Absent WWE star returning at NXT Halloween Havoc 2026: Three former champions that could re-emerge on October 31

For the very first time in the show’s history across WCW and WWE, Halloween Havoc will be taking place on October 31: making this year’s PLE a special one from the get go.

There are two matches official for the show at the time of writing and several others seemingly on the verge of being announced, but Shawn Michaels may also have some surprises in store for the NXT fans in Orlando, Florida.

Here are three absent WWE stars that could potentially return at NXT Halloween Havoc 2026.

Elio LeFleur

Former WWE Men’s Speed Champion Elio LeFleur has now been absent from the ring for seven whole months after suffering a serious shoulder injury back in March. At the time, it was projected that the French star would miss around six months of action, and now we are beyond that point, so fans are anticipating an imminent return.

There’s no guarantees that projected timeline ended ups being accurate to LeFleur’s actual recovery, but there also hasn’t been any reports suggesting that his return is delayed or anything either, so there is reason to remain hopeful.

LeFleur was struck down with injury after just two months on NXT, so having him back on the brand will almost feel like an entirely new signing for General Manager Robert Stone.

Josh Briggs

While Elio LeFleur has been off TV due to injury, why Josh Briggs hasn’t been seen in NXT since April is a bit of a mystery.

Briggs did recently make a return to the ring for the September 21 episode of Main Event, where he lost to Big Cass, so it would appear as if he is not dealing with any injury issues that would prevent an imminent comeback to NXT.

Having spent five years in NXT already, of course a move to Raw or SmackDown would be preferable for Briggs, but it’s hard to see that happening without an overhaul of his character, or the opportunity to first build some momentum on NXT once again beforehand.

Nattie

While she remains listed as a member of the WWE Raw roster on the company’s website, Nattie has spent more time in NXT than on the red brand this year.

However, following the conclusion of her feud with Jaida Parker at August’s Heatwave PLE, we haven’t seen Nattie back on NXT TV.

Unless WWE plans on pushing Nattie towards the Women’s Intercontinental Title picture on Raw, she’s probably best being kept on NXT where her experience can be used to help the young stars rising through the ranks at the Performance Center.

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