing the title a little over a month after she won, it seemed fitting that she pass on the torch to someone of Valkyria's stature. This would also enable The Man to focus on picking a feud with Jade Cargill in the near future.
Which was your favorite moment from NXT Halloween Havoc Week One? Sound off in the comments section below!
