Grayson Waller retained the NXT Championship at Halloween Havoc 2026, but his celebrations were interrupted by a challenge from CM Punk.

Waller defeated Tony D’Angelo in a heated encounter on Saturday, following a rivalry that had become increasingly personal in the days before the event.

The pair spent much of the match brawling, with Waller delivering one of the biggest moments when he sent D’Angelo through the announce table with a rolling cutter.

The finish came after a struggle over a crowbar led to the referee being knocked down. D’Angelo connected with a spear, but there was no referee available to count the pin.

As D’Angelo tried to revive the official, Waller took advantage and struck his challenger with the crowbar. Another rolling cutter secured the victory and kept the NXT Championship in his possession.

However, Waller’s night was not quite over. Halloween Havoc guest host Danhausen interrupted the celebrations to deliver a message from a friend, who turned out to be CM Punk. Punk issued a challenge for Wednesday, giving the champion something else to think about.

D’Angelo had earned his title opportunity by defeating Myles Borne, setting up an increasingly bitter exchange with Waller.

The rivalry escalated on Tuesday when Waller visited D’Angelo’s home. D’Angelo rushed out of the Performance Center to confront him, only for Waller to leave before he arrived.

The chase took D’Angelo to his former favourite restaurant before both men eventually returned to the Performance Center. There, a parking lot brawl brought the show to a chaotic close.

Waller survived their Halloween Havoc showdown with his championship intact, but Punk’s challenge added another twist to his night.

What did you think of the finish, and how should Waller respond to CM Punk? Share your thoughts in the comments.