The John Report: WWE NXT 10/18/22 Review
This week’s WWE NXT featured Pick Your Poison matches for Cora Jade-Roxanne Perez and a lot of cameos from some former NXT stars including a Kevin Owens Show talk show segment in the main event.
A lot of people from the main roster were on this show. They were going against AEW Dynamite, so I guess there was a sense that they needed a bit more star power. I think most of them live in the Orlando area anyway. They can probably do that kind of thing more often because it’s just a short drive for the talent. It’s the last NXT before Halloween Havoc on Saturday.
As usual, I’ll go summary style for the matches on most of the show and play-by-play for the main event.
This episode is taking place at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida. Follow me on Twitter @johnreport. My WWE NXT Review archive is here. Let’s get to it.
The commentary team was Vic Joseph and Booker T with Vic saying to expect the unexpected. The Judgment Day’s music hit, so the crowd was screaming about it.
The Judgment Day foursome of Finn Balor, Damian Priest, Rhea Ripley and Dominik Mysterio made their entrance. Three of them spent a lot of time in NXT except Dominik. The guys were there to support Ripley for her match.
Rhea Ripley (w/Finn Balor, Damian Priest & Dominik Mysterio) vs. Roxanne Perez
This was a Pick Your Poison match where Cora Jade picked Ripley to face Perez.
There’s a big size difference here since Ripley is tall while Perez is short. Booker trained Perez, who is just 20 years old (21 on November 5). The fans were chanting “Rhea’s gonna kill you” at poor Perez. They did a headscissors spot where Ripley didn’t bump because she’s so much bigger and Ripley did some strikes leading to a clothesline. Perez countered Ripley with a hurricanrana out of the ring. Ripley got a hold of Perez on the floor and slammed her onto the apron.
(Commercial)
Ripley was in control, but Perez was able to get some offense going. Ripley missed a running attack in the corner when Perez moved, so Ripley bumped to the floor. Perez hit a suicide dive onto Ripley with Booker saying “that’s my girl” to show support to the woman he trained. They battled by the turnbuckle with Perez hitting a top rope hurricanrana for a two count. Good nearfall there. Ripley caught a running Perez and hit a hard slam into the mat. Dominik provided a distraction, so Ripley hit a headbutt followed by the Riptide and a unique pinning position for the win after 13 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Rhea Ripley
Analysis: *** This was pretty good with Perez showing a lot of fire as the smaller babyface, but Ripley was too powerful and getting the distraction assist from Dominik helped as well. It’s easy to see excited about Perez’s future because she’s already good for somebody so young in the business. They could have a future rivalry some day in the future.
They showed Cora Jade watching on a TV backstage with a smile on her face.
Cameron Grimes was in the ring with Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson. Gallows said that they have the buzz of the business and asked Grimes why they accepted the offer. Grimes had some money, so Gallows smelled it. Anderson said they love that paper, but they want to go to the moon, which is Cameron’s catchphrase.
Tony D’Angelo entered with Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo with Tony using a crutch for his injured knee. Stacks was ready to find out who the mystery opponent was. Tony D said he’ll introduce the opponent after a commercial break.
(Commercial)
Grayson Waller was interviewed by Mckenzie Mitchell. Waller said he’s going to defeat Apollo Crews again. Chucky the evil doll appeared on the screen to tell Waller that his match will be a Spin the Wheel, Make the Deal match. Chucky told him not to fear the wheel while mentioning some of the possibilities. Waller was freaked out, so he left.
The mystery opponent for Stacks was…Shinsuke Nakamura. A HUGE ovation when Nakamura’s hit as the fans were singing along with the song of the former NXT Champion.
Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo (w/Tony D’Angelo)
The fans greeted Nakamura with a “welcome back” and “Nakamura” chant. Nakamura was in control with a front suplex into the mat. Stacks managed to block a kick and hit him with some punches. Nakamura broke free with a running kick followed by the classic “come on” gesture. Nakamura hit the sliding German Suplex off the ropes for two. Nakamura went for an armbar, but Stacks broke free with a running forearm. Nakamura kicked Stacks out of the ring in front of Tony. Nakamura sent Stacks into the ring and hit the Kinshasha running strike for the pinfall win after five minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Shinsuke Nakamura
Analysis: ** Easy win for Nakamura as you would expect here. Stacks moves around the ring well and he’s technically sound, but he’s not that established yet. It was Tony D’s way of giving Stacks a tough opponent. The crowd was on fire for Nakamura because they weren’t expecting him and treated him like a big deal.
Tony D’Angelo told Stacks he had guts, he’s a cornerstone of the family and he’s proud of him.
Nathan Frazer and Axiom were shown backstage talking about their awesome match on last week’s show with both guys saying they brought out the best in eachother. Axiom said he’s cheering for Frazer in the NXT North American Title Ladder Match. Von Wagner and Mr. Stone mocked them with Wagner saying nobody is stopping him at Halloween Havoc. Wagner called Frazer “soccer boy” as they exchanged some words while Wagner/Stone left.
Analysis: I don’t know who my pick is for the 5-way Ladder Match at Halloween Havoc. I’ll save it for the preview on Friday, but I think Wagner and Frazer both have a pretty good shot.
Alba Fyre entered for singles match.
(Commercial)
Sonya Deville was joined by Jacy Jayne and Gigi Dolin of Toxic Attraction.
Alba Fyre vs. Sonya Deville (w/Jacy Jayne & Gigi Dolin)
They each avoided kicks, Fyre hit a headbutt and Deville got a trip by the ropes leading to a pump kick for two. Fyre came back with a clothesline. Fyre with a running kick to the chest. Fyre had to deal with Jayne & Dolin getting involved, then Deville kicked Dolin because Fyre moved and Fyre did the ROLLUP OF DEATH~! for the pinfall win. It only went two minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Alba Fyre
Analysis: * A short match to put over Fyre going into her NXT Women’s Title match at Halloween Havoc. Deville didn’t get to do much. The ROLLUP OF DEATH~! won a match on Raw and NXT this week. Can it win on Smackdown too? Find out this Friday.
After the match, Fyre was attacked by Deville, Jayne and Dolin. They held Fyre while the NXT Women’s Champion Mandy Rose made her entrance. Rose was in a full body suit kind of outfit. She makes anything look good. Rose said that Fyre made the wrong decision abducting her. Rose said she’s fighting Fyre with fire and she’ll be more ruthless. Fyre fought off Jayne, Dolin & Deville easily. Rose tried a cheap attack, but Fyre held her bat to Rose’s throat, so Rose bailed. Fyre held up the title.
Analysis: The story that Fyre “abducted” Rose was ridiculous and they should really have said something else like say Rose has some minor injury or on vacation. In reality, one of Mandy’s brothers died so she was off for a few weeks with good reason. If you follow her on social media then you know this, but for the TV show they have to act like she was abducted. It’s lame. Anyway, Fyre might win the title at Halloween Havoc although I think I’m picking Rose to win.
Wes Lee and Oro Mensah were shown talking in the locker room having a friendly chat. They were attacked by Carmelo Hayes and Trick Williams, so it turned into a brawl. The action spilled out into the arena and security showed up to break it up.
(Commercial)
Wes Lee & Oro Mensah vs. Trick Williams & Carmelo Hayes
Trick rocked Lee with a punch to the face. Mensah tagged in with a missile dropkick on Melo along with an ax kick. Trick tripped up Mensah on the ropes. I guess Trick was still the legal man. Lee worked over Hayes with Lee hitting a running bulldog. The referee was distracted, so Trick threw Lee off the ropes. Mensah attacked Trick on the floor. Hayes hit a Codebreaker, then he went up top and hit the leg drop to the back of the head for the pinfall win after three minutes.
Winners by pinfall: Trick Williams & Carmelo Hayes
Analysis: ** A win to give Hayes some positive momentum going into the Halloween Havoc event. The heels Williams and Hayes were crafty as they picked up the win.
Post match, Hayes and Trick went for a cheap attack. Mensah and Lee fought back with a superkick on Hayes, a double clothesline on Trick and then Hayes hit a somersault dive over the top onto Lee/Mensah. Von Wagner with a put on Melo and Nathan Frazer showed up. Frazer was on the top rope and hit a cross body block on Wagner. All of the guys were down selling.
Analysis: A quick and predictable way to promote the Ladder Match at Halloween Havoc with Hayes, Mensah, Lee, Wagner and Frazer in the match.
Joe Gacy did a promo trashing Cameron Grimes saying that Grimes teaming with The OC won’t stop The Schism from tearing Grimes down.
(Commercial)
Bron Breakker was interviewed by Mckenzie Mitchell talking about how there’s always something happening on the KO Show and tonight won’t be any different.
Kevin Owens hosts the KO Show in the main event of NXT.
Schism – Joe Gacy, Jagger Reid & Rip Fowler vs. Cameron Grimes, Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson
I’ll go play by play for this match since the two matches after are short matches.
The fans were chanting “OC” for Gallows/Anderson while Joseph mentioned that Anderson is still a champion in Japan, which is true. Grimes tripped up Reid leading to a headlock followed by a shoulder tackle. Grimes with a knee to the ribs followed by a running kick. Fowler tagged in, Grimes worked him over with strikes and kicks. Reid saved Fowler from a whip into the corner and Fowler hit a clothesline. The Dyad tried some misdirection offense, but Grimes was ready for it with a double hurricanrana on both guys. Anderson tagged in with a hard chop on Fowler along with an elbow shot to the head. Gallows sent Fowler into the turnbuckle with some punches along with a clothesline. Gallows with elbow drops on Fowler. Anderson back in, Reid made the tag leading to a knee to the back and Fowler kneed Anderson out of the ring. Reid knocked Anderson out of the ring leading to Reid/Fowler doing a double team backbreaker. Gacy hugged his buddies to celebrate. Anderson exchanged punches with Reid followed by Anderson hitting an uppercut. Grimes tagged in with a cross body block off the top for a two count. The OC and Grimes cleared the ring going into a break.
(Commercial)
The heels were in control against Grimes with Gacy stomping on Grimes a bit while yelling at him. Grimes ran the ropes leading to a running cross body block. Gacy drove Grimes into the heel corner, Grimes countered a move with a hip toss and Gacy charged into Grimes hitting his flipping cross body block. Fowler tagged in, Grimes made the tag and Gallows was on fire with clotheslines, punches and a kick to Reid’s head. Gallows hit a running shoulder tackle on Fowler, two more kicks for Reid and Gallows hit a spinebuster. Reid saved Fowler from a double team, then everybody went into the ring to do some spots including Anderson hitting a neckbreaker on Gacy. Reid tagged in with an enziguri kick on Anderson, but Grimes saved Anderson from a double team move. Grimes kicked Gacy on the floor. Anderson hit a spinebuster on Reid. Gallows tagged in for the Magic Killer double team finisher for the pinfall win after 12 minutes.
Winners by pinfall: Cameron Grimes, Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson
Analysis: *** The match was pretty good with the faces working well together to pick up the win. Grimes should be moving past Gacy and this rivalry now, but it wouldn’t surprise me if it kept going. The Dyad guys work so well as a team while Gacy is solid in the ring as well. I figured the faces would win this match.
Post match, Gallows & Anderson were asking Grimes where the money was since they like that paper.
Veer Mahaan was interviewed by Mckenzie Mitchell. Veer said that what he said last week was just for Sanga and nobody else. Sanga walked up to Veer calling him “brother” and said he was ready for this.
Analysis: It’s probably going to lead to Veer and Sanga as a tag team.
A video aired about NXT Women’s Tag Team Champions Kayden Carter & Katana Chance along with their challengers Zoey Stark & Nikkita Lyons.
They showed a contract signing between Carter/Chance and Stark/Lyons. They exchanged words with both sides showing confidence. That match is on NXT next week.
(Commercial)
There was a commercial promoting WWE Crown Jewel on Saturday, November 5th.
Julius Creed-Damon Kemp Interview
There was a split screen interview with Julius Creed and Damon Kemp. Julius talked about how his brother’s career was on the line, so he was nervous, but he’s going to crush this clown. Kemp didn’t like being called a clown. Julius mentioned all the stuff that Kemp did to him. Kemp said that Julius is an arrogant loser that’s jealous of Kemp. Julius said that Kemp has nothing to show for five months. Kemp said that talking to Julius was like talking to a robot or a dummy. Kemp talked about how it’s an Ambulance Match, so maybe he’ll hit Julius ten times like he did to Brutus Creed. Julius talked about how he is a superior athlete, Kemp peaked in high school and Kemp isn’t even the best athlete in his own damn family. (That’s a reference to Kemp being the brother of Gable Steveson, who won the Olympic Gold Medal in wrestling last year. Kemp’s real name is Bobby Steveson.) Kemp wonders what Julius is going to do when Kemp beats him. Kemp said that he knows he is better than Julius and he’ll prove it at Halloween Havoc. Julius said there’s no remorse or sympathy. Kemp said that Julius’ brother will be at the unemployment line because he will need a job.
Analysis: That was okay. It feels like a personal rivalry, so that’s a good thing. The reference to Gable Steveson was interesting at least. It makes me think that maybe Gable will be put on NXT TV soon since he’s training there now.
Halloween Havoc Hosting Announcement
Shotzi was announced as the Halloween Havoc host. Shotzi drove out there in a little car. Shotzi said that she screams Halloween leading to a “Shotzi” chant. Shotzi said that she hosted Halloween Havoc in 2020, it was a badass day and this Saturday they need to go even more balls to the wall. Shotzi said that she’ll get the final piece of her costume this Friday on Smackdown when her and Raquel beat Damage CTRL for the Women’s Tag Team Titles. Shotzi was excited about it.
Xyon Quinn walked out saying that he can be her co-host. Shotzi didn’t seem receptive to the idea.
Quincy Elliott made his entrance to a big pop saying he’s a big fan of Shotzi because she’s a ballsy girl that isn’t afraid to step on toes. Quincy said he’d love to see Quinn in a Halloween costume, but Quincy thinks that Shotzi should ride down to the ring wit the Super Diva (that’s Quincy). Shotzi said that since they were having a match, the winner gets to be her co-host. Quincy with a back body drop and a clothesline over the top.
Analysis: Shotzi is a great choice as the Halloween Havoc co-host. She fits the part for sure.
(Commercial)
Quincy Elliott vs. Xyon Quinn
Quinn tried a lift, but Elliott was too big, so Quinn hit a clothesline. Shotzi was on commentary. Elliott got some offense going with two shoulder tackles. Elliott hit a running shoulder tackle, but Quinn stopped him with a boot to the face. When Quinn tried a lifting slam, Elliott was able to splash him to counter. When Quinn tried to use a weapon, Hank Walker was there to prevent it. Elliott hit a splash on Quinn’s back. Elliott hit a Diva (Banzai) Drop in the corner for the pinfall win after three minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Elliott
Analysis: * Elliott continues to dominate in NXT. Good power moves by the big man Elliott. It makes sense for him to be the co-host of Halloween Havoc since he’s a face like Shotzi is.
Post match, Shotzi celebrated with Quincy since they are hosting Halloween Havoc.
They showed a Chase U video with Thea Hail wanting to face Kiana James again. Chase talked about Halloween Havoc history including the good and the bad. Chase told the class to watch Halloween Havoc because there will be gruesome matches. Chucky appeared on the screen and he trashed Chase U. Bodhi Hayward spoke up, Chucky swore at him (it was bleeped out) and Chucky said that was a teachable moment. Thea said “what the f**k” to end it.
Raquel Rodriguez made her entrance for her match.
(Commercial)
They showed Pretty Deadly exchanging words with Edris Enofe & Malik Black talking about their NXT Tag Team Title match next week. They signed the contract.
Next week on NXT is Tag Team Title Tuesday:
* NXT Tag Team Titles: Pretty Deadly (c) vs. Edris Enofe & Malik Blade.
* NXT Women’s Tag Team Titles: Katana Chance & Kayden Carter (c) vs. Nikkita Lyons & Zoey Stark.
Raquel Rodriguez vs. Cora Jade
This was another Pick Your Poison match with Roxanne Perez picking Raquel to face Cora.
Raquel used her power advantage to whip Jade against the turnbuckle along with a launch into the top turnbuckle. Jade managed to get some offense after Raquel missed a chop on the floor, so Raquel hit the top of the commentary table. Raquel got a knockdown in the ring. Jade grabbed her black kendo stick, Raquel got it form her and Raquel hit Jade with the kendo stick a few times. It was a DQ finish after three minutes.
Winner by disqualification: Cora Jade
Analysis: * I thought Raquel might win, but they went with the non-finish instead. Since Perez lost earlier, at least Jade can say that she didn’t get beat to lose a match.
After the match, Perez sent Jade into the ring and hit a superkick. Jade ran away to avoid being attacked some more. Raquel lifted up Perez on her shoulder.
There was a rundown of the Halloween Havoc card for Saturday night:
* Weapons Wild Match: Cora Jade vs. Roxanne Perez
* NXT Women’s Championship: Mandy Rose (c) vs. Alba Fyre
* Apollo Crews vs. Grayson Waller – Spin the Wheel, Make the Deal Match
* Ambulance Match: Julius Creed vs. Damon Kemp (If Julius loses, Brutus Creed will have to leave NXT)
* Ladder Match For the Vacant NXT North American Championship: Carmelo Hayes vs. Oro Mensah vs. Wes Lee vs. Von Wagner vs. Nathan Frazer
* NXT Championship Match: Bron Breakker (c) vs. Ilja Dragunov vs. JD McDonagh
I’ll have a preview up on Friday and a live review on Saturday night on TJRWrestling of course.
Kevin Owens made his entrance to host his talk show. Big pop for Owens.
(Commercial)
There was a backstage scene with some NXT talent hanging out backstage with Briggs, Jensen and Fallon Henley with Briggs/Jensen talking about a drinking game any time somebody says Halloween Havoc and “this Saturday.” Anyway, they gathered around to watch the KO Show.
Analysis: I think it was just a way to get more people on this week’s show. A lot of wrestlers on this show this week.
KO Show with Bron Breakker, Ilja Dragunov & JD McDonagh
Bron Breakker made his entrance as the NXT Champion while Dragunov and McDonagh were already in the ring. The fans were chanting “KO” for Owens.
Kevin Owens welcomed us to the Kevin Owens Show. Owens said he got a call from Shawn Michaels asking him to host the show tonight. Owens spoke about how Michaels is the reason that KO became a wrestler in the first place, so here’s Kevin and fans chanted “HBK” after that. Owens said that his role was to keep the peace and nobody wrecks havoc since Halloween Havoc is the event. Owens said there is somebody in the ring already stirring the pot quite a bit and he thought the guy doing that is a huge, creepy weirdo. Owens said it was JD, so he asked “what’s your deal?” KO said: “I feel like I need a shower just looking at you.”
JD McDonagh he’s been on his best behavior and it was Ilja, who laid out Bron last week. JD pointed out that Bron hit a Spear on Ilja last week. JD said he’s got his eyes on the NXT Title.
Dragunov said he was aiming for JD, but hitting Bron was not a mistake. Dragunov said that he stood over Bron’s prone body and Bron struggled for air. Dragunov realized that Bron was human, he saw the chink in the armor of a great warrior and said that Bron was beatable. Dragunov said that at Halloween Havoc, he will recapture the title that should have been his in the first place.
Bron: “Over my dead body.” Bron said that there hasn’t been a single thing to keep Dragunov down except when Bron hit a Spear last week. Bron said that if he wants a friend, go get a dog because as long as Bron’s breathing, this championship will be his.
Owens spoke up saying he can see what’s going on here. Owens said that JD wants Dragunov/Breakker to tear eachother apart so JD can walk in and take the title. Owens said that they can’t let that happen because nobody wants to see JD as the champion. Owens said even JD’s mom doesn’t want JD to be the champion.
McDonagh said he didn’t need the approval of Kevin, the fans or even a crappy little dog. McDonagh warned Dragunov that he can put him through mental anguish by taking that title from Breakker and keeping Dragunov from doing it. Dragunov said that McDonagh can be a contender, but never, ever a champion.
Bron told Dragunov that he’ll put Dragunov’s ass in the same category as JD. Dragunov told Bron that the last time he was in a triple threat match, he lost the title. Dragunov dared Bron to put Ilja into that category right now. Owens and Dragunov teased fighting while Owens excused himself from the ring. Dragunov and Breakker started fighting, so security showed up to try to break it up. Breakker hit a Spear on security, Dragunov hit the running uppercut on both guys. Dragunov held up the NXT Title in the middle of the ring.
Austin Theory’s music hit as Mr. Money in the Bank showed up with the briefcase in hand. Theory held up the briefcase as Joseph wondered if Theory will cash in the contract on Saturday. Dragunov continued to pose in the ring to end the show.
Analysis A pretty good promo segment with JD trying to instigate things between Bron and Ilja. The strategy worked. Owens was pretty funny with some of his life. The Theory appearance at the end was interesting because it teases a potential NXT Title cash-in, which could happen I guess. I think Breakker keeps hit title at Halloween Havoc.
Three Stars of the Show
- Rhea Ripley
- Cameron Grimes, Karl Anderson & Luke Gallows
- Shinsuke Nakamura
The Scoreboard
This week: 6.75 out of 10
Last week: 7.5
Final Thoughts
A solid show overall in terms of building to Halloween Havoc on Saturday, but I don’t think it was necessarily a great episode. A bunch of the wrestlers from the main roster beat the NXT talent, which isn’t a surprise.
The match quality on this show wasn’t that good. Lots of shorter segments. It seemed like the goal this week was to do a bunch of quick segments either in terms of matches, promos or backstage vignettes and get as many people on the show as possible. Several parts of the show felt rushed while matches weren’t given much time to tell stories. I did like at least two matches with Ripley/Perez opening the show and Grimes teaming with Gallows/Anderson to pick up a win.
I think Halloween Havoc has a pretty good card. I look forward to reviewing it on Saturday with a preview coming on Friday as well.
Here’s the lineup for Halloween Havoc on October 22nd.
* NXT Championship Match: Bron Breakker (c) vs. Ilja Dragunov vs. JD McDonagh
* Ladder Match For the Vacant NXT North American Championship: Carmelo Hayes vs. Oro Mensah vs. Wes Lee vs. Von Wagner vs. Nathan Frazer
* NXT Women’s Championship: Mandy Rose (c) vs. Alba Fyre
* Weapons Wild Match: Cora Jade vs. Roxanne Perez
* Ambulance Match: Julius Creed vs. Damon Kemp (If Julius loses, Brutus Creed will have to leave NXT)
* Apollo Crews vs. Grayson Waller – Spin the Wheel, Make the Deal Match
Shotzi and Quincy Elliott will be the hosts of the show.
You can watch Halloween Havoc on Saturday, Oct. 22 at 8 ET/5 PT streaming on Peacock in the US and WWE Network everywhere else.
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John Canton
Email mrjohncanton@gmail.com
Twitter @johnreport