CM Punk set to challenge Grayson Waller for WWE NXT Title; UFC's Michael Chandler & more announced for November 4
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Halloween Havoc 2026 ends on a high note.
Halloween Havoc delivered big on October 31. As betting odds backed multiple champions to defend their titles, the NXT champion Grayson Waller lived up to the expectations and defeated Tony D’Angelo in Saturday night’s main event, continuing the title reign that has resurrected his career.
But his celebrations were cut short with a surprise message from CM Punk. The announcement came as a major surprise at the PPV event.
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CM Punk challenges Grayson Waller for the NXT Championship
Waller’s successful title defence at Halloween Havoc came with controversy. In the main event, the champion faced former titleholder Tony D’Angelo in a hard-fought contest. D’Angelo appeared to have the match won after hitting his Spear, but the referee was unable to make the count after being knocked down during the action.
Waller capitalised on the situation by using a crowbar against his opponent before hitting the Rolling Stunner to secure the pinfall and retain the NXT Championship. Special host Danhausen then came out for the surprise announcement.
CM Punk then appeared on the arena screen, delivering a challenge that immediately changed the direction of the NXT title picture.
“Grayson Waller, up here, bud. Pay attention, because you’ve been running your mouth about me specifically for weeks, saying I need to ask you permission to come into your house because you run NXT. Well, I’ve waited patiently, and I wanted to see how you and Tony would shake out.
Now that you’re still NXT Champion, buddy, hold on to that belt tight because I’m coming November 4th. It is CM Punk versus Grayson Waller for the NXT title. And you say that NXT is your house? Kid, I’m the landlord, and Wednesday the rent is due.”
The announcement confirmed that Punk would face Waller on the November 4 episode of NXT.
The exchange has its roots in Waller’s desire to test himself against one of WWE’s most outspoken performers. In September, Waller discussed Punk during an appearance on Busted Open After Dark. He revealed that he had once been a major Punk fan but now wanted to stand across the ring from him rather than simply show admiration.
Their connection has also developed through Punk’s recent visits to the Performance Center and NXT. Waller previously recalled seeing Punk, AJ Styles and Shawn Michaels backstage after a match, describing the trio as people who genuinely care about the future of the wrestling business.
The November 4 contest will therefore be more than a surprise championship opportunity. It will give Waller the chance to prove that his confidence is justified against a veteran he has openly challenged, while Punk gets an opportunity to capture a championship he has never previously held.
Multiple announcements for the November 4 NXT episode, including John Cena, Cody Rhodes, and Chad Gable
The November 4 episode is shaping up to be one of the biggest editions of WWE NXT in recent months. Punk’s championship challenge joins an already stacked programme featuring appearances from John Cena and Cody Rhodes.
Cena is scheduled to appear on the show, while Cody Rhodes will present the trophy to the winners of the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic final. The tournament final will see Hank Walker and Tank Ledger face Noam Dar and Romeo Moreno.
The episode will also feature an unsanctioned match between Dion Lennox and Cruz Montana, with UFC star Michael Chandler involved as the special guest referee. In addition, Chad Gable, Dragon Lee and Rey Fenix will team up against The Vanity Project, while NXT Women’s Champion Kelani Jordan is set to defend her title in an open challenge.
The show has been moved to Wednesday because of election coverage on The CW, placing WWE NXT directly opposite AEW Dynamite’s Blood & Guts edition. With CM Punk challenging for the top championship and several established names involved, WWE has added considerable star power to the broadcast.
When will CM Punk face Grayson Waller for the NXT Championship?
CM Punk will challenge Grayson Waller for the NXT Championship on the November 4, 2026, episode of WWE NXT.
Will John Cena and Cody Rhodes appear on the November 4 episode of NXT?
Yes. John Cena is scheduled to appear, while Cody Rhodes will present the trophy to the winners of the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic final.
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