NXT UK 10/04/2019
Backtrack to NXT UK Takeover: Blackpool, when Toni Storm won the NXT UK Women’s title and the current feud that has built with Jinny. Maybe I’m not close enough to what’s going on here but I’m not feeling this rivalry at all. Their match is the main event.
Travis Banks v Kassius Ohno
It takes a few moments for these guys to find any kind of momentum and for the crowd to warm up, even when they do, it’s very luke-warm. Ohno states he didn’t see or feel any of the locks and holds Banks administered. Too much showboating from Ohno allowing Banks time to unleash his quick feet and a Suicide Dive but Ohno asserts his authority with a high boot to the face. A brief back and forth outside the ring is very underwhelming. Ohno’s running leg drop secures him the first near fall of the match. A Powerbomb and a missed Moonsault follows to little reaction. Ohno continues to work the injured shoulder of Banks. This match is awful. It’s got no pace and no momentum and there’s little technicality being displayed. It’s all boots and forearms. Banks nurses his arm, selling a possible dislocation, finds a little pace, executes a Kiwi Crusher and another near fall. Rubix Cube from Ohno and another near fall. A series of near falls, which Ohno struggles to maneuver out of, ultimately results in Banks securing the victory.
Flashback to Piper Niven’s NXT debut two weeks ago.
Recap of Walter v Pete Dunne at NXT Takeover: New York for the NXT UK Championship.
Spoiler – Walter ended Dunne’s 685 day reign as champion!
Jordan Devlin makes his intentions clear regarding the NXT UK Championship. Given his recent form, would you agree Devlin deserves a title shot? I think so!
Killer Kelly v Piper Niven
Niven is met with a warm reception and there’s a nice show of sportsmanship between the two. Kelly quickly realizes she isn’t going to win a battle of strengths. A nice paced match, Niven showing decent athleticism and Kelly doing a great job of selling the arm locks and Irish Whip before locking in a Sleeper hold. Somersault into Kelly in the corner and a high angle Brainbuster type Driver secures Niven the victory.
Rhea Ripley comes down to the ring to break up the celebration.
Moustache Mountain interview from last week buzzing for Wrestlemania weekend.
Grizzled Young Veterans – none title challenge to any of the NXT UK tag teams. Have I mentioned how awesome Zack Gibson’s promos are?
Jack Starz v Joseph Connors
Initially I was prepared for another match which follows the format of arm locks, arm drags and high boots, but I was wrong. There’s a better pace, some athletic and high-flying reversals and these two actually work really well together. Starz sells well and Connors offence is precise and purposeful. He’s firmly in control but keeps on punishing Starz, rather than pinning him. This allows Starz some nice offence: A Dropkick and a Crossbody off the top rope but Conner’s catches him mid-air, executes the Don’t Look Down finisher and picks up the win.
Dave Mastiff vignette.
NXT UK Women’s Championship Match – Toni Storm (c) v Jinny
Jinny has really come on in the last couple of months, and there’s tangible chemistry between the two. Strom locks in a single leg Crab and then a variant of the STF. Dragon’s Screw leg toss from Jinny into an attempted Rocking Horse submission but can’t lock it in fully, Storm reverses into one of her own, showing Jinny how it’s done. Flatliner into the corner to Storm and a near fall for Jinny. She’s working hard, has excellent composure pulls out her most impressive performance to date. Vintage NXT UK move set of locks and stretches, and boots and for forearms brings a lull in the middle of the match but Strom responds with a series of three impressive German Suplex’s. A hip Attack lands nicely and the Storm Zero is blocked. A Bulldog from Jinny barely sees Storm get her foot on the ropes. The ups and downs of this match are wonderful, and I can’t decide who I want to emerge victorious. An impressive Powerbomb and a Storm Zero sequence sees Storm retain. Fabulous match! Both ladies delivering a strong and dynamic performance.
