WWE NXT UK 9/1/2022 - The Final Episode of NXT UK

WWE NXT UK 9/1/2022 - The Final Episode of NXT UK

Last week's show is here: https://prowresblog.blogspot.com/2022/08/wwe-nxt-uk-8252022.html

This is the final episode of NXT UK. It's a real shame, it's a big loss for wrestling and it's the end of an era. NXT Europe is supposed to replace it in 2023, but it's hard to see that concept having better luck than this one.

#1 Contender to the NXT UK Women's Title - Elimination Match - Blair Davenport vs Amale vs Isla Dawn vs Eliza Alexander

Amale's fired, so she's probably not winning this. Blair's in an NXT UK/NXT Women's title match, so there's a good chance she wins here. Eliza Alexander's status is unknown since she maybe wasn't officially signed anyway and Isla Dawn was not fired. Everyone gets shots in on Eliza and she goes out. Blair and Eliza hit shots on Amale then they trade forearms. Eliza takes some odd fall out and Amale throws Blair out. Amale goes up top and crossbodies everyone on the floor. They do some fighting outside and Amale has her head banged off the apron. Amale neckbreakers Eliza on the floor and Isla puts Blair into the post.

Isla hits kicks on Blair then backdrops her. Amale STO's Eliza. Blair is larited by ELiza then Isla meteora's Eliza. Isla is up top and Blair enzugiri's her then we get a tower of doom spot. Eliza is thrown into the 2nd buckle then Amale hits pumping facewash kicks on her opponents in the corner. Isla nails Amale from behind then takes shows from Blair and Eliza. Amale does some weird spinebuster on Isla then Blair and Eliza dogpile on Amale to eliminate Isla.

Blair is pushed into ELiza then shouldered over. Eliza lariats Amale. Blair has Eliza then Amale dropkicks them over. Eliza and Blair are pulled into each other. Amale is thrown throat first into the 2nd rope by Eliza then Blair springboard dropkicks Amale. Eliza throws Blair into the post then Eliza sliding knee's Amale and eliminates her. Eliza germans Blair for 2 then running forearms her. Eliza forearms Blair down then Blair 2nd rope double stomps her back. Blair short arm lariats Eliza then Eliza germans her. Eliza back elbows her then is 2nd rope german suplexed. Blair pumping knees her then does a nasty falcon arrow like move to win it.

This wasn't anything too special. They didn't really blow anything but none of these girls are that great and this wasn't going to be a classic.

Saxon Huxley vs Kenny Williams

Sax throws him off a lock-up early and Kenny tries pushing and slapping him. Sax throws him in the corners and hangs on then backbreakers him. Sax crossbodies him against the ropes for 2. Sax gets his leg stuck on the ropes and is back elbowed then Kenny is thrown chest first in the buckles. Kenny spears Sax in the knee then ties his leg up in the ropes and kicks him in the back.

Chase U comes out as Kenny has Sax's leg tied up then Kenny takes like an atomic drop as Kenny is distracted. Sax hits a running facekick on him then running lariats him in the back of the head. Sax then elbow drops him for 2. Sax misses a move against the ropes. Kenny is back elbowed off the apron and caught by Chase U. Chause U lets him down by dropping him on his backside. Sax then does a double chokeslam sitout bomb and beats Kenny.

Nothing wrong with it I guess with Sax overpowering Kenny en route to victory.

Chase U celebrates with Sax after then he waves the Chase U flag. 

Tyler Bate talks about Trent Seven. He said he felt like he knew him and things changed in a minute. Trent talks about Tyler Bate. He said he had a lot of potential with just some guidance. He said he wanted to give him the best training he could. Tyler says Trent broke his heart and Trent says his moment will come at Tyler's expense.

WWE NXT UK Title Tournament Final - Trent Seven vs Tyler Bate

This is the final NXT UK match ever. Sid Scala and Johnny Saint are out there to present the winner the belt.

We already know what happens here as this was spoiled weeks ago on NXT UK. Trent has also been fired since.

Trent side headlock takes him down then Tyler kips up. Trent does it again and is headscissored. Tyler rolls through a wristlock then Trent rolls out of a wrist throw.  Tyler dropkicks him and hits some euro uppercuts and punches. Trent does butt drops on the leg with the help of the ropes and is pushed over the ropes. Tyler then dives on him over the top. Tyler sits ont he top rope and is dragon screwed off.

Trent works the knee then slams his knee onto the bottom rope. Trent spinning toe holds him and Tyler hits kicks from the bottom. Trent drops Tyler's knee on his knee then punches him behind the knee. Tyler hits some euro uppercuts then Trent ddt's him. Trent holds his arm and hits some kicks then Tyler powers up and exploders him. Tyler hits some euros then corner punches. Tyler hits another exploder and running SSP's him. Trent release dragon suplexes him then Tyler hits a delayed suplex for 2.

Tyler airplane spins him then Trent rainmaker's him for 2. Trent puts him in a figure four variation then Tyler turns it over. Trent ropebreaks and they trade shots on their knees. Tyler walks into Trent's chops and isn't hurt then hits euro uppercuts. Tyler knocks him down with a slap then flipping koppo kicks him. Tyler hits a rebound lariat then does a tiger driver for 2. Tyler goes up top and is stopped then Trent goes up with him. Trent hits an emerald flowsion off the 2nd rope then hits a straight punch and Tyler's tiger driver for 2.

Trent pulls apart Tyler's fingers then Tyler ddt's him. Tyler hits Trent's rainmaker for 2 then does a spiral tap off the top for 2. Tyler straight punches Trent then tiger drivers him for the win.

I didn't think this was anything too special. They kicked out of a lot and the leg work didn't really lead anywhere. Them using each other's moves was cool though.

They say NXT Europe will begin in 2023 and say where one journey ends, another begins.

We get a highlight package of NXT UK's best moments to close the show. We also get a "Thank You!" with a photo of the roster to end it.

Overall thoughts: Not the greatest episode of NXT UK. They did try to do some stuff to make the final episode special, but none of the matches were that great. At least the booking was there though with Mustache Mountain going at it in the final episode and Tyler winning the title against in the final episode.

And with that, that's NXT UK. It was a great show which was completely underappreciated and underwatched by the IWC, who had little interest in it due to "talent poaching" and due to AEW fans holding grudges against WWE. I think a lot of people missed out on some good stuff and I'm sad, but not really surprised it ended. It didn't seem like it was a big draw, it did not have a lot of support online to the point that you could not find much on it at all outside of WrestlingForum and a lot of the wrestlers had little chance of ever getting anywhere in WWE. However, they put on a show that was pretty good week in and week out and they provided us with some classic matches involving Ilja Dragunov and WALTER. It's been my pick for the best weekly wrestling show and I'm going to miss it. We are not ever going to get anything like this ever again due to the lack of support and I think people really missed out in many ways.

We'll have to wait and see what happens with NXT Europe in 2023, if it ever comes about. Rest assured, I'll be covering it here if it does happen.

Thanks to the NXT UK crew and WWE for a great wrestling show.

WWE NXT UK 8/25/2022

WWE NXT UK 8/25/2022

Last week's show is here: https://prowresblog.blogspot.com/2022/08/wwe-nxt-uk-8182022.html

Next week's show is here: https://prowresblog.blogspot.com/2022/09/wwe-nxt-uk-912022-final-episode-of-nxt.html 

This may be the next to the last episode, we'll just have to wait and see.

WWE NXT UK Title Tournament Semifinals - Trent Seven vs Oliver Carter

Trent does an inset promo. He says it has bene his destiny since Day 1 to be the NXT UK champ. He said a one legged man will not stand in his way. Carter's limping and does an inset promo and says nothing motivates him like becoming the NXT UK champ.

 

Trent goes for the leg early then OC throws him out and plancha's him. Trent kicks him in the leg as he re-enters the ring then dragon screws him over the 2nd rope. Trent slams him and kicks him in the knee. Trent hits another slam, knocking his knee off the bottom rope then Trent butt drops the leg over the rope.

Trent tries it again but OC moves and rolls him up. Trent leg kicks him and hits a hard chop. Trent drops his knee down over the back of OC's leg as it is over the 2nd rope. Trent drops his knee over his knee then OC chops him. Trent kicks him in the knee then bangs the knee off the mat. OC comes back with forearms then lariats him. OC flips into a kick on him then asai moonsaults him for 2. Trent dragon suplexes him then does an emerald flowsion for 2.

OC forearms and superkicks him then 2nd rope dropkicks him. OC axe kicks him and his leg gives out. OC rolls him up for 2 then Trent hits him in the knee. Trent then does a figure four variation and they slap each other while doing it. OC then taps out.

Pretty good match here with Trent working the knee leading up to the figure four variation finish.  

Noam Dar is warming up in the back.

Joe Coffey is warming up in the back and Mark shakes hands with him.

WWE NXT UK Title Tournament Semifinals - Tyler Bate vs Joe Coffey

Bate does an inset promo. He says he comes one step closer to becoming champ again and getting his hands on Trent Seven. Trent does an inset and says Bate is against a man made of iron. He says this is his kingdom.

Bate wristlocks him then Joe rolls and kips up to get out. Joe rolls him up then cartwheels. Joe blocks a snapmare and armdrags Bate. Joe blocks Bate's shoulderblocks then Bate dropkicks him. Bate flips him from behind for 2 then Joe flying battering rams him. Joe backbreakers him for 2. Bate is on Joe's shoulders and rolls him up then Joe crossbodies him for 2. Joe bearhugs him then Bate airplane spins him. Joe rolls out and rolls him up for 2. Bate sunset flips him and Joe giant swings him.

They trade punches him and forearms and Joe punch combos him. Bate hits a big right hand then 2nd rope euros him. Bate exploders him then running SSP's him for 2. Joe belly to belly suplexes him. Bate goes for a 2nd rope move but is caught and german suplexed. Joe crabs him then they trade strikes. Bate is popped up into the buckle then Joe double jump twisting crossbodies him.

They collide with lariats and Joe chest headbutts him. Bate rebounds then Joe spinning lariats him. Joe punches him then Bate koppo kicks him. Joe pops him up then Bate backslides him to win it.

Not a ton of story here or anything, but it was a solid wrestling match with some hard shots and the two working well together.

Trent Seven comes out after. Bate sits on the rope to invite him in then Trent backs off. They then talk trash next to the title.

Sid Scala does a promo. He says next week, we will see Blair Davenport vs Isla Dawn vs Amale vs Eliza Alexander in a 4 way elimination match to find a #1 Contender for the NXT UK Women's title. Maybe next week isn't the last ep?

We are told that NXT Europe is coming in 2023. They say the response for it has been overwhelming. They promise to bring us the best in sports and entertainment and Nigel talks about being proud of NXT UK.

NXT UK Heritage Cup - Mark Coffey (c) vs Noam Dar

There has been no mention of the Heritage Cup for Worlds Collide so this may be the final match for it.

1st Round - Dar takes him down by the wrist then Mark headlocks him. Mark takes him down and flying euros him. Mark armdrags him and the time is up.

2nd Round - Dar armdrags him then Mark armdrags him. Dar trips him and headlocks him. Dar snapmares him then kicks him in the chest. They collide shoulders and Mark shoulders him over. Dar elbows him on top of the head and hits a stiff running lariat from the side. Dar hits some stomps on him and the time expires.

3rd Round - Mark hits a lariat and a shoulder then throws him from his shoulder. Dar misses a spinning high kick then uraken's him off of it. Mark rolls him up then sliding d's him for the fall. Dar is out.

4th Round - Mark hits a euro early and hip attacks him. Dar rolls out. Mark forearms him and Dar drops then Dar rolls him up into a leglock. Mark taps out and we are tied at one fall a piece.

5th Round - Mark misses a corner charge then sledgehammers Dar. Mark bulldogs Dar and Dar rolls out of his gator lock attempt. Dar tries to armbar him but is rolled on then Dar spinning back elbows him for 2. Dar goes up top and kicks Mark off the 2nd rope. Dar leg kicks and high kicks him then leg bars him. Dar kneebars him and heel hooks him. The time then runs out as Mark misses a punch.

6th Round - They trade forearms and hit lariats at the same time. Dar jumps on him for a guillotine then elbows him on the head. Mark hits a huge lariat then half-nelson bombs him. Dar rolls to the apron and Mark sliding d's him to send him out. Mark throws him back in and Sha Samuels comes to ringside and pushes him into the post. Dar step up enzugiri's him and wins it.

They didn't get done much in the first few falls. Dar then started heeling it up some and did a good job wiht it. Sha coming out to help him was a nice twist, though it does suck that this may be how the last Heritage Cup match ends. Dar winning was the right call. He has carried the Heritage Cup and it's right that he goes out as the final champ.

Dar and Sha take the ribbons off the Cup then kiss it. They celebrate with the Cup after

Overall thoughts: A good episode of NXT UK with all of the matches being at least decent.

WWE NXT UK 8/18/2022

WWE NXT UK 8/18/2022

Last week's show is here: https://prowresblog.blogspot.com/2022/08/nxt-uk-8112022.html

Next week's show is here: https://prowresblog.blogspot.com/2022/08/wwe-nxt-uk-8252022.html

NXT UK is no more. NXT UK tapings were cancelled a few weeks ago and there was a lot of speculation about what was going on. It was announced yesterday that it will go on hiatus until 2023 and become NXT Europe. A whole slew of roster members have already been fired, though maybe it's just temporary until NXT Europe begins and some of them may have just been let go because they didn't want to move to the US until NXT Europe is ready. It was a real sad day and it's genuinely hard to do this review because it's like watching something die in front of you.

I can't tell you how frustrating the lack of support for NXT UK (and NXT Black and Gold) was. The show was designed for hardcore fans, but they refused to watch it because they took a lot of talent from the UK indies. I really think people are going to look back at this show in 5-10 years and wonder why the IWC didn't care. It's been the best weekly TV show and they've had a lot of classic matches.

It should also be noted that the result of this tournament was already spoiled on NXT TV this week in a lame moment. This isn't the first time an NXT UK Title match result was spoiled on NXT either.

We do not know how many episodes are left, but we know this is one of the last ones. WWE will have a Worlds Collide event on 9/4/222 and that will be the official last show of this brand.

NXT UK Title Tournament First Round - Mark Andrews vs Joe Coffey

Mark has already been fired and Joe is now moved to NXT. Joe Coffey does an inset promo. He talks about how nice it owuld be if he and his brother were both champions. Mark Andrews said he made it ot the semi-finals of the NXT UK Title tournament in 2017. He said he showed a lot of potential and wants to live up to his potential now.

Joe throws him early then shoulders him over. Joe blocks an armdrag then Joe slams him. Mark 2nd rope hurricanrana's him. Joe backbreakers him then suplexes him. Joe snapmares him and misses an elbow drop and they trade gutpunches. Joe hits some euro uppercuts then Mark comes back with dropkicks to the knee. Joe headbutts him in the chest then pops him up and is ddt'd. MArk hits some running forearms and slides out of a lariat. He does a back enzugiri and Joe hangs from the bottom rope. Mark then double stomps him off the apron as he hangs.

Mark springboard crossbodies him then overhead belly to belly suplexes him. Mark hits a cutter out of a suplex attempt. He springboard and takes a euro then Joe crossbodies him and spinning lariats him ofr the win.

It was a shorter but decent match with Mark playing the underdog.

Joe Coffey talks in the back. He is pumped and says Gallus will be champs. He says he will be the last man standing at the end of this tournament and says it will be "Gallus Boys on Top".

Amale vs Nina Samuels

Amale has also been fired, which was a real shocker as they seemed to like her and because she's a black woman. She's not bad and she does have potential, but she needs a lot more time. Either they wanted her to move and she didn't want to, or they wanted to move on.

Nina Samuels was also fired. She has some personality, but I think she's about as good as she's going to be

Amale side headlocks her and takes her down. Amale shoulders her over then dropkicks her in the knee. Amale basement dropkicks her then shotgun dropkicks her in the corner. Nina puts the ref in front of her then kicks Amale from behind the ref. Nina ties her up in the ropes and gets some shots in then dropkicks her as she is tied up. Nina chinlocks her then slams her. Amale comes back with forearms then takes a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker. Nina chokes her on the ropes and tries to legdrop her on the ropes but bounces off. Amale fires up with forearms, back elbows and lariats then bulldogs her. Amale trips her into the bottom rope then facewash kicks her. Amale spinebusters her and wins it.

Pretty simple and basic match here with Nina playing dirty and Amale making her comeback to win. Nothing special, but totally fine.

Amale calls out Isla Dawn after and says she is next.

Oliver Carter is leaving the training room. He says his knee is good. Trent Seven comes in and says he doesn't agree. He tells OC to give him a buy to the finals. OC talks about him and Ashton basically breaking up Mustache Mountain by beating them. Trent says that was a pivitol moment in his career and says he will see the real Trent Seven, who will break his leg.

Ilja Dragunov talks. He said the competitors in the tournament are inspiring and impressive. He said he is curious as to who will take his place as champion. He says they are taking "his place" though. He tells them to be ready as when he heals up, he will throw his entire existence in the way at them to get his title back.

Eddie Dennis and Saxon Huxley vs Andre Chase and Bodhi Hayward

Both Eddie and Saxon have been fired. WWE always seemed to like Eddie, so I was surprised by that. They may or may not return for NXT Europe, who knows. I was really looking forward to seeing where this thing goes with them too.

Chase wristlocks Eddie and Eddie armdrags him over. Chase rolls and kips up out of a wristlock then takes Eddie over. Chase then slaps him in the back of the head and says, "that's a teachable moment". Chase russian legsweeps him and does the C-H-A-S-E-U stomps. Bodhi slingshot sunset flips Eddie. Chase double axe handles Eddie off the top. Sax tries to do it to Chase, but hits Eddie instead. Eddie pushes him over. Eddie knees Chase from the apron as he runs the ropes then Sax thesz presses Chase. Sax elbow drops Chase for 2.

Eddie back elbows Chase for 2. Chase hits some nice punches on Sax. Sax throws him in the corner and kind of goes in with him then just throws him at the various buckles multiple times. Chase collapses and Sax misses an elbow drop. Bodhi gets the hot tag in and football tackles Eddie. He hits a nice splash then Eddie backdrops him. Sax top rope lariats Bodhi.

Sax and Eddie argue over who the star and teacher is then Sax leaves ringside. Bodhi puts Eddie on his back and Chase does the twisting flatliner and wins it.

This was fine with them pushing the Eddie/Sax story and Chase U being fun faces.

Eddie and Sax argue after and Sax chokebombs him after. Bodhi and Sax then bump chests and celebrate. Sax tries to do it with Chase, but Chase offers a handshake instead. They then raise Sax's arms in a fun moment. Sax holds up the Cahse U sign and seemingly joins.

Noam Dar and Mark Coffey do promos against each other. they talk about the Hertiage Cup being competitive and being 6 matches in 1. Dar says it's all about honoring the hertiage of the UK and they talk about past UK wrestling legends. Mark says he wants to be Heritage Cup champ for a long time. This was a good segment.

Trent Seven vs Oliver Carter and Joe Coffey vs The Winner of Bate/Williams is next week.

NXT UK Championship Tournament - Kenny Williams vs Tyler Bate

Kenny does an inset promo. He calls Bate a good little boy who finishes last. He says it's time a scumbag like him finishes first. Kenny is fired by the way now, and I'm surprised since it seemed like they liked him.

Tyler Bate is now on NXT 2.0. He does an inset promo and says he will get closer to becoming a 2 time NXT UK champ and crush Trent Seven's dream in the process.

Bate kips up out of a headscissors early. Kenny back elbows him out of a hammerlock and Bate does a complicated sequence into a roll-up. Bate teases punching Kenny and Kenny backs off. They trade slaps and Bate pounds on him as Kenny goes to ropebreak. Kenny then rushes at him with a double throat thrust.

Bate bridges and Kenny sits on top of him. Bate slaps himthen back body drops him. Bate then dropkicks him. Bate is dropkicked off the apron. Kenny goes through the ropes and Bate airplane spins him. Kenny grabs onto the post to stop it, then Bate hits his shoulder off the post. Kenny then flips him by the arm into the rails. Bate sunset flips him and hits chops. Bate is sent into the buckles chest first and Kenny suplexes him.

Kenny crossfaces Bate then Bate stands up with him on his shoulders and drops him back. Bate 2nd rope euros him then exploders him. Bate then running ssp's him for 2. Kenny backslides him and spears his knee. Kenny hits a side rolling death valley driver for 2. Bate blocks a headlock driver and airplane spins him. Bate lariats him. Kenny hits gets hit while on the ropes and rolls out then Bate does a nice dive over the top on him. Bate deadlift germans him for 2.

Kenny comes off the 2nd rope backwards and is german suplexed. Bate then rebounds off the ropes into a lariat. Bate then tiger drivers him and wins it.

It wasn't quite a classic, though they tried, but it was good.

Overall thoughts: Another good episode of NXT UK with the main being the highlight and every match being at least okay. It's bittersweet though as the end of NXT UK is here.

NXT UK 8/11/2022

NXT UK 8/11/2022

Last week's show is here: https://prowresblog.blogspot.com/2022/08/wwe-nxt-uk-842022.html

Next week's show is here: https://prowresblog.blogspot.com/2022/08/wwe-nxt-uk-8182022.html 

We have some matches for the NXT UK Championship Tournament tonight.

NXT UK Championship Tournament 1st Round - Oliver Carter vs Charlie Dempsey

OC says his knee isn't 100% yet but likes the idea of being NXT UK champ. Charlie says OC has shown nothing but disrespect to Die Familie and says when he finishes him, he will win the NXT UK Title.

OC attacks the DF members before the match begins. Dempsey and OC trade strikes. OC lariats Dempsey over the top then plancha's him. OC takes an interesting armdrag into the buckles then Dempsey works his leg. OC fights back with chops and tires to springboard off the ropes but falls off due to his injured leg. Dempsey hooks his leg and tries to bridge back then does back bumps to put extra pressure on them.

Dempsey kicks him and then hits a very side suplex for 2. Dempsey kneebars him and OC breaks it. Dempsey hits some shots from the mount and is slapped from below. Dempsey dragon suplexes him for 2. OC hits some forearms and back body drops him. OC then uranage's him for 2. OC misses a superkick and holds his leg then Dempsey single leg crabs him. Dempsey swings OC's leg off a kick attempt and then OC flips forward and kicks him. Dempsey does a sick dragon screw then single leg crabs him. OC gets out from under and rolls him up to win.

Solid match here with Dempsey looking great and the crowd being into it.

We see clips from last week with all the girls yelling and screaming in the halls with Sid Scala and refs trying to stop it. Sid seperates all of them.

Tyler Bate is interviewed. He is asked about not having a match tonight. Sid Scala walks in and asks him not to get involved in Trent Seven's match otnight. Bate says he is focused on getting the title regardless and says him winning the title would get under Trent's skin the most.

Eliza Alexander vs Thea Hail

Chase U is mega over in the UK. Eliza hits forearms early then Thea headscissors her. Thea armdrags her out of the cazadora and dropkicks her. Thea gets dropped over the top rope on a cazadora attempt then is lariated. Eliza hair throws her then Thea rolls her up.

Eliza hits a knee and then suplexes her. Eliza then puts her in the camel clutch. Thea drops her back to get out and double axe handles her. Thea hits a nice step up enzugiri then flipping neckbreakers her fo 2. Thea gets her standing moonsault blocked then Eliza basement dropkicks her to win.

This was a simple match with face and heel work and wasn't bad at all. Thea has a bunch of personality and is a good underdog and this crowd really made her look good. Thea's going some places, though maybe she is taking a different route than others.

Amale is supposed to be interviewed but Nina Samuels takes over. She says she must be embarrassed after losing to Blair Davenport. Amael talks in French and says she will go through anyone to win the NXT UK Women's Title.

We go to Chase U, who is talking about why they don't spell color with a U. Eddie Dennis walks in and tells them to shut it down. Eddie talks about Oxford and Cambridge and says Andre is ruining the name of academics. Chase yells at him and then says we have a teachable moment. Chase says if it's so easy to take someone under your wing, try taking Saxon Huxley in. Eddie then holds his face.

Teoman vs Sam Gradwell

Sam gets some punches in early and hits a big forearm. Sam slams him and lariats him over the top. Raja gets in the way outside then Sam is swept off the apron via the ring skirt. Teo puts Sam's back into the apron. Teo goes down and sells his foot then Raja hits a shot on Sam from behind while Sam is distracted. Teo then rolls up Sam for 2.

Sam back body drops Teo and double underhook suplexes him. Raja pulls Sam off the ropes and the ref kind of sees it and kicks him out. Sam knees Teo in the head with his kneebrace then cradle shocks him for the win.

It was a basic match and it was okay with Teo and Raja heeling it up before Sam made his comeback.

Sid welcomes the Heritage Cup champ Mark Coffey. Noam Dar walks in and Sid said he has gotten many email and messages about a rematch from him. Dar says he deserves a rematch. Mark agrees to a rematch and Dar says "that was easy".

Mark Andrews vs Joe Coffey and Kenny Williams vs Tyler Bate in the NXT UK tournament is next week 

NXT UK Championship Tournament 1st Round - Wolfgang vs Trent Seven

Wolf does an inset promo that says he proved the Czar is only human. He siad the stars have aligned and he has another chance to become NXT UK champ. Trent does an inset promo and said he got rid of Tyler Bate for opportunities like this.

They lock up and Trent misses a chop against the ropes. Wolf teases hitting him then side headlocks him. Wolf hits a hiptoss and an armdrag. Wolf does a nice armdrag takeover. Trent hits some shots then Wolf hits a stiff leg lariat. Wolf charges at him and is thrown out then they fight on the floor. Trent is thrown into the rails/barricade. Wolf goes on top of the barricade and is swept off.

Trent sits on Wolf's back and chinlocks him. Trent hits an implant ddt. Trent goes for a rainmaker but is german suplexed then Wolf double axe handles him from the top. He hits a stiff slam then a side senton for 2. Trent does a suplex to him then Wolf hits his caber toss suplex. Trent superkicks him in the gut and is lariated then Wolf firemans carry gutbusters him for 2.

They go up top and Trent gets knocked down. Trent gets his knees up on Wolf's top rope swanton then Trent burning hammers him for the win.

Solid main event here with Trent doing some heeling and them not overdoing it before the finish.

Overall thoughts: All four matches were fine with the main and opener being good. This was a good show.

WWE NXT UK 8/4/2022

WWE NXT UK 8/4/2022

Last week's show is here: https://prowresblog.blogspot.com/2022/07/wwe-nxt-uk-7282022.html

Next week's show is here: https://prowresblog.blogspot.com/2022/08/nxt-uk-8112022.html 

Meiko Satomura vs Sarray for the Women's Title is tonight's main event.

Ilja Dragunov comes out in a medical boot and crutches. He sad he injured his ankle early in the match against Wolfgang but kept fighting. He said NXT UK has only had fighting champions and said he is not cleared to wrestle. He said  has to vacate the title. He said he doesn't reget anything as he says giving it his all is just him. He said he fought with his soul as NXT champ. He said no one beats him except himself and he said he will come back as a better man. He said if you thought he wa strong as NXT champ, you will be surprised to see how strong he will be to get it back. The crowd chants "undefeated". Drag leaves the title in the ring and cries as he exits.

We get a Chase U segment. They are in London and ride the subway. They go to Tower Bridge and Chase tells Bodhi and Thea about it. They go to a Queen Elizabeth statue and Bodhi spots bird crap on the statue. They go to a university, which Chase says Bodhi can't get to and say it's time to show NXT UK what Chase U is all about. Chase sees Sha Samuels out there. Chase says this is a teachable moment. Bodhi tells Sha to persevere so he can improve his situation and get out of this. Sha talks about all the things he lost and says he still works here. He says he will see Johnny Saint and calls him a "stupid mark", implying he wants a match with him. 

Sid Scala and Johnny Saint talk in the back. They say they have the situation sorted. Sid said we will have an 8-man tournament for the NXT UK Title.

Oliver Carter vs Rohan Raja

OC goes after him with chops and OC hits a nice dropkick a little later. Raja is then lariated over the top. Dempsey gets on the apron and Raja ties OC up in the ring skirt and pounds on him. Raja whips him in the ropes then makes him flip on a whip into the buckles. Raja octopus stretches him then backcrackers him. Raja bangs OC's head off the mat. Raja goes for something on his shoulder with OC but he kind of escapes even though he falls down and makes a comeback. OC hits a big lariat then 2nd rope moonsaults him. OC is back body dropped over the top but he ends up hitting a plancha on Die Familie through it. OC gets Raja under the ringskirt and gets a shot in then spinning heel kicks him in the corner. He really doesn't hit well and wins the match off of it.

Die Familie attack him after. Dempsey clips him then OC is stomped on. Dempsey then single leg crabs him and pulls on the knee in particular. The refs break it up.

The match wasn't too bad at all. It was a little on the short end but OC did the right things here as a face.

Thea Hail talks about choosing Cahse U. Eliza Alexander walks in. She said she went to the school of hard knocks. She said she is tired of Americans taking oppurtunities from NXT UK British wrestlers. She said she should have the NXT UK Women's title and said she will make a statement out of her. She brings up Chase U and Thea says Chase U is the most amazing university in the world then walks off after saying she can't.

Die Familie is interviewed in the halls. Teoman says they didn't lose, they won as they beat up Carter. Teoman says the eye always has a plan. Sam Gradwell walks in. He says his eyes sees Teoman getting his way when his friends do the dirty work for him. Sam says if he went against him, the eye doesn't have a plan. Teoman says we'll see and says you can talk.

Bodhi Hayward vs Sha Samuels

Sha has a dirty, ripped shirt on and trash in a bag he is carrying. He tries to collect money with his hat. They said Sha and Dar aren't talking anymore. They lock up and Bodhi wants none of it as he says he stinks. Bodhi pushes him in the corner then armdrags him over. Sha bangs his head off the buckle and we get a "take a shower" chant for Sha.

Bodhi goes up and over in the corner, does a nice leapfrog and hiptosses him. Bodhi then hits a stiff lariat. Sha hits a lariat back then croner splashes him. Sha the back elbows him. Sha slams Bodhi then hits elbow drops. Sha comes off the top and Bodhi hits a nice powerslam. Bodhi football tackles him then shoulder tackles him. Bodhi splashes him. Bodhi hits a nice back body drop.

Bodhi charges in the corner, runs into the buckles then is spinebustered by Sha to win.

This was fun. The crowd was into it and they really liked Bodhi, who did a good job here. They really have something in Bodhi. He's got a good look and is a real likeable dude with some personality.

Oliver Carter is interviewed. He said his leg is in bad shape but he will be good. Sid said Oliver was selected for the NXT UK Title Tournament but his match is next week. He is hesitant but says next week is fine. He says he will be good until next week as he limps off.  

 

Trent Seven vs Wolf Gang, Charlie Dempsey vs Oliver Carter, Mark Andrews vs Joe Coffey and Kenny Williams vs Tyler Bate are the matches for the NXT UK Title Tournament.

WWE NXT UK Women's Title - Meiko Satomura (c) vs Sarray

Blair Davenport comes out. She implies she attacked Meiko and Sarray. Sid interrupts her but she says she'd be here as women's champ if she didn't break her ankle. She said she would continue to cause chaos as that tile is here. Amale then comes out. She said that's not how things work. She said everyone here wants to become the next women's champ. Eliza Alexander then comes out and says maybe Blair is right: the louder you are, the more attention you get. Blair yells at both of them then Isla Dawn shows up in the ring. She said Blair never beat her. Sid then says we need a main event so Isla and Blair will fight for #1 Contendership to the NXT UK Women's Title. Amale and Eliza are both rightfully upset.

#1 Contender's Match - Blair Davenport vs Isla Dawn

Isla bangs Blair's ankle off the mat early then stomps on her. Blair enzugiri's her and then back elbows her. Isa pumping knees her. Isla stomps on her then euros her in the back. Isla kicks her around then Blair bangs her head off the mat. Isla stretches her arm and neck then takes her down for 2. Blair shoulders over Isla then forearms her. Isla backdrops her. Blair rolls her up and Isla pump kicks her. Blair is then pulled off the ropes then Isla top rope meteora's her. Eliza Alexander comes out and pulls Isla out. Isla forearms her on the floor then Amale pump kicks Blair. Isla high kicks Amale then Eliza pumping knees Isla. All 4 girls fight as officials come down to stop it.

I didn't care about this match and the whole premise just made no sense. Sarray and Meiko was cancelled. Amale and Eliza got skipped over for the title match for no real reason and Blair was rewarded for injuring Sarray/Meiko, which we didn't see. And at the end of it, we had no #1 contender as the match was thrown out.

Overall thoughts: The show was okay up until the main, which was a booking nightmare. That brought down the show and I don't know what they were thinking. I don't recommend this one.

WWE NXT UK 7/28/2022

WWE NXT UK 7/28/2022

Last week's show is here: https://prowresblog.blogspot.com/2022/07/wwe-nxt-uk-7212022.html

Next week's show is here: https://prowresblog.blogspot.com/2022/08/wwe-nxt-uk-842022.html 

We've got a big one tonight with Ilja Dragunov vs Wolfgang for the NXT UK Title and a tag title match.

NXT UK Tag Titles - Josh Briggs and Brooks Jensen (c) vs Wild Boar and Mark Andrews

Jensen legit is over a foot taller than Boar. Boar slaps on a wristlock and Mark double stomps the arm off the top. Boar dragon screws Jensen then Briggs and Jensen run over Boar with double shoulders. They then baseball slide out and punch him. Mark springboard crossbodies Briggs and is caught. Mark then dropkicks Briggs then Mark is thrown by Briggs into a Jensen powerslam.

Mark chinbreakers Jensen but is put in the corner then takes a Briggs chinlock. Jensen forearms Mark hard in the back then chinlocks him. Briggs throws Mark and he flips into a cutter on Jensen then slides through Briggs legs for the tag. Boar makes a nice hot tag in and hits lariats on Briggs. Briggs then hits a stiff back elbow. Boar hits a nice jumping legdrop and a nice jumping senton. Jensen then takes a dropkick into a german.

Boar top rope frogsplashes Jensen for 2. Boar corner spears him then takes a sick lariat when he charges him again. Briggs kicks Boar in the chest and makes him fly. Briggs goes for a delayed suplex but Mark reverses it into a cutter. Mark jumps off of Briggs' back and dropkicks Jensen then misses an SSP off the top. Briggs and Jensen then hit the high low on Mark and win it.

Putting Boar in this match was a mistake. He was good, but he looked like a toddler against the guys and it really buried the gimmick bad. The match was solid with real stiff stuff but it was tough with both teams being faces and the crowd being unsure of what to do here.

Ilja warms up in the back and we see Tyler Bate. He grabs the cameraman. He says Trent broke his heart and he loved him like a brother. He said he's coming for him forever.

Meiko and Sarray talk in front of a podium ahead of their match. Sarray says she will be the NXT Women's champion.

Meiko says everyone tries to beat her but can't. She says Sarray has the ability to challenge her but Meiko will win. Sarray has a smiley pose for the photo then Meiko gives her a serious pose and Sarray turns around to give her a serious pose.

Amale vs Blair Davenport

The announcers make it seem like this will be an unofficial #1 Contender's match. Blair armdrags her and Amale hits a stiff back elbow. Amale pump kicks her then dropkicks her. Blair gets her out of the ring then is whipped into the rails. Amale gets hung up on the rails after a missed kick and is pulled down. Blair shoulders her.

Amale running lariats her and back elbows her. Blair avoids her bulldog and hurts her ankle off a missed double stomp move. Amale then bulldogs her off of it. Amale facewash kicks her for 2. Blair rolls her up for 2 then knees her in the face. Blair then falcon arrows her to win.

The crowd had zero interest in this one and it was real start and stop. They just couldn't get any momentum going and that's a real concern since they are probably two of the most featured girls on the brand outside of Meiko.

Oliver Carter writes a note to Die Familie and seems to mess up a dinner table that they were supposed to meet at. He turns down their invitation to join. This was a weird segment.

Sha Samuels is outside of the Performance Center and has to pay out on another bet. He says he is tapped out and the guy wants his shoes. Sha then throws his socks at him and screams. Sha tries to sleep and someone gives him another betting slip and he offers up his jacket. He sits on the stairs and someone else wants another jacket and takes his hat for the betting slip. Shai s then interviewed. He is asked how he is doing and he says he lost all his money. He said he lost the cup and everyone is upset with him. Someone then comes to cash in a slip and makes him give up his last jacket. Sha then screams in a fun segment.

We see photos from Chase U in the UK and it says they will be back next week in NXT UK. We will also see Rohan Raja vs Oliver Carter.

WWE NXT UK Title - Ilja Dragunov (c) vs Wolfgang

They lock up early and Ilja headlock takeovers him. Wolf runs him over then Ilja kicks him from the mat. Ilja side throws him. Ilja blocks a hiptoss and does a nice armdrag. Ilja goes to lift him but his back give sout and he drops him. Ilja's elbow is also bleeding and it looks like Wolf is bleeding under the nose too.

They trade forearms then Ilja jumping front kicks him. Ilja is a caught in one corner then thrown into the other. Wolf chinlocks him and Ilja tries to matrix out of a lariat but falls down. Wolf then side sentons him for 2. They trade forearms and Ilja tries to run the ropes but his sore back brings him down. Wolf then throws him into it and Ilja goes down again. Wolf throws him into the buckles hard. Ilj tries to slam him but falls over due to the pain.

Ilj spinning chops him. Wolf hits a hard back elbow and Ilja saves himself from falling over. Ilja hits a back enzugiri then jumping knees him. Ilja top rope knee drops Wolf then elbow flurries him. Ilja sentons him. Ilja hits clotheslines to the front and back and takes a stiff clothesline that flips him.

Wolf reverse fireman's carries him and pops him up with a knee to the back. Ilja rolls him up off a suplex attempt then dives down with a forearm. Ilja goes up top then top rope sentons him and goes wild selling his back. Ilja runs at him and takes a euro then Wolf does a nice suplex into a cutter for 2 for a close nearfall.

They fight up top and Ilja goes down. Wolf goes for a buckshot move and runs into a knee. Ilja northern lights bombs him and follows it with a torpedo headbutt to win it.

This was yet another classic from Ilja Dragunov. There was a lot going on here with Ilja's injured back being the focus of this, Wolf trying to get the big win and Ilja having to fight off the bigger man. The match made sense from start to finish, they sold really well and it was a dramatic, smart man. The crowd was not totally there for whatever reason, but this was a match of the year caliber match and is a must see.

Overall thoughts: The main is a must see and is possibly the MOTY for 2022. Absolute classic. Briggs and Jensen's tag match was good but did expose Wild Boar's height and Blair/Amale wasn't that good. The crowd was very odd all night and did bring some of the stuff down.

WWE NXT UK 7/21/2022

WWE NXT UK 7/21/2022

Last week's show is here: https://prowresblog.blogspot.com/2022/07/wwe-nxt-uk-7142022.html 

Next week's show is here: https://prowresblog.blogspot.com/2022/07/wwe-nxt-uk-7282022.html 

Isla Dawn vs Fallon Henley

They had an interaction at the UK Performance Center which lead to this. Fallon hits forearms early then back elbows and mule kicks her. Fallon throws her by the arm then slides out and punches her ala Briggs and Jensen. Isla bangs her head off the top rope then step-up knees her in the corner. Isla then snapmares her and euro's her in the back. She then PK's her for 2.

Fallon ducks a high kick then sunset flips her for 2. Isla slams her back and strangleholds her. They trade forearms and Fallon spinning facebusters her. Fallon hits a running clothesline then Isla high kicks her and full-nelson bombs her to win it.

This really wasn't too good but at least it didn't go on too long. 

Sarray arrives at the Arena and says she is enjoying her time very much. She said she went to London Bridge and talks to Meiko. She said Meiko hasn't answered her about a match. Sarray says she wants one and Meiko says okay. She tells her to be prepared and Sarray stares at her a little surprised.

We see clips of Amale beating Stevie Turner last week and Blair Davenport mock clapping. Amale is then shown watching it. Amale said she will show us what she thinks of Blair's comments. She goes up to Blair and asks what she thought of her commentary. Amale says she knows what she is trying to do by getting under her skin and it won't work. Blair just says whatever.

Josh Morrell vs Dave Mastiff

Josh picked up his first win in a long time last week and Dave went up to him after and said he'd fight him next. Dave side headlocks him and Josh handstands and walks backwards on his hands out of it. Josh rolls and flips out of a wristlock then walks up his knee and gets out of it. Dave shoulders Josh over then Josh flips off him. Dave ofrearms him in the spine then backdrops him. Dave clubs his back and elbows him then squeezes his neck. Dave bangs his head off the mat then Josh forward flips out of a throw. Josh comes off the 2nd rope and takes a release belly to belly for 2.

Josh takes a hard headbutt to the chest then is forearmed. Josh sunset flips him and is blocked then Josh flips out of a german. Josh dropkicks him then hits a corkscrew standing moonsault for 2. Josh dropkicks him out of the ring then does a nice phosbury flop over the top onto him. Josh then gets pop-up dropped and powerbombed. Dave rolling fireman's carries him for 2. Dave rolling fireman's carries him and then sentons him for the win.

This was a fun big guy vs small guy match. I don't have a problem with Josh losing as long as they re-match as I think this match-up has a lot more legs to it.

They shake hands after and pound fists.

We go to East End Bookie with Sha Samuels and Noam Dar. Everyone ic cashing in on the bets with Coffey beating Noam Dar last week. Sha isn't happy about paying out. Sha says they lost it all and they are done. They argue over whether it is worse to lose money or the Heritage Cup. Sha says he can't afford anything now and Dar takes the money in Sha's hat. Sha sleeps and Johnny Saint cashes in his winnings. Sha then runs for it and Saint can't believe it.

We see Briggs and Jensen doing a photoshoot with the NXT UK Tag Titles. They said they respect Mark Andrews and Wild Boar and accept their challenge. They said they owe them one and offer a night on the pub. They said they will see them in the ring.

Nina Samuels vs Emilia Mckenzie

Nina hits corner spears then EM hurricanrana's her off the 2nd rope. EM hits corner spears then Nina rolls her up out of the corner. Nina bangs EM's head off the mat then hits a nice boot on her. Nina pulls her lips then stretches her arms as she is in the ropes. Nina hair throws her then hits boots in the corner.

Nina sits her up top and EM hits some shots on her up there. Nina takes a hair throw then a neckbreaker. EM rams her shouler in the middle rope and is rolled up for 2. EM slaps her then germans her. EM then hits a nice spear and wins it.

Nina's just an average girl in the ring and this wasn't too special. On the other hand, Emilia is wasting her time on this brand. Nina controlled most of the match until Emilia came back to win it.

We get a face to face sit down interview with Ilja Dragunov and Wolfgang. Wolf says he respects him because he beat Gunther and takes on all comers. Ilja says he chose him because Wolf doesn't get the credit he deserves. Wolf is asked if he thinks he can beat him. He says Ilja has never faced him and doesn't know what he's capable of. Wolf says this may be the biggest mistake he ever made. Ilja says this is his chance to see the true Wolf. He said he has been in the shadow of Gallus and asked when is his chance to shine?  Wolf says the title belongs to Gallus and Ilja says the title belongs to those who fight against anything. Wolf says he is taking the weight off of Ilja's shoulders and carrying the brand forward. They stare down and the announcer hypes the match to end the segment. It was okay with Ilja getting more comfortable as a personality.

Blair Davenport vs Amale, Briggs/Jensen vs Andrews/Boar and Ilja/Wolf for the NXT UK Title is next week in an action packed episode.

Sam Gradwell vs Trent Seven

Trent rushes at him and kicks him to start. Trent is then sidestepped out of the ring and Sam hits a nice tope on him. Sam's kneebrace comes loose and Sam hits shots on the outside. Sam then slams him on the floor. Sam then gets lariated on the apron and rolls to the floor.

Trent release germans Sam and Trent bullies him around. Trent holds his arm and hit some boots, then hits chops. Sam fires up and hits forearms then pretends to forearm him but ends up hitting a butterfly suplex. Sam running forearms Trent in the corner then back body drops him. Sam then laraits him over the top to the floor. Sam then flying forearms him off the apron. Trent then hits a nasty and hard tope on Sam outside.

They fight up top and Trent pushes him off the buckles. Sam is hobbling some then top rope butterfly suplexes him for 2. Trent goes to leave and Sam hits him and brings him back in. Trent then drops his knee on the steps. Trent pulls Sam's kneebrace off and kicks the knee. Trent then does a figure four variation on him. Sam grabs the beard to try and get out then slaps him. Sam reverses it and Trent ropebreaks.

Sam STO's him for 2. then hits some punches as he is on the mat. Sam gets his eye raked then he is clipped. Trent then hits a rainmaker for 2. Trent grabs Sam's knee brace then takes a spinning forearm for 2. Sam grabs the knee brace and tries to him him but the ref pulls it away. Trent then low blows him and hits a rainmaker to win it.

Pretty good match here with the kneebrace playing a role in this and them using Sam's more heelish attitude in the finish. Trent had to win here and they did it in a good way without making Sam look bad.

After the match, Trent tries to put Sam in a submission but Tyler Bate returns! Trent retreeats to the stands and trips onto the stage to avoid him and Bate says some words to him from the ring to close the show.

Overall thoughts: We had 2 good matches here and they built up some stuff for next week plus had Tyler Bate return, so it was a good show overall.

 

WWE NXT UK 7/14/2022

WWE NXT UK 7/14/2022

Last week's show is here: https://prowresblog.blogspot.com/2022/07/wwe-nxt-uk-772022.html

Next week's show is here: https://prowresblog.blogspot.com/2022/07/wwe-nxt-uk-7212022.html 

We have Noam Dar vs Mark Coffey in a Heritage Cup Title Match tonight.

Oliver Carter vs Teoman

Teoman back elbows him early then OC rolls from a wristlock and upkicks him. OC then slaps on his own wristlock. Teo misses a punch and OC does the evil eye pose to him. OC headscissors him and gets hit from behind when Dempsey distracts him. Teo slaps on a chinlock and OC fights off. Teo elbows him in the head then OC asai moonsaults him.

OC hits lariats and running forearms him. OC does a pumping axe kick for 2 and is pushed by the feet into the buckles. Teo attempts a pin with a pull of the tights then Teo hits a running euro uppercut for 2. OC koppo kicks him and Die Familie gets involved. They distract the ref and OC fights off Dempsey. OC hits a top rope missile dropkick and a running spin kick to win it.

It was okay, just kind of a simple match. I normally wouldn't be for OC winning, but at least they can extend/build the program off of it. OC did better than I expected here.

DF jumps OC after then Teo hits his forward flipping reverse ddt.

Mark Coffey is shadowboxing in the back.

Sam Gradwell is interviewed. He said Trent Seven is the dirt worst then Trent flies at him with a punch and is quickly ejected from the Performance Center.

Fallon Henley is interviewed. She said it is amazing so far and the food is outstanding. Isla Dawn walks up next to her and tries to touch her hair. Fallon says the creepiness shtick won't work on her and Isla just laughs.

 

Dave Mastiff congratulates Josh Morrell. He said he is riding the wave right now, but the wave crashes next week when he faces him. Josh promises to give everything he has.

Wolfgang is playing soccer and we hear about his thoughts on Ilja respecting him. Wolf says he needs to be careful what he wishes for when stepping into the lion's den with him. Wolf says people need to remember how bad he is in that ring.

Amale vs Stevie Turner

Blair Davenport is on commentary. Amale rolls her up early and Stevie shoulders her over. Amale hits a neckbreaker and a dropkick to the head. Stevie pump kicks her then facekicks her through the ropes. Stevie neckbreakers her and Amale comes back with a lariat and a back elbow. Amale then bulldogs her and knees her in the face. Amale hits a facewash kick then spinebusters her for the win.

This was nothing special as you would expect and seemed to mostly be to put Blair over on commentary. They did very simple moves here.

Blair mockingly claps for her after and says she has no hope against her.

Dar warms up in the back.

Meiko and Sarray run into Emilia Mckenzie. Sarray says she was happy to team with Meiko but asks to face her next time. Meiko nods her head. Nina Samuels then walks in and interviews Emilia. She asks what they were talking about and Emilia says, "nothing to do with you".

Mark Andrews and Wild Boar are interviewed. Mark says they are a good team and do a good job repping NXT UK, but it's time they bring the titles back here. Mark says they will be waiting for them. Boar says let's bring the titles home. This is the first time I can really recall Boar talking.

Sid Scala talks. He says Wolfgang and Ilja want to face each other, so he will make it happen. They will meet in a title match in 2 weeks. Fallon Henley vs Isla Dawn is next week. Trent Seven and Sam Gradwell is also next week.

NXT UK Heritage Cup - Noam Dar (c) vs Mark Coffey

1st Round - We see Sha Samuels watching from the back as he is banned from ringside. Mark hits a back elbow and Dar misses some leg sweeps. They collide with shoulders and then Mark shoulders and armdrags him as the time runs out. Dar slaps him after the bell and Mark drops him with a slap back.

2nd Round - They run at each other to start and Mark hits a gator lock. He taps him out and wins the fall. Mark is up 1-0.

3rd Round - Mark rolls him up then Dar armdrags him. Mark back body drops him then Mark bulldogs him form the 2nd rope. Dar knocks him down with a euro uppercut then Dar stomps his hand. Dar hits kicks against the ropes then drops him with one. Dar leg sweeps him and tries to hit a running attack but the time runs out.

4th Round - Dar tries to drop down and roll him but Mark blocks it. Dar hits some upkicks then kneebars him. Mark taps out and we are now at 1-1.

5th Round - We see Sha celebrating in the back. Dar running dropkicks him to start the round and gets 2. Mark facekicks him then backdrops him for 2. Dar hits a running pump kick and catches him with a bodyscissors + a guillotine. Mark suplexes him out of it and they trade forearms. Dar hits knee strikes and takes a flurry of bolo punches. Mark is caught in the ropes and takes a leg sweep then Mark superplexes him with the time expired.

6th Round - Final round here. Dar immediately rolls outside then back in to play keepaway. Dar then catches him in a knee bar. Mark gets out and Dar high kicks him. Dar has his feet on the rope on a pin attempt then Mark hits another gator lock on him. Dar ropebreaks. Mark accidentally chops the post outside and takes a step up enzugiri. Dar rolls in to avoid the 10 count and Mark barely gets in. Dar then back elbows him for 2. Mark hits a nice forearm then spins him with a lariat. Mark then hits a half-nelson bomb and sliding D's him in the back of the head and WINS!!!

We see Sha flipping out in the back then Sha comes out screaming and crying. He throws his betting tickets everywhere and grabs onto Dar.

The rest of the NXT UK roster comes out. They congratulate Mark and want Sha to pay their bet winnings. Sha runs and they chase him. Mark poses with the trophy then Joe Coffey returns!. They hug and shake hands to close the show.

This wasn't a classic match, but it was entertaining and interesting. They kept it moving and there weren't any real down periods here. The near countout at the end was good and Mark winning was a total surprise. Dar had been doing a good job with the Cup and it'll be interesting to see where he goes from here. It was also nice to see the faces get the victory here.

We will have to see where things go from here. This will definitely be something different for the Heritage Cup.

Overall thoughts: We only had 3 matches. The opener was okay enough and while the main wasn't a classic, it was somewhat good and the result was a total surprise. It was a decent episode overall.

WWE NXT UK 7/7/2022

WWE NXT UK 7/7/2022

Last week's show is here: https://prowresblog.blogspot.com/2022/06/wwe-nxt-uk-6302022.html

Next week's show is here: https://prowresblog.blogspot.com/2022/07/wwe-nxt-uk-7142022.html 

Meiko/Sarray vs Xia/Eliza is tonight.

Tiger Turan vs Kenny Williams

Kenny charges at him as soon as he gets in and Tiger ducks it. Tiger armdrags Kenny and shoulders him over. He cartwheels over him then armdrags him. Tiger dropkicks him out then Kenny springboards but is caught with a double chop to the gut.

Tiger headstands on the corner buckle then flatliners him. Kenny then dives at Tiger's knee then suplexes him for 2. Kenny sits on Tiger's shoulder and chinlocks/tries to rip the mask off. Tiger rolls him twice then running double chops him. Tiger then does an unusual tilt-a-whirl side suplex. Tiger 2nd rope dropkicks Kenny then tope's him.

Tiger goes for a top rope swanton but Kenny gets his knees up. Kenny then PK's him. Kenny then talks trash and gets rolled up for the Tiger win.

Kenny jumps Tiger from behind after. Kenny then hits a headlock driver on him. He takes off Tiger's mask only to reveal another mask underneath. Kenny goes for the other mask but refs come and break it up.

I thought this was decent with Tiger finally showing something with some athleticism here. They also had a storyline here to work with so it helped this one be more interesting than something else would have been.

We get a package on Briggs and Jensen from NXT and we see their altercation with Pretty Deadly.

We see a clip from the back with Trent Seven being kicked out by security. One of them who is built and bald calls him a disgrace. He then runs into Sam Gradwell. Sam says he has done bad things but Trent is the dirt worst and Trent says "and you're no one".

We see an interesting WWE Doordash commercial with Drew, Sheamus and Bianca.

 

Oliver Carter is working out and Charlie Dempsey comes to help him. The rest of Die Familie then come in and Teo asks if he's with or against them. Oliver asks him why he should join. Raja says he has nothing and Ashton left him. Oliver said he won't accept them talking about Ashton behind his back. Oliver then says he will take all over them on 1v1. Raja threatens to crush him 1v1 then Teo says he will hurt him.

Josh Morrell vs Primate

Primate is now done with Symbiosis. Primate goes after Josh in the corner then Josh then they do a nice counter sequence into a roll-up. Josh hiptosses him and tries to fight off a knucklelock. Josh wins the knucklelock and Josh flips out of a monkey flip. Primate germans him off the 2nd rope and he takes a hard bump for it. Primate then corner lariats him and clubs him hard on the back.

Primate backdrops him then Josh pulls him over the top rope. Josh then hits a beautiful phosbury flop to the outside. Josh misses a 450 and runs into a running forearm. Josh is lariated over the top then slingshot code red's him for the surprise win!

This is a huge win for Josh in a shocking upset. He's been getting his butt kicked here for 2 years now and this is maybe the first time I saw him win. Very cool ending and Josh's slingshot code red and phosbury flop looked great.

As for the match, there were issues outside of that. Primate just started as a solo guy and took a loss here. Josh also took a 2nd rope german that should have finished the match but played little role.

 

We see Blair Davenport arrive. She said not much has changed in NXT UK then she runs into Amale. She said she heard her say something about crushing hope and Amale said it better not be directed at her. Blair said that was directed to everyone and told her she'd have no hope if she tried her. Stevie Turner then made a joke of it and Amale got mad and threatened her. Stevie said that was rude.

Ilja talks about various people he fought. He said there is someone he never fought before - Wolfgang. He said he sees a lion in Wolf's eyes and said he is the only person courageous enough to step in the lion's den. He then says long live the Czar and seems to be running more of a heelish gimmick now.

Tate Mayfairs vs Trent Seven

 

Trent looks like he gained a couple of pounds, and not in a good way. Trent chops and kicks him. Tate is thrown into the bottom rope and whiplashes back then is chopped out. Trent ddt's him then Tate takes a hard whip into the ropes. Trent hits a hard chop for 2.

Tate fires back with some punches then stands on his knee for one. Tate then crossbodies him for 2 then Trent euros him. Trent then flips him with a rainmaker and wins it.

This was a good squash with Trent's simple offense looking brutal and Tate being a good face who worked hard to put him over.

Trent takes cheap shots on Tate after then does a figure four variation. Sam Gradwell then makes the save.

Noam Dar does a promo. He said he is a victim of his own success. He said he really is the best. He said Mark is a lucky boy and Mark says he would have won without Sha Samuels at ringside. Dar says Mark is feeling the pressure. Mark says this is his time and his kingdom.

Dar/Mark is next week as is Teoman/Carter and Stevie/Amale.

Xia Brookside and Eliza Alexander vs Sarray and Meiko Satomura

Xia kips up into a wristlock and uses the ropes to flip out of a wristlock. Xia headstands out of a headscissors then chest kicks her. Sarray and Eliza go at it and Eliza hits some forearms. Eliza pulls her down by the hair then is shotgun dropkicked. Meiko gets in and handstand double knees Eliza.

Eliza takes a double bulldog then Xia puts her knee on Sarray against the ropes. Eliza running euros Sarray in the corner then running forearms her for 2. Eliza camel clutches her. Meiko gets the hot tag in and chest kicks Eliza, then ddt's her. She hits her cartwheel knee. Meiko top rope frogsplashes Eliza.

Xia breaks up the pin and drags Eliza to tag herself in. She basement dropkicks and pounds on Meiko. Meiko high kicks her and euro's her. Eliza jumping knees Eliza then Xia neckbreakers Meiko. Sarray dropkicks Xia through the ropes then Meiko hits her shining axe kick on Xia to win it.

It was a shorter match but it was decent. The heels stuck to basic heel work and the faces got to make their comeback at the end and win.

Overall thoughts: Not a classic edition of NXT UK, but the 4 matches they had all were decent to some degree and it was good show. They also built up some stuff like Amale/Stevie, Wolf/Ilja and Gradwell/Trent.