NXT UK 27/02/2019
The final of the three shows filmed at Royal Rumble Axxess in Phoenix Arizona.
The main event advertised is Oney Lorcan & Danny Burch versus the NXT UK Tag Team Champions, The Grizzled Young Veterans.
First match up is an absolute masterclass between Tyler Bate and Gentleman Jack Gallagher. A back and forth of technical one-ups-man-ship. They are so evenly matched in terms of stature and ability, they are a joy to watch as they know just what to do to get the best out of each other. Gallagher is relentless, keeping a low center of gravity, which enhances his ground and pound style. Their process is methodical, a little flashy in places, cheeky and captivating. Initially it looked like Gallagher would upset Bate, but in the end, his slight strength advantage secured him the win.
I’m not always a fan of the low to the ground, wearing your opponent down with arm locks and chin locks but with a little sass, it really is a pleasure to watch.
Jordan Devlin and Travis Banks go at it again, this time at the UK Performance Center, which ultimately leads to the announcement they will close out next weeks show with a ‘Falls Count Anywhere’ match.
Nina Samuels is advertised for next week.
Walter v Kassius Ohno
I’m not going to lie, I cannot stand Ohno. In my opinion, he’s made some pretty questionable career choices and it’s blatantly obvious that NXT is his last-ditch attempt to make something of himself. He looks beaten and out of shape. He’s sloppy and sluggish and has this petulant air of someone with the worlds biggest chip on his shoulder. Even the commentator’s make reference to his frustration getting the better of him.
However, this match was better than I was expecting it to be. Walter barely breaks a sweat as Ohno wears himself out. Walter executes a nice looking German Suplex and running Missile Dropkick, coupled with his brute force and severe upper body strength, gave him his best showing on NXT UK to date. After Ohno misses a Moonsault, in his only note worthy move of the match, Walter capitalizes with a Drop Kick and a Power Bomb for the win.
Oney Lorcan & Danny Burch V Grizzled Young Veterans
This match has a good pace, not too quick but the nice tempo that I personally, really enjoy. Lorcan and Burch appear to have good chemistry. James Drake of the Grizzled Young Veterans has this interesting, almost old school look about him and has this very believable mean streak in him.
Some entertaining spots in this match include Drake flying over the top rope, Burch’s German Suplex and the tag champs being taken to the absolute limit. A test of endurance for both teams comes to a head when Lorcan delivers a double Blockbuster.
The action is swift, with some high-flying and some ground and pound mixed in to create a nice balance and engaging storytelling. The Grizzled Young Veterans retain after unleashing their finisher ‘Ticket to Mayhem’
NXT UK 06/03/2019
The main event tonight has been building for a long time and will see The Irish Ace, Jordan Devlin take on the Kiwi Buzzsaw, Travis Banks in a ‘Falls Count Anywhere’ match. This rivalry has been most enjoyable, which surprised me because I’m not a huge Devlin fan and knew little of Banks prior to this. They have dazzling chemistry and I’m excited and a little sad to see this story end.
Back in the UK but in front of a different crowd to the normal venue, saw a more vocal and energized audience, which gave a breath of life into the program.
Ligero v Joseph Conners
A match with a predictable but entertaining pace and the usual mix of high flying and ground and pound. Ligero is a fan favorite and appears invigorated by the more excitable crowd. Conners isn’t quite as articulate in his execution as Ligero until he lands a picture perfect Tilt-O-Whirl Backbreaker. Ligero’s springboard Stunner and Conner’s DDT were match highlights, along with a very interesting but not particularly well landed Tilt-O-Whirl Facebuster. I had to watch this spot back a few times and I’m still not convinced it was right. Ligero’s quickness allowed him to pick up a cheeky pin following a combination of pinning situations.
Could Jinny be next in line to challenge Toni Storm for the NXT UK Women’s Championship?
Gallus deliver an intense and moody promo, where the Coffey bothers challenge Walter and Pete Dunne to a match, which is later confirmed for next week.
Sam Stoker & Lewis Howley AKA Pretty Deadly v Aichner & Barthel
Aichner and Barthel are an incredible tag team and are shining stars (and rightly so) in the NXT Tag team Tournament. Part of me wondered if this would be a squash match but, as always, NXT UK is about everyone looking strong and all four guys work hard to put each other over. It’s a gift to be able to sell a move well and Howley’s hair flick as he takes a move, somehow makes every piece of offence look brutal. Aichner’s spot steals the night with an incredible vertical Suplex. A slight miscommunication as Barthel delivers a flying uppercut off the top rope almost results in the wrong man claiming the pin but it’s soon put right. Aichner and Barthel win convincingly. Can anyone stop them?
Nina Samuels v Charlie Morgan
Samuels is strong, athletic and almost graceful. Morgan has a different style and different vibe but has bags of potential. You have to look closely to notice the slight hesitation as she bounces off the ropes or when she forgets to pull a face when she’s locked in a hold. The only move of note was the Neckbreaker from Samuels which she delivered to pick up the victory. This match needed longer for these ladies to fully exhibit what they can do.
Jordan Devlin v Travis Banks – Falls Count Anywhere
This match is a serious contender for Match of the Month. I knew it would be good but this surpassed all my expectations. The crowd are on their feet the entire match. From Banks’ Splash from 15ft in the air to Devlin’s Spanish Fly off the apron planting them both through a table, this match delivers in every way. They use the ring, the arena, the crowd. They bring in a chair and a table. They are up and down the ropes and the barricades. The ‘oh my god’ moment where Devlin kicks out of the Kiwi Crusher. The ref getting knocked down, technically losing Banks the match. Bank’s Slice of Heaven almost taking Devlin’s head off and a picture perfect Superplex. This match has everything. There really aren’t words to tell you how good it is. Please, just go and watch it and thank me later. These guys demonstrate the absolute best of the light-heavyweights in NXT UK. Take a bow boys, take a bow!
