WWE NXT UK
Episode 35
#NXTUK
Original Air Date: March 20, 2019
Event Date: February 22, 2019 (1-3), February 23, 2019 (4)
(available on the WWE Network)
City: Coventry, England, UK
Venue: Coventry Skydome
Commentary: Vic Joseph, Nigel McGuinness
Ring Announcer: Andy Shepherd
Intro Video
“Dusted” by Astroid Boys
Ring Area
In the ring, Johnny Saint and Sid Scala have an announcement. Scala says that Pete Dunne will defend his UK Title during Wrestlemania weekend at Takeover: New York. But who will be his opponent? Pete Dunne heads to the ring.
Dunne enter the ring and says, “give me Walter.” Dunne then leaves the ring and heads backstage.
Backstage
Toni Storm laughs about Jinny saying she is coming for the NXT UK Women’s Title. Storm says she and Jinny both love gold, but Storm knows how to be a champ. The only gold that Jinny can get is the gold “mommy and daddy” buy for her.
As Storm leaves, Rhea Ripley walks up. Ripley says she’s heard what Xia Brookside said about her. If Brookside wants to challenge her again, Ripley will put her down again.
Match 1
Eddie Dennis vs Ligero
(referee: )
Result: Eddie Dennis wins via pinfall after the Next Stop Driver
Time: 9:06
Match Thoughts
This was okay. It was rather slow and methodical. In other words, it was an Eddie Dennis match. It was fine for Dennis, but it wasn’t a great match for fans of Ligero. They’re trying to build Dennis back up after losing multiple times to Dave Mastiff. I wish they would just focus on Mastiff instead though.
Video
Earlier this week at the UK Performance Center, Amir Jordan suggested to Kenny Williams that he go ask for a tag title match. Williams told Jordan that he’s always asking him to do things like dance and ask for title shots, so why doesn’t Jordan do something for Williams? How about Jordan train with Williams and try to do a pull-up?
In a montage, Jordan trains and eventually does a pull-up. Williams says hard work like that will get them a title shot. Jordan asks if Williams will dance with him now. Williams walks away.
Match 2
Sam Stoker & Lewis Howley vs The Hunt
(referee: DA Brewer)
Result: Primate pins Lewis Howley after an assisted pop-up belly to back suplex
Time: 2:38
Match Thoughts
This was a fun squash. The Hunt might turn into one of my favorite fun teams.
Match 3
Ashton Smith vs Kassius Ohno
(referee: DA Brewer)
Result: Kassius Ohno wins via pinfall after a ripcord elbow to the back of the head
Time: 4:17
Match Thoughts
Good match. This was kind of a squash for Ohno, but Smith did get a little offense in the middle of the match. Smith showed his heart, but Ohno reminded everyone just how dangerous he can be.
Ring Area
After the match, Ohno checks on Smith. Ohno helps smith to his feet and holds out his fist for a bump. Smith hesitates, and Ohno smashes Smith with a rolling elbow.
Travis Banks comes out and passes Ohno in the aisle on the way to the ring. Banks checks on Smith. Ohno takes some steps towards the ring, but Banks notices and steps up at the ropes. Ohno smiles and backs off. Ohno leaves as Banks continues to check on Smith.
Video
Joe Coffey talks to his Gallus stablemates as they have a drink. Joe talks about some of the victories they’ve had in the past few months. He says they need to continue to establish their dominance in the NXT UK brand.
Match 4
Tyler Bate vs James Drake (NXT UK Tag Champ)
(referee: Drake Wuertz)
Result: Tyler Bate wins via pinfall after a diving corkscrew senton
Time: 10:58
Match Thoughts
Good match. Both men showed some impressive strength and agility. I’m not sure if this match means much in the long-term, but it could have some implications for a possible tag title match or Moustache Mountain. Regardless, this was a good main event on an entertaining episode.
Backstage
In a bit of of breaking news, Saint and Scala announce that it has been made official that Walter will challenge Pete Dunne for the NXT UK Title at Takeover: New York.
Show Impressions
This was an episode that set a lot of groundwork for possible upcoming matches and feuds. Plus, the matches (except for half of the opener) were all fun in their own ways.
Match of the Night
Bate vs Drake
Bate always delivers a great match, and Drake seems like he’s somewhat underrated because he’s so quiet (or maybe it’s because Gibson is always so loud).
Official Results: https://www.wwe.com/shows/nxtuk/2019-3-20