NXT UK: Episode 31
20/02/2019
Filmed in Phoenix, Arizona as part of Royal Rumble Axxess
On this edition of NXT UK, Rhea Ripley challenges Toni Storm for the NXT UK Women’s Championship.
These two have told a brilliant story over the last few weeks and I feel incredibly invested in this feud. I see no reason why they can’t keep this going for the foreseeable future and incorporate others into this storyline. I can’t wait to see this match later in the show.
Mark Andrews & Flash Morgan Webster vs Joe & Mark Coffey
They Coffey brothers are notably larger than Andrews and Webster and waste little time throwing them around, asserting their dominance. Andrews uses his quickness and agility to up the pace, which quickly turns the tables in the early going, until he’s planted with a massive Uppercut. Frequent tags from the Coffey brothers keep them fresh but they compete with such intensity, it’s not long before they start to tire. Joe Coffey has a nice double arm Suplex in his move set. Webster is such great fun to watch, bouncing off the ropes in every direction and hanging off the post to deliver a Hurrincarana. Andrews and Webster work well together and watching them somersault in tandem over the tope rope is aerial combat at its best. A Stundog Millionaire from Andrews is slightly mis-timed, and he ends up laid out on the edge of the ring. Eventually the power game wins and the Coffey brothers and their incredible physical presence take down Webster for the win.
Jordan Devlin cuts a promo about Travis Banks
Kay Lee Ray is coming!
Trent Seven vs Shane Thorn
I googled Trent Seven as this match started because I cannot for the life of me figure out how old he is. Not that it really matters but I was curious. He’s 37 in case you were wondering.
This match is slow going until Thorn quickens things up and they start using all the ring rather than staying glued to the middle in a headlock. Once they spread out a little, nothing else really happens either. Thorn, although has the ability to use his quickness, shies away from doing so and tries to match the more ‘ground and pound’ style of Seven, which doesn’t do a great deal for the entertainment value of this match. Thankfully, Seven lands a nice double arm, under hooked Suplex and a scoop slam before locking in the Figure 4 leg lock, which livens things up. A beautiful Superplex off the top rope scores Seven a near fall but it’s then back to an exchange of blows. Seven ultimately picks up the win after a number of underwhelming attempts to land his Clothesline finisher.
Jack Gallagher teases a return to NXT UK.
Joseph Connors cuts a promo about Ligero.
Grizzled Young Veterans (Zack Gibson and James Drake) take to the ring. Gibson does cut a good promo. There are some folks on the main rosters who could learn a lot from him. Danny Birch and Oney Lorchan come out to confront GYV, saying they don’t want to wait until next week for their match, but it looks like they’re going to have to as Gibson and Drake scarper.
Tyler Bate v Jack Gallagher confirmed for next week.
Walter v Kassius Ohno confirmed for next week
Grizzled Young Veterans will defend the NXT UK Tag Team Championships next week against Danny Birch and Oney Lorchan.
NXT UK Women’s Championship Match: Toni Storm (c) vs Rhea Ripley
Ripley has decent heat and owns her character well, pouncing on Storm before the bell has even rung. The match is captivating. They know each other well and work fluidly together, helping each other look strong but remaining true to their personas. Storm sells well. The way she flicks her long blonde hair around, makes Ripley’s moves look every more intense. There are moments of this match which look almost messy and frantic, but it takes nothing away from the momentum of the match as it shows their desire to put on a great show. Ripley is one of the strongest female heels across all WWE brands. Storm’s German Suplex lands well and she starts to build momentum as the crowd get behind her. She’s soon derailed with two vicious Clotheslines from Ripley, but the odds turn in her favor again with a beautiful Back Stabber. Ripley lands a Superplex and scores the longest two count in history as her frustration builds. Storm capitalizes on Ripley’s frustration, allowing her to land her Storm Zero finisher, picking up the win. Storm retains but a really strong showing from both of these ladies.
