NXT Halloween Havoc 2025: DarkState Claims Tag Titles in Thrilling Show

WWE hosted its sixth annual Halloween Havoc event on October 25, 2025, at the Findlay Toyota Center in Arizona. The show captivated fans with its Halloween-themed decor featuring skeletons, spiderwebs, and an overall eerie ambiance. The evening was highlighted by several thrilling matches, including a high-stakes title bout featuring The Broken Hardys, who lost their NXT Tag Team Championships to DarkState.

The penultimate match of the night saw the legendary tag team duo of Broken Matt Hardy and Brother Nero, known as Jeff Hardy, defending their titles against Dion Lennox and Osiris Griffin. The match was contested under Broken Rules, a stipulation that allowed for no disqualifications and encouraged high-risk moves. The Hardy brothers paid homage to the late Bray Wyatt with Jeff Hardy donning The Fiend’s face paint.

High-flying maneuvers defined the intense contest, with the Hardys executing a Swanton Bomb and a leg drop off a steel post and ladder. The action spilled outside the ring, where Lennox launched himself into Broken Matt, while Griffin speared Brother Nero through the barricade. In a dramatic moment, Brother Nero attempted a Swanton Bomb from atop a ladder, but Lennox narrowly avoided disaster.

The match culminated in a shocking turn of events when Brother Nero was taken out with a Doomsday Device through a table, allowing DarkState to claim the NXT Tag Team Championships. This victory ended the Hardy Boyz’ brief 17-day reign with the titles, although they remain the champions in TNA.

Ricky Saints Retains NXT Championship

The main event featured Ricky Saints defending his NXT Championship against Trick Williams. Saints, a former AEW star, had captured the title from Oba Femi during last month’s No Mercy premium live event. This match was marked by fierce exchanges and near falls, with both competitors pushing their limits.

In a dramatic finale, Williams slammed Saints through the commentary desk and followed up with a Trick Shot in the ring. However, Saints displayed remarkable resilience, managing to kick out just before the count. The tension escalated as Saints stunned Williams with a spear and a Tornado DDT from the top rope, successfully defending his title in a nail-biting finish.

Other Notable Matches and Highlights

The Halloween Havoc event also showcased a variety of other exciting matches. The opening contest featured Leon Slater and Je’Von Evans defeating the AAA duo of Mr. Iguana and La Parka.

In another significant match, Ethan Page faced off against El Hijo de Dr. Wagner Jr. in a Day of the Dead match for the NXT North American title. Page retained his championship in a controversial manner, using powder to blind Wagner Jr. before delivering a Twisted Grin through a table.

The women’s division also saw significant action, with Blake Monroe defeating Zaria to become the new NXT Women’s North American Champion, while Tatum Paxley captured the NXT Women’s title by overcoming Jacy Jayne. Paxley’s achievement drew recognition from her former teammate, Lyra Valkyria, who celebrated the moment on social media.

This year’s Halloween Havoc not only delivered thrilling matches but also showcased the athleticism and storytelling that WWE fans have come to expect, setting the stage for future rivalries and developments in the NXT brand.