WWE UK

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WWE UK EPISODE #136 | 15/06/20 Trigger Mortis BT Sports Studio | London, England Backstage Correspondents ~ Joanna Rose and Simon Miller Commentary Team ~ John Gooden and Wade Barrett Ring Announcer ~ Andy Shepherd​

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DARK MATCH: XYON QUINN VS. RICKY KNIGHT JR Before the show would officially begin we'd be treated to a match between two performance center standouts as Xyon Quinn battled Ricky Knight Jr. This would be a hard hitting clash between these two standouts with RKJ landing some nasty chops and palm strikes on his opponent. The intense Quinn meanwhile responded with some vicious clotheslines and headbutts on his opponent. Turning from a contest into a war of hard hitting attrition, we'd see both men reeling at points thanks to some of the hard blows traded. This all culminated with Ricky Knight Jr picking up the huge victory after planting Quinn with a Death Valley Driver. Winner: Ricky Knight Jr​

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Once again it is the song of Dear Life by Chasing Cadence which plays in the background as the latest edition of WWE UK opens from inside the BT Studio in London, England. With a small crowd in attendance we first begin with a recap of the previous weeks show. Focusing on some of the key moments of the previous week, this would begin with Session Moth's Beer Garden and the confrontation between Toni Storm and Xia Brookside. The video then shifts to another destructive Gunther performance before closing with Zack Gibson injuring his former partner James Drake. With that the cameras take us to John Gooden and Wade Barrett on commentary. While these two in the past have had some issues getting on the same page, it seems like gradually the pair was beginning to find some cohesion as they sent us to the ring. ​

As always starting out the proceedings is the tune that is Everytime we Touch by Cascada. With the lights in the building switching on and off with some flashing colored LED lights circling the ring. As this is going on to kick off the latest installment of Session Moth's Beer Garden, we see in the center of the ring Session Moth Martina is having the time of her life chugging a can of beer while having a dance party. With the crowd in attendance whooping along, Martina takes her dance party out of the ring and around the ringside area where she dances with some of the fans in attendance. Martina also tries to take this dance party to the commentary table and while John Gooden is willing to follow, Wade Barrett very much is not as inclined to be apart of the festivities. Returning to the ring in an effort to get her breath back Martina introduces herself and the latest installment of Session Moth's Beer Garden. Calling this show chaos at it's most fun and a show people are fighting to be on. Martina says that people are even going as far as to risk their careers to be on it like Toni Storm and Xia Brookside in tonight's main event. However for tonight's show she has a guest who she knows many wouldn't argue or fight with to be on it, as she introduces "The Guvnor" Anthony Ogogo! Making his way down to the ring, "The Guvnor" of WWE UK is all smiles as he shakes hands and high fives several fans at ringside. Once he's in the ring Anthony shakes hands with Martina before he accepts a beer from the cooler in the center of the ring. Taking a seat on one of the benches, Anthony thanks Martina for letting him be a guest on her show. Saying that he is here tonight to speak about the UK Brand and his plans and designs for it as the Guvnor. Saying that after all the in fighting and uncertainty which the brand had suffered, he is here to bring an order and discipline to things. This is why first things first, next week he is calling for a meeting with Maria Kanellis and Mike Kanellis to discuss exactly what has been going on with the Throne and their attacks as of late. Citing that as the behavior he will not stand for, Anthony Ogogo calls that a discussion for another time as true to the vibe of this show. He is here to have a good time which is why he wants to give a little exclusive about the UK Rumbles. With the first rumble three weeks away Ogogo reveals that Rumble will be the Men's match while the week which follows will of course be the women's rumble. Quickly Martina asks if she can be in the UK women's rumble but before Anthony can answer she starts laughing and says she's joking. Instead she asks if she can be on commentary for that rumble which Ogogo looks over at a bemused Barrett before smiling and saying of course. From here Anthony says he is aware that this week's show may not necessarily be following the format of the others since he has taken over. As there is no title match tonight and instead all he has done is asked both the WWE UK Women's champion and the WWE UK Champion to meet with him tonight. Stating that this was by design, Anthony Ogogo says that he hopes Session Moth doesn't mind but he's chosen to provide her show with an extra exclusive. Moth seems excited by this news as she tells Anthony that the floor is his while she sits back and cracks open another beer. As she does so, Anthony Ogogo says with this time he'd like to personally invite the WWE UK Women's Champion Jinny to come out! The crowd boos as the theme song for the women's champion plays and soon Jinny walks out from the back. True to form however Jinny has not come alone as she is of course flanked by both Nina Samuels and Lana Austin. As she enters the ring, Jinny does not appear to be thrilled to be here or on Session Moth's show. Refusing any offer for a drink as she says that she doesn't associate herself with the common people. Jinny comes face to face with Anthony Ogogo, as he has been with every champion on his brand. Ogog is honest in his assessment of Jinny. Stating that while she will never win a popularity contest among the fans or wrestlers of WWE UK. There is no doubt that there is no a competitor on this brand willing to go to the lengths that Jinny will in order to be victorious. While he cannot always condone Jinny's actions, he respects the viciousness that she gives to those who oppose her. It reminds him of the lack of mercy he offered opponents in the ring. So now like every other champion Anthony has met, he'd like to see that viciousness and merciless behavior first hand next week. As Jinny watches on Anthony says just like he has with all the other champions, he is offering Jinny the floor as a courtesy to select who she will be wrestling next week. Stepping forward with a confident smirk on her face, Jinny says she has to give Anthony credit as it seems that he has maintained some intellect following years of getting his brains beat out to recognize her greatness. Saying that the world had best get used to Jinny being a champion for a long, long time she says that she doesn't care about the UK Rumble as she already knows that one of the women by her side will be victorious. However she is willing to let one of them jump the queue so to speak and step up and challenge her next week. As Jinny turns with a smirk to her team, she is quickly cut off by Anthony Ogogo. Ogogo says while he respects what Jinny is trying to do, he will not allow her to make a mockery of him wanting to put credibility back into the brand and it's champions. This is why being aware that Jinny might try and pull something on this line he a countermeasure in place. So with that in mind he'd like to introduce Jinny's opponent for next week Sadie Gibbs! The crowd explode into cheers as Sadie Gibbs walks out from the back. A livid Jinny in the ring orders her cohorts to get her but as they charge up the ramp Sadie crushes them with a double clothesline. Gibbs then rushes down to the ring, quickly Jinny tries to hit her with her title belt but Gibbs ducks under. From here Gibbs tries to press the women's champion over her head but Jinny manages to drop behind Sadie before making a swift exit from the ring. While Jinny backs up the ramp and with her cohorts, in the ring Sadie Gibbs poses and motions that she is coming for Jinny's title. After doing this she shakes hands with Anthony Ogogo before leaving the ring and heading to the back herself. Drinking all the way through this Martina loudly declares that the Beer Garden is the place to be for WWE UK exclusives and Ogogo follows that up by saying he has one more bit of business to conduct and he invites the WWE UK Champion Finn Balor to the ring! The WWE UK Champion walks down to the ring to a loud cheer from the crowd and on entering the ring he accepts a beer from Martina before shaking hands with the Guvnor. Ogogo is quick to praise Finn Balor for everything he has done in his career and since joining the WWE UK Brand. Proudly proclaiming Finn Balor a legend and someone who the brand is proud to call it's champion. Anthony Ogogo says that what Finn Balor has done for WWE UK both in front of the camera and behind the scenes cannot be understated and he wants to be the first to thank Finn for what he has done while also saying that he hopes to continue to see big things from Finn Balor and the UK Brand as a united front. Balor nods his head out of appreciation for what Ogogo is saying before he stops Anthony from saying anymore. Saying that he is aware of what Ogogo is about to say next to him, that he is aware Anthony will be wanting to defend his title soon. So he says he has already made a decision on who and he just needs to know when. With an impressed look in his eyes and a smile on his face, Anthony Ogogo says he likes dealing with someone like Finn Balor. A true straight shooter with whom he has no need to read between the lines. Which is why in return he can be equally as transparent. Revealing that in Balor's case his title match will be in two weeks time, Ogogo then says he will happily give Finn Balor the floor to announce his challenger. With that Anthony takes a seat next to Martina as the pair each open a beer and toast one another. With the microphone in hand Balor says that Anthony made a valid point earlier that the UK Brand has been through a lot. That the superstars of this brand all deserve better than what has been seen as the status quo for months. This is why Finn Balor isn't going to be a champion who cherry picks his defenses and takes an easy out. Instead what Finn Balor is going to do is offer an open door policy for his title. If someone is in the back and they think they deserve their shot than now is the time to come and get it! To the absolute shock, horror and revulsion of the crowd in attendance Spike Trivet walks out from the back and the boos from the crowd immediately rain down upon him. The Vulture and self proclaimed Sovereign Lord of WWE UK has a smug smirk on his face as he walks down to the ring. Standing in the ring Finn Balor doesn't seem impressed in the slightest as Spike Trivet enters the ring before offering Balor a handshake. Balor shakes his head in response which causes Trivet to smirk before he pulls Finn's microphone from his hand. While holding the microphone up in his left hand, Trivet points to the watch on his wrist and declares tick, tock, tick, tock. Saying that every lord and ruler has a crown, he now knows that the crown meant for him is currently sat around the waist of a pretend Prince. Balor in response to this slaps the microphone out of Trivet's hand and gets in his face saying there is one thing that Trivet will soon learn that is who the real pretender is here. With a smile on his face Trivet backs up to the ropes and leaves the ring while Balor holds his title in the air as the show comes to a close.​

MATCH #1: TEGAN NOX VS. HYAN Kicking off the night's event in the ring would be a singles clash in the women's division as Tegan Nox battled Hyan. This bout would begin with a show of respect as both women shook hands with one another before getting things underway. This would be an entertaining, hard hitting, back and forth clash to open the night's event as Hyan looked to prove she could hang in there with a top contender and former champion. To her credit Hyan would hang in there with Tegan until a chokeslam proved to be the difference maker as Nox followed with a Shining Wizard to pick up a hard fought victory. Andy Shepherd: And the winner of the match Tegan Nox! The crowd cheers as the announcement is made and Tegan Nox gets to her feet in the ring. While Tegan Nox celebrates her hard fought victory, a dejected Hyan begins to sit up in the corner. Cutting her celebration short Nox walks over to Hyan and offers her a hand to help Hyan to her feet. Instead of accepting the offer however Hyan kicks Nox's hand away before pulling herself to her feet. The crowd begins a light series of boos while Hyan stares at Nox, after a moment Hyan then offers a handshake to Nox before nodding her head. Nox in return shakes Hyan's hand who is then quick to leave the ring. ​

~ No Remorse ~ The cameras then take us to the hallway where Zack Gibson is standing by. Having beaten and injured his former friend and tag team partner James Drake the week previous. Zack Gibson as we'd learn had personally requested this time to speak. Offering no sympathy or apology for what he's done the last few weeks or the injuries his former partner suffered at his hands. Zack Gibson says that all he has done is show the world who the real Grizzled Young Veteran is. Saying that he is sick and tired of being associated with losers and having anchors around his neck. Zack Gibson says that last week was just the beginning of him showing the world exactly what they can expect from Zack Gibson! ​

~ Unexpected offer ~ Following their respective teams having a confrontation last week. An invitation was offered by Ludwig Kaiser to sit down and meet with A-Kid. Taking place in a fancy bar setting, we'd see Ludwig Kaiser holding a glass of red wine in front of him when A-Kid walks into the bar. A-Kid seems taken aback by the setting as he sits down next to Ludwig Kaiser. Refusing to join him for a drink, A-Kid wants to know why Ludwig called him here. With a smile on his face Kaiser says he appreciates the forthcomingness of A-Kid. Calling last week a chaotic display which in his words wasn't a great representation for either team. Kaiser says that all this in fighting between Team White Wolf and the Foreign Legion, is beneath them. Instead he wants A-Kid to know that he has impressed him and wants him to consider them two being friends. As A-Kid weighs up this offer, the cameras fade out. ​

~ The arrivals ~ Ahead of the next match of the night the camera takes us to the office of "The Guvnor" Anthony Ogogo. Ogogo is all smiles as he continues to promote both the men's and women's Rumbles. Saying that he is very happy so far with the talent set to participate both those apart of the roster and those special guests coming in. Anthony says that he is continuing to scout and negotiate with talents to fill the remaining spaces. In the meantime however similar to tonight's show, there will be a preview of some of the new exciting talents who will be participating in the UK Rumble. This is why Ogogo is proud to confirm that next week Alex Gracia, AQA, Rachel Ellering, Bryan Keith and Charlie Dempsey will all be competing in matches as part of the UK brand. ​

MATCH #2: ALEAH JAMES VS. ELIZA ALEXANDER The second bout of the evening was a proving ground match between WWE UK performance center standouts. In one corner would be the brash and out spoken Eliza Alexander while opposing her would be the rising young athlete Aleah James. This would be a back and forth clash with Aleah James flying all over the ring and showing her athleticism. Alexander meanwhile countered this with some hard striking but often took her eyes off the prize as she'd jaw back and forth with the crowd. Following a short back and forth bout Aleah James tried to roll up Alexander, only for Alexander to steal the fall using the ropes for support. Andy Shepherd: And the winner of the match Eliza Alexander! The crowd boos as Eliza Alexander rolls out of the ring. While a smug Alexander quickly darts up the ramp and makes her way backstage we see in the ring a distraught Aleah James begin to take a knee.​

~ Reunited ~ From here the cameras take us backstage to the hallway as we see Ilja Dragunov and Mark Andrews come face to face. The last time this pair were together they were of course the final men standing following the War of the Roses tag team match. The pair are all business as they discuss the ongoing issues they've had with the throne. Agreeing to stand together once more to take the Throne down once and for all. The duo are soon joined by Adam Brooks who makes it clear that he has fought against the Throne as much as anyone and if they are going to take a stand, then he is in!​

~ Secrets Shared ~ Post show footage is then played from the previous week's show. Filmed from inside the medic's office, we see Doug Williams getting checked over following his bout with Kassius Ohno. Watching this on from the corner in silence is Gabriel Kidd. Recognizing Kidd's frustration, Doug tells him to spit it out. In response Kidd says that Williams shouldn't have took that match and now he's injured from it. Williams says that he'd rather be injured then left with the question of what if. Saying to Kidd he hopes with training that he will recognize this. It is then Doug tells Kidd to be prepared for the UK rumble coming up as that should be his sole focus. ​

~ Black Swan ~ Cara Noir is coming soon!​

MATCH #3: SHIGEHIRO IRIE VS. DAMIEN CORVIN The third bout of the night would be a clash of Heavyweights as Shigehiro Irie took on UK Performance Center standout Damien Corvin. This would be a hard hitting battle of wills as the pair of Heavyweights hit one another with the best shots they had to offer. Corvin very much was full of aggression and intensity as he looked to take the fight to his opponent. However Irie more than lived up to his impressive reputation as he hit Corvin with a brutal combination beginning with a death valley driver into the corner followed by a cannonball senton. Not long after this Irie clobbered Corvin with a Beast Bomber for the win. Andy Shepherd: And the winner of the match Shigehiro Irie! The crowd cheers as the announcement is made and Shigehiro Irie rises to his feet in the ring. While Irie has his arm raised in victory, he soon finds himself joined in the ring by Eddie Dennis. Holding out a business card, Eddie Dennis looks to recruit Irie to his cause. Unfortunately for Dennis, his recruitment attempt backfires as Irie lays him out with a lariat in the ring. ​

~ Next Addition ~ The cameras then cut to the hallway of the arena where Ridge Holland is standing by. The enforcer for Spike Trivet, Ridge Holland says that with his employer set to become the next WWE UK Champion. It is time for Ridge Holland to carry out the next step of his bosses' orders and follow through on the command of his Sovereign Lord. This is why Ridhe Holland is going to be entering and winning the WWE UK Rumble. It is then that Holland follows by stating that the Sovereign Lord has made it clear that should any wise individual in the rumble find the intelligence to help Holland complete his mission. That they would be richly compensated for their efforts! ​

~ Declarations ~ From here the cameras direct us to the locker room where Aussie Open are standing by with Simon Miller. The tag team champions are believed to have personally requested this TV time to discuss what is next for them with WWE UK. The pair say that they have so far cleaned out the WWE UK Tag Team Division. This is why they are taking a little step out of the division to compete in the UK Rumble. Asked about what they are looking to past the UK Rumble, the Tag Team Champions confidently brand themselves as the best team in the world and they will continue to prove that fact. ​

~ Dimensional~ "The Fourth Dimensional" Stevie Turner will compete in the UK Rumble!​

MATCH #4: NATHAN CRUZ W/KATHERINE DARCY VS. SUGE D The fourth bout of the night would be a bit of a grudge match as veterans Nathan Cruz and Suge D did battle. This bout of course came about following a confrontation the pair had the week previous. True to what we have come to expect from Nathan Cruz, a lot of this bout would be spent between the ring and Nathan Cruz looking to keep watch on his girlfriend Katherine Darcy. This all culminated with an argument breaking out between Cruz and Darcy which saw Darcy storming to the back. This distraction allowed Suge D to connect with Air Dunkerton on Cruz for the upset win! Andy Shepherd: And the winner of the match Suge D! The crowd cheers as the announcement is made and Suge D climbs to his feet. While Suge D celebrates his victory, a stunned Nathan Cruz rolls out of the ring in an effort to recoup. ​

~ Curiosity ~ The cameras then play footage from earlier in the show and it focuses on Rampage Brown making his arrival to the building. Brown is surprised to find Ashton Smith waiting for him. These former friends as well as former foes seem to be at least for now quite civil with one another. Ashton is quick to ask Rampage Brown why he confronted Gunther the week previous. In response to this Rampage Brown says that he has long sought to be the top heavyweight in the UK and he sees Gunther as true competition that he has not had to face before. With that Brown closes this segment by saying he is here for Gunther. ​

~ Choices ~ Having stormed backstage following her earlier confrontation Katherine Darcy looks to be making her exit from the building when she bumps into Angelico. While at first Angelico is sincere as he checks to see if Darcy is ok. The pair soon get a little more flirtative as Angelico asks Darcy why she is even with someone like Cruz. Darcy doesn't answer as Angelico calls Nathan a loser and tells her she can do better than being with a loser. It is then that Angelico gives Darcy his number and tells her to give him a call if she'd like to be with a winner. ​

MATCH #5: SANTANA GARETT VS. MILLIE MCKENZIE The next bout of the night would be a bit of a grudge match in it's own right as the veteran Santana Garrett battled British Strong Style's Millie McKenzie. Looking to prove she can hang with the WWE UK talent, Santana Garrett entered in a spirited showing against the dangerous Millie McKenzie. Unfortunately for Santana it wouldn't take long for Millie to begin landing a series of nasty high angle suplexes. With Garrett stunned from these pounding suplexes, Millie wasted little time putting her away with a Whiplash neckbreaker. Andy Shepherd: And the winner of the match Millie McKenzie! The crowd boos as the announcement is made and Millie McKenzie climbs to her feet. While Millie has her arm raised in victory, a disappointed Santana Garrett falls out of the ring and to the floor.​

~ Strong Strategy ~ From here the cameras take us back to the locker room area where Millie's cohorts Trent Seven and Tyler Bate are watching on proudly. With Seven proclaiming Millie the winner of the UK Women's Rumble, talk soon turns to the Men's UK rumble. Focusing firstly on Pete Dunne, Tyler and Trent make it clear that he is a problem and one that they will set about eradicating. After that they will clear the field and make sure that the winner of the WWE UK Men's Rumble is fully on board as a representative of British Strong Style!​

~ Influenced ~ A post show promo from last week is then played and it focuses on the tag team of Australia's Hottest Commodities. The pair of Indi Hartwell and Persia Pirotta are full of bluster as they take numerous selfies and videos of themselves during this promo. Calling Kai and Niven deluded for thinking they could beat someone of their high level status. Indi Hartwell and Persia Pirotta make it clear that they aren't clout chasers, they are the real deal and that will be on display when one of them becomes the winner of the UK Women's Rumble! ​

~ The Total Diva ~ "The Total Diva" Jessi Kamea debuts at UK Rumble​

MATCH #6: KAY LEE RAY VS. JAYDE W/TEOMAN AND ISLA DAWN A women's match would be the next port of call for the evening as Kay Lee Ray battled Jayde. With Isla Dawn and Teoman watching on from ringside we'd see the usually more technical Jayde instead be uncharacteristically aggressive in the early going. Unfortunately for Jayde she'd play right into Kay Lee Ray's game with Kay Lee Ray rocking her with a big superkick. From this Kick to the jaw we'd see that it didn't take long for Kay Lee Ray to then put her opponent away with a gory bomb. Andy Shepherd: And the winner of the match Kay Lee Ray! The crowd cheers as the announcement is made and Kay Lee Ray climbs to her feet. While Kay Lee Ray stands tall in the ring she soon comes face to face with Isla Dawn. Having ordered Teoman to stay at ringside, the pair stare down in the ring before Kay Lee Ray leaves. From here Isla Dawn turns to Jayde and has a look of anger on her face. Screaming at her that she is disappointed Dawn follows by pulling Jayde to her feet. From here Dawn says that she will handle things on her terms. ​

"The Russian Crush" Natalia Markova will compete in the UK Rumble! Man Like Deriess will compete in the UK Rumble! ​

~ Rematch ~ Ahead of the main event, the cameras take us to the hallway where a confrontation is being intercepted by security. Standing across one another in the hallway are both Kid Lykos and Nathan Frazier who seem to have unfinished business from the week previous. Rushing onto the scene is Anthony Ogogo who again makes it clear that he will not tolerate behavior like this as long as he is the Guvnor of this brand. This is why next week if these two are so keen to get back at one another, then they can have their rematch in the ring! But as for tonight, he orders security to kick this pair out of the building.​

MAIN EVENT: TONI STORM VS. XIA BROOKSIDE Finally in the main event of the evening it would be a loser leaves the UK Brand clash between Toni Storm and Xia Brookside. With all the bad blood going into this match not too mention the high stakes. This would be a hard hitting, physical clash between both women. This would be a back and forth battle of wills with numerous near falls and narrow escapes. Storm for her part despite showing a willingness to bend the rules very much looked like the Toni Storm of old at points during the contest. After hitting Brookside with a Storm Zero it appeared that Toni had the bout won only for Xia to kick out just before the three. Looking to end things once and for all, Storm climbed the turnbuckle and attempted to pull Xia up with her only for Xia to counter with a Brookside Bomb! The crowd are on their feet as a winded Toni stumbles to her feet only to be met with a code breaker. Storm is staggering but refusing to go down until Brookside follows with the Broken Wings. Storm collapses on the mat and Brookside makes the cover. 1...2...3 Andy Shepherd: And the winner of the match Xia Brookside! The crowd explode into cheers as the announcement is made and Xia Brookside climbs to her feet. Having her hand raised in victory, Xia Brookside is overcome with emotion having picked up this big victory. Slowly while Xia's celebration continues, we see Toni Storm begin to come to with the realization of her defeat sinking in. Shaking her head as she pulls herself to her feet, Toni Storm slowly walks to Xia Brookside in the center of the ring. Standing across from Xia, Toni nods her head with a feint, weak smile before she snatches Brookside in a hug. The pair embrace in the ring much to the delight of the audience in attendance before the show comes to a close with Toni Storm standing tall in the UK ring for the last time. ​

(c)WORLDWRESTLINGENTERTAINMENT​

 

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WWE UK NEWSWIRE​

Departure confirmed​

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It has been confirmed today that following this past week's edition of WWE UK that Toni Storm has officially finished up her tenure with the WWE UK Brand. This is seen as shocking to many with Storm of course being one of the true originals of the WWE UK Women's division. It is believed in similar fashion to some other recent departures from the brand such as Dakota Kai, Piper Niven, Emma and Deonna Purrazo that Storm very much had earned rave reviews for her work and is due an immediate call up. Plans are said to be in motion for Toni Storm to head to the main roster on it's Monday Night Raw brand but in the meantime Storm like Dakota Kai and Emma will be helping establish the NXT Australia Women's Division! ​

WWE UK RUMBLE PARTICIPANTS UPDATE​

MEN'S UK RUMBLE​	WOMEN'S UK RUMBLE​
1. Angelico	1. Raquel Lourenco
2. Michael Oku	2. Aleah James
3. Suge D	3. Kanji
4. Nathan Frazier	4. Candy Floss
5. Ludwig Kaiser	5. Laura Di Matteo
6. Clement Petiot	6. Hyan
7. Tyler Bate	7. Santana Garrett
8. Trent Seven	8. Eliza Alexander
9. A-Kid	9. Amale
10. Carlos Romo	10. Mariah May
11. Asher Hale	11. Nina Samuels
12. JD Drake	12. Lana Austin
13. Kid Lykos	13. Millie McKenzie
14. Gabriel Kidd	14. Amber Nova
15. Pete Dunne	15. Xia Brookside
16. Shigehiro Irie	16. AQA
17. Bryan Keith	17. Alex Gracia
18. Charlie Dempsey	18. Rachel Ellering
19. Mark Davis	19. Indi Hartwell
20. Kyle Fletcher	20. Persia Pirotta
21. Ridge Holland	21. Stevie Turner
22. Man Like Dereiss	22. Jessie Kamea
23. Ashton Smith	23. Natalia Markova

 

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WWE UK NEXT SHOW PREVIEW​

WWE UK WOMEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH JINNY (C) VS. SADIE GIBBS The WWE UK Women's championship will be on line this coming week as we learned in the latest installment of Session Moth's Beer Garden. Continuing Ogogo's decree of every champion defending their title since becoming the WWE UK's Guvnor. Time fell on Jinny to make her selection for her opponent. True to form Jinny tried to manipulate her choice by selecting one of her house of couture stablemates. Unfortunately for her this would backfire with an unimpressed Anthony Ogogo. Instead Ogogo would select Jinny's opponent to be the undefeated and undeniable "Super prospect". Currently standing as 9-0 since her arrival to the WWE UK Brand, Sadie Gibbs has yet to be defeated in the brand. Will she be our next women's champion or will Jinny be the first to defeat the Super Prospect? ​

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH GUNTHER (C) VS. RAMPAGE BROWN The European Championship is also up for grabs on this week's show as Gunther makes his third title defense. This time around however he will not take on a technician and veteran like Shelton Benjamin or an unorthodox, sadist like Joseph Conners. Instead Gunther will be stepping in the ring with a no nonsense, hard nosed brawler like himself to an extent as he battles Rampage Brown. This bout is said to have come about following a face off the pair had 2 weeks ago and a meeting Rampage had with Anthony Ogogo at the culmination of this weeks show. Will Rampage Brown be able to dethrone the Ring General? ​

GRUDGE MATCH CARLOS ROMO VS. CLEMENT PETIOT Two teams who have been at one another's throats as of late are Team White Wolf and The Foreign Legion. Two rising teams who as personalities couldn't be more different. It does seem however that the clash in personalities only is going so far in the teams however. As it seems like Ludwig Kaiser has for reasons unknown been trying to befriend A-Kid. While these two may be civil, the same could not be said for their tag team partners. With Petiot and Romo both known for being the more hot headed it is no surprise that they have wound up on this collision course. Who will be victorious in this singles clash?​

PROVING GOUND ALEX GRACIA VS. AQA VS. RACHEL ELLERING Triple threat action will also be on the cards as three women recently confirmed to be appearing in the UK Rumble will make their WWE UK debuts. In one corner is the second generation, hard hitting Rachel Ellering who will look to very much honor her family history of success in the wrestling business. While opposing her is the rising, young prospect mentored by WWE hall of famer Booker T himself, AQA. Rounding out this trio is the vain, pink dream Alex Gracia which makes this contest quite the interesting combination of personalities and in ring skill sets. Which prospect will pick up their first win? ​

NON TITLE KASSIUS OHNO VS. CHARLIE DEMPSEY Curiously the WWE UK Commonwealth Champion Kassius Ohno will also be in action in a bout he is believed to have personally requested. Stepping in the ring against the wrestling purist will be none other than WWE UK Performance center standout Charlie Dempsey. The reason for this request is due to Dempsey's father William Regal being one of Ohno's mentors in the business and trainers. Now it seems that Kassius is looking to perhaps pass on that tradition by being Charlie Dempsey's first opponent in a WWE UK ring. How will Dempsey fare against the commonwealth champion in his debut? ​

THE BOUNTY HUNTER DEBUTS GABRIEL KIDD VS. BRYAN KEITH This week's show will also feature the WWE UK in ring debut of Bryan Keith. The bounty Hunter is a standout of WWE UK partner ROW and is set to compete in the upcoming UK rumble match. Before that, the talented Booker T trained prospect will step into the ring for singles action. Standing against Bryan Keith in this bout will be a young, rising WWE UK prospect Gabriel Kidd. Similar to Keith, Kidd has a respected mentor also in veteran Doug Williams. The difference being that for Kidd, this training is just as much as case of keeping his emotions in check. Can Kidd keep his head on straight against the Bounty Hunter? ​

TAG TEAM ACTION ASHER HALE AND JD DRAKE VS. BRIXIA BONE BREAKERS Lastly on the card we know that tag team action is set for the night as the recently debuted team of Asher Hale and JD Drake aka the Workhorsemen will be in action. This veteran pairing are set to take on a rising European tag team by the name of the Brixia Bone Breakers. The pair of Mirko Mori and Nico Inveradi very much are similar in their styles to their opponents with Mori being quite the brawler while Nico makes up for this substance with a lot more technical and high flying action. Will The Brixia Bone Breakers be able to upset Hale and Drake or will the Workhorsemen's success continue? ​

 

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NXT JAPAN: THE STORY SO FAR ​

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Following the acclaimed success of NXT and the current impressive track record of WWE UK. It was no surprise that WWE would attempt to further it's global outreach. This would all begin with two locations which are both hotbeds of wrestling. One of course being Mexico while the other which is the focus of this article being Japan. A country rich with wrestling history and talent. With names such as Antonio Inoki and Tatsumi Fujinami occupying spots in the Hall of Fame while wrestlers such as Shinsuke Nakamura and Asuka had become stars and icons in their own right. The launch of NXT Japan was something which WWE took very seriously. In order to kickstart this promotion WWE would take advantage not just of it's friendship with hall of famer Tatsumi Fujinami but also by using stars who'd previously been big headline acts in Japan to build relationships. This included names such as Shinsuke Nakamura, Finn Balor, AJ Styles, Asuka, Kairi Sane, Io Shirai and several others. Aided by the efforts of Triple H and William Regal we'd quickly learn thanks to connections already established this brand would see the return of Meiko Satomura to WWE along with several standouts from her Sendai Girls promotion. Along with this we'd see slowly WWE begin to form relationships with promotions such as All Japan Pro Wrestling, NOAH and Zero 1 among others. This allowed WWE to use talents from their promotions as part of it's programing while also in returning affording these promotions chances to use some of the WWE's bigger names with storied history in Japan on their shows. We'd also see the likes of Daniel Bryan, Sheamus and Cesaro appear on various shows in high profile matches as a means to sweeten the pot. With news confirming that shows would be held at the Zepp Tokyo. We'd quickly be given some exciting news about the NXT Japan performance center. For while Meiko Satomura would be leading training for the Joshi's division and would be aided in doing so by Kaoru Maeda and Manami Toyota. We'd see on the men's side of training there would be quite the cast of trainers. Headed by none other than Japanese wrestling legend Jun Akiyama. Aiding Akiyama in training would be Taka Michinoku and Dick Togo. Later the pair would also be joined by veteran Kaz Hayashi and also Hideki Suzuki. Thanks to the names involved in the coaching and reports that already set for the roster will be Akira Tozawa, Ikemen Jiro, Io Shirai and regular appearances from Asuka and Kairi Sane. We'd learn that recent signing Sarray would also be set to feature in the promotion. It was also confirmed that WWE would be sending some developmental prospects to NXT Japan to continue their training as Boa, Erica Yan and Dante Chen were sent from NXT. While Chris Ridgeway, Dan Moloney, Carlos Zamora and Charli Evans left WWE UK to go to Japan. One former WWE name also returning for NXT Japan would be Funaki. The former Cruiserweight champion and backstage announcer would return in a backstage interviewer type role. After this we'd learn of a big name addition to the brand as a veteran of the Japanese wrestling scene who had been a noted freelancer would put pen to paper with WWE. This name of course would be Minoru Suzuki who as we'd learn would not only be competing on the televised shows but would also begin working in a backstage capacity also. One promotion WWE did try to form a relationship with in this time would be New Japan Pro Wrestling. Despite previous issues these promotions had once before, it was said these meetings were civil but sadly because of this past history a working relationship could not be established. However what did happen curiously following this conversation was a deal was brokered for WWE to bring in Hirooki Goto. A long time mid card standout in New Japan, it is believed that WWE had designs on making Hirooki Goto a top star. Following some recruitment and deals made we'd see a full roster published on WWE's website which also revealed that Tatsumi Fujinam would be making regular appearances for the promotion. While the roster as a whole was large, it had been noted this was by design with a lot of the elder statesmen on the roster gradually reverting into trainer or agent roles backstage once they'd helped further the development of the mostly younger roster which was mixed in with some established names. Tatsumi Fujinami - NXT Japan Match Maker and president Katsuya Ichikawa - Play by Play Fuka Kakimoto - Color Commentary Shoichi Funaki - Backstage Interviewer Aika Ando - Ring Announcer Mio Shirai - Referee Akira Tozawa Andreuw Tang Ayato Yoshida Ben-K Boa BXB Hulk Carlos Zamora Chris Ridgeway CIMA Daichi Hashimoto Daisuke Sekimoto Dan Moloney Dante Chen - Sent on Excursion by NXT Dick Togo - Also acting as one of the head trainers of the Japanese performance Center EITA El Linderman Fuminori Abe Go Shiozaki Hideki Suzuki Hirooki Goto Ikemen Jiro Jason Lee Kaito Ishida Kaz Hayashi - Also one of the trainers at the Japanese performance center Kazuki Hashimoto Kento Miyahara Konosuke Takeshita Kushida Masaaki Mochizuki Minoru Suzuki Puma (TJ Perkins) Ru Feng - Sent on Excurstion by NXT Shigehiro Irie Takashi Suguira Tajiri - one of the trainers at the NXT Japan Performance Center Taka Michinoku - One of the trainers at the NXT Japan Performance Center T-Hawk Yamato Yuji Okabayashi Yuki Ueno Akari Alexis Lee Arisa Hoshiki Arisa Nakajima Charli Evans Dash Chisako Erica Yan - Sent on excursion by NXT Giulia Hikari Noa Hikari Shimizu Hiroyo Matsumoto Io Shirai Kairi Sane Mayu Iwatani Mei Suruga Meiko Satomura Mika Iwata Mio Momono Miyu Yamashita Miyuki Takase Nagisa Nozaki Natsu Sumire Reika Saiki Reo Hazuki Sarray Syuri Kondo Tam Nakano Thekla Yuki Kamifuku ​

The goal for NXT Japan was very much to have it's own particular identity and act as a true homage to Japanase wrestling while developing stars for the future. Run very much in a sports based presentation which brought back the importance of every match and the ups and downs combined with defeat and victory. A hefty portion of NXT Japan was spent in the ring with the action being the main focus. Segments backstage would be quite limited with the segments being saved for post show exclusives which saw competitors in the night participate in press conference like set ups with Funaki doing a lot of the questions for those in attendance. Further giving the brand it's own identity was it's authority figure Tatsumi Fujinami. Unlike many shows which are guilty of over featuring their authority figure or needlessly inserting them on television. In the case of Tatsumi Fujinami and his title of Match Maker, he would overall be quite hands off and keep his appearances brief and to the point. One thing Fujinami did declare however would be that every championship in NXT Japan would have to be earned and not given. This is why in order to crown the first ever NXT Japan Heavyweight Champion and also the first ever NXT Japan Joshi Champion there would be two 8 person tournaments held at the same time. On top of this as Fujinami would follow by announcing a four way tag team match to crown the NXT tag team champions and a gauntlet match to crown the first ever NXT Junior Heavyweight champion. ​

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Starting with the Heavyweight Championship picture, we'd begin with the 8 man tournament which included Minoru Suzuki, Hirooki Goto, Takashi Suguira, Hideki Suzuki, Go Shiozaki, Yoshihiro Tajiri, Chris Ridgeway and Masaaki Mochizuki. The opening round of this tournament would begin with a hard hitting bout between Hirooki Goto and England's Chris Ridgeway which culminated in a win for Goto. Following this we'd see Minoru Suzuki accompanied by both Taka Michinoku and Dick Togo defeat Yoshihiro Tajiri. Takashi Suguira would defeat Masaaki Mochizuki while the final match saw Go Shiozaki defeat Hideki Suzuki. However one curious moment happened after Suguira's match which was Masaaki refused a handshake and instead landed a hard leg kick to Suguira which appeared to compromise his leg. This compromised leg would be a target in Suguira's match with Suzuki who forced a submission with a heel hook. The second semi final would see Hirooki Goto defeat Go Shiozaki in another hard hitting war. During the pre match conferences for the final we'd see Minoru Suzuki joined by Taka, Togo and also Mochizuki. Goto meanwhile found himself allied with a young lion he'd taken under his ring by the name of Daichi Hashimoto. Hashimoto of course was the son of the legendary Shinya Hashimoto. The bond between Goto and Daichi would be based on the respect Goto had for his father. Shockingly however during the finals of the tournament Daichi would betray Goto and land a kick to the back of his head during his match with Suzuki. This would allow Minoru Suzuki to put Goto away following a gotch style piledriver. Joined in the ring for his post match celebration having become the NXT Japan Heavyweight champion. Suzuki's celebration was more akin to a mugging as he was joined by Masaaki Mochizuki, Taka Michinoku, Dick Togo and Daichi Hashimoto in beating down Goto. An attempt to do a rescue would be made by Go Shiozaki and Takashi Suguira but soon we'd see Suzuki's group be joined by Ben-K, Drilla Moloney, Eita, Kaito Ishida, Kazuki Hashimoto and Puma. In the press conference following the event Suzuki would introduce his faction as the Suzuki Nation. He'd also reveal that his group would be joined by women's wrestlers Dash Chisako, Syuri Kondo, Alexis Lee and Tam Nakano. Shown to be a highly vicious faction of thugs reminiscent of a biker gang. Minoru Suzuki's group very much violated the code of ethics which the NXT Japan brand had. This would include backstage attacks and pre or post match beatdowns. Along with this matches for Suzuki's championship would be littered with liberal cheating, maliciousness and interference. This would be on firm display over the next couple of months as Suzuki would use these tactics to defeat the likes of Go Shiozaki, Takashi Suguira and Hideki Suzuki. However soon he'd find himself with an old foe emerging as Hirooki Goto looked to get his rematch. In the road to doing so Suzuki would defeat the likes of Ben-K, Puma and his former friend Daichi Hashimoto to set up a match with Suzuki at Gendai Budo!​

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With a Tournament to crown it's first champion in a similar light to the Heavyweight tournament. The Joshi championship would have Io Shirai, Mayu Iwatani, Syuri Kondo, Sarray, Hiroyo Matsumoto, Dash Chisako, Kairi Sane and Miyu Yamashita. The opening round would begin with Io Shirai defeating Dash Chisako, while her friend Kairi Sane defeated Hiroyo Matsumoto. Mayu Iwatani defeated Sarray and to close the opening round Syuri Kondo would defeat Miyu Yamashita with help from her Suzuki Nation team mates. Round two would see Io Shirai defeat Syuri as she'd manage to overcome the odds against Suzuki Nation. Meanwhile in an emotional clash of friends Mayu Iwatani defeated Kairi Sane leading to the finals which would see Mayu take on another friend of hers Io Shirai. Having both made it to the finals this would be a respectful clash between the two. At least at first, however as the bout wore on it seemed the bonds of friendship between the pair were being tested. In the end Io would pick up the victory, however after the match it seemed that Iwatani was reluctant to join in her friend's celebration. Despite this the pair would shake hands eventually and all would seemingly be well. However unfortunately for Io, this wouldn't be the only thread left for her as having defeated two of the Suzuki Nation in the tournament, she'd find herself a target of the group of Alexis Lee, Tam Nakano, Dash Chisako and Syuri Kondo. Of the group it seemed that Kondo was the leader of sorts and short caller. During one attack at a press conference on Io, we'd see Kairi Sane try and even the odds only to be assaulted also. This would spur on Mayu Iwatani to join the fray and run the group off. Yet despite this it seemed things still weren't on point between Mayu and Io as a miscommunication cost them a tag team match against the pairing of Alexis Lee and Tam Nakano. A post match confrontation between Io and Mayu however would see the pair be attacked once more by the Suzuki Nation with this time Kairi Sane being the one to make the save. Looking to get her friends back on the same page, Kairi teamed with Io Shirai in a match against Tam Nakano and Dash Chisako with the duo picking up an impressive victory. She'd then do the same with Mayu Iwatani as the pair defeated Dash Chisako and Alexis Lee. Unfortunately in a six person tag team match which also included Syuri Kondo, Kairi would fall victim to the miscommunication herself allowing Kondo to land a spin kick to the back of her head for the win. With Io and Mayu seeing the error of the ways of sorts they would help Kairi up before Kairi yelled at both to get on the right path. It would be then that Kairi laid down the challenge, an 8 woman elimination tag team match for the Gendai Budo. This would lead to the shocking revelation that the 4th woman on Kairi's team would be her Kabuki Warrior's team mate Asuka! ​

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Unlike the Heavyweight and Joshi Championships, the tag team titles were decided in a solitary bout. This being a four team tag team match. The teams involved would include Daisuke Sekimoto and Yuji Okabayashi, Eita and Kazuki Hashimoto and Cima and El Lindaman. The bout would end of course with the popular powerhouse pairing of Daisuke Sekimoto and Yuji Okabayashi being victorious. From here the pair like many on the roster would find themselves frequently at odds with the Suzuki Nation most notably the pairing of Eita and Kazuki Hashimoto. This pair would usually be accompanied to the ring by Kaz Hayashi who acted as a troubling presence at ringside of the pair. While Daisuke and Yuji would overcome them they'd also have to contend with another Suzuki Nation unit comprised of Kaito Ishida and Drilla Moloney. Despite facing these odds, Yuji and Daisuke would reign victorious. Soon however they'd find themselves facing tag teams just as dangerous but not affiliated with the Nation. This would include Cima and El Lindaman and also the pairing of Carlos Zamora and Yuki Endo. As these bouts would continue, the cameras would show a veteran tag team of Yamato and BxB Hulk watching from in the crowd. This established the duo as an experienced team looking to make their mark on the tag team division. During a press conference Sekimoto and Yuji made it clear that they would defend against any and all comers. This led to an in ring confrontation in which the pair of Yamato and BxB Hulk challenged the duo to a tag team championship match at the Gendai Budo! ​

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The final title set to be defended at the Gendai Budo would be the NXT Japan Junior Heavyweight Championship. To crown this title we'd be treated to a gauntlet match featuring 6 of the top Junior Heavyweights on the brand. This included Puma, Akira Tozawa, T-Hawk, Andreuw Tang, Jason Lee and Taka Michinoku. In what was quite the surprise and upset we'd see T-Hawk pick up the victory to be crowned the first ever Junior Heavyweight Champion. From here T-Hawk would find himself frequently battling against the likes of Puma, Taka Michinoku and even had a match against his mentor Cima. During all of these bouts we would see T-Hawk continue to grow as a champion both in the ring and in his overall presentation. Wishing to prove himself as the best Junior Heavyweight in Japan, T-Hawk continued to take on all comers as he beat the likes of Ikemen Jiro. But soon he'd find himself with his biggest challenge yet. As following a press conference T-Hawk would be met by Tatsumi Fujinami who confirmed that he'd begin bringing in top challengers to compete against T-Hawk. This began with T-Hawk defeating Carlos Zamora before Funaki confirmed that at the Gendai Budo, T-Hawk would face his toughest challenge yet! It would be then that a vignette played revealing that Kushida was coming to NXT Japan and in his debut match he would be challenging for the Junior Heavyweight Championship! ​

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While a lot of focus through the first few months of NXT Japan focused on the Suzuki Nation, two names who'd very much stand out away from this saga would be Kaito Kiyomiha and Kento Miyahara. Top names from NOAH and All Japan respectively both of these two men were quickly established as future contenders for the NXT Japan Heavyweight Championship. While we'd see Kento Miyahara win a short rivalry with Fuminori Abe. Kaito Kiyomiha would appear semi frequently but when he would he picked up impressive victories over former title contender Hideki Suzuki and also Ayato Yoshida. With both men regularly being victorious on these shows, they'd tend to cross paths a fair bit at the press conferences. While both men remained civil with one another, it seemed there was some underlying tension between the pair with both at points refusing the offer of a handshake. With this seeming lack of respect with one another, it wouldn't take long for Funaki to begin asking the pair if there was in fact an issue between them. While at first both men would deny as such, quickly the pair would begin to offer little subtle jabs at one another regarding the fact that they had never wrestled one another yet both were the so called top dogs of their promotions and companies. Clearly a case of two alphas being put in the same enclosure, a match between them was a forgone conclusion as they'd finally get the match booked. This first contest between the pair was an epic clash and one which lasted the entire duration of an edition of NXT Japan before the bout culminated with a 60 minute time limit draw. Unfortunately from this bout it seemed nothing was resolved and instead only heightened as the pair would continue fighting after the bell, leading to the booking of their rematch at the Gendai Budo!​

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Having assumed a role backstage as the head trainer for the NXT Japan Joshi's division. Meiko Satomura very much for a few weeks didn't step into the ring perhaps as much as fans would like. Instead Satomura would be seen as a ringside presence for many of the women's contests as she chose to watch the progression of her students. This included the likes of Arisa Hoshiki, Charli Evans, Erica Yan and countless others. Unfortunately while Meiko Satomura may have wanted to be a silent presence at ringside, a legend of her status would attract frequent attention and sadly in this case it would be unwanted. This would be thanks to a recently debuted Giulia and her partner Thekla, both of whom seemed to want to Antagonize Meiko at every turn. The reason for this being that Giulia believed she should have been apart of the women's tournament and that it was Meiko who blocked her. Over the coming weeks Giulia would wrestle and defeat many of Meiko's students, sometimes with ease thanks to her experience and stature. During which time Giulia would even go as far as to use some of Meiko's own moves against her students. As Giulia and Thekla's actions grew more disrespectful we'd see it was only a matter of time before Meiko Satomura would enter the ring and back them off. Unfortunately for Meiko however, after one match which saw Giulia beat Mei Suruga, Satormura's heroism put her in a trap as Mei blindsided Meiko leading to a three on one beating in the middle of the ring. Having taken enough disrespect from Giulia and her allies, Meiko would agree to finally step into the ring firstly with a win over Mei Suruga and not long after she'd beat Thekla. This would then set up a clash between Meiko and Giulia at the upcoming Gendai Budo! ​

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Over the course of the first few months of NXT Japan, there was quite a few standout talents and moments not featured in rivalries so to speak or the title picture that prominently. One of which was the spirited efforts being entered in almost weekly by Sarray. Having been eliminated from the Women's tournament it seemed Sarray had a point to prove and had gone on an impressive 5 match winning streak before sadly having it snapped by Syuri Kondo. Another name from the woman's tournament on the rise was Hiroyo Matsumoto, who had proven herself to be a highly dangerous competitor who had picked up several dominant victories. A more humorous note would come from an unlikely team of Akira Tozawa and Ikemen Jiro, while the duo hadn't had much success so far in the singles ranks or the tag team ranks. The pair who as a duo had opted for the name of Jackets and Blankets, had proven to be a popular hit with the NXT Japan fans. One standout who'd also become quite popular was the Heavyweight Shigehiro Irie. A hard hitting bruiser who put on entertaining battles every time he stepped in the ring. Irie seemed poised to move up the card after wars with the likes of Fuminori Abe and others. However Irie's win streak did seem to attract a less popular standout, this being NXT export Boa who so far hadn't won over or impressed the fans in attendance. Seemingly lurking at ringside during Irie's matches, Boa would finally strike following Irie's battle with Dante Chen, spraying Irie in the face with Green Mist. With Irie blinded Boa followed with a kick to the head to set up a match at the Gendai Budo! One last name of reference would be of top prospect Konosuke Takeshita who had several vignettes promoting his upcoming arrival! ​

GENDAI BUDO CARD Minoru Suzuki (c) vs. Hirooki Goto - NXT Japan Heavyweight Championship Io Shirai, Mayu Iwatani, Kairi Sane and Asuka vs. Syuri, Dash, Alexis and Tam - Elimination tag team match T-Hawk vs. Kushida - NXT Junior Heavyweight Championship Daisuke Sekimoto and Yuji Okabayashi vs. BXB Hulk and Yamato - NXT Japan Tag team championship Kaito Kiyomiha vs. Kento Mihara Meiko Satomura vs. Giulia Shigehiro Irie vs. Boa​

 

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WWE UK Episode #137 | 22/06/20 Zero Minus Ten BT Sport Studio | London, England Backstage Correspondents ~ Joanna Rose and Simon Miller Commentary ~ John Gooden and Wade Barrett Ring Announcer ~ Andy Shepherd ​

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DARK MATCH: RILEY OSBOURNE AND ELIZA ROUX VS. BRADY AND IVY PHILLIPS Before the show can begin fans would be treated to a pre show match featuring four prospective new talents for the WWE UK brand. In one corner you'd have the high flying Riley Osbourne and his partner Eliza Roux while opposing them would be the arrogant couple Brady and Ivy Phillips. This would be quite the back and forth tag team contest with Brady and Ivy working exceptionally well as a unit. However during a comeback Eliza Roux managed to take out Ivy Phillips with a spear which allowed Riley to hit a big tornado DDT on Brady before finishing the match with a shooting star press. Winners: Riley Osbourne and Eliza Roux​

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Dear Life by Chasing Cadence plays to kick the night off. A video package plays to kick the event off and it highlights the key events from the previous week's show. This includes Anthony Ogogo announcing the title matches for both Jinny and Finn Balor before following up with the close to the last show as Xia Brookside beat Toni Storm in a loser leaves WWE clash to qualify for the rumble. The show then formally kicks off from inside the BT Sports Studio in London, England. The cameras then take us to the commentary table where John Gooden and Wade Barrett put over the night's event before sending us to ringside.​

Cascada's everytime we touch plays as the lights in the building go out. With rave lighting shooting out from inside the center of the king to kick off this latest installment of the beer garden. Session Moth Martina is standing in the center of the ring with a can of beer in her hand as she begins her usual impromptu dance session. Session Moth continuing to feel the vibes heads out of the ring and begins twerking at ringside while sharing drinks with some of the fans in attendance. After trying to encourage the commentary team to join her in her dance break. Martina finds herself a willing partner in John Gooden, while once again Wade Barrett is resistant to joining the fun. With that Session Moth returns to the ring and takes her seat in one of the chairs before grabbing a microphone. After taking a moment to catch her breath, Martina officially welcomes fans to the latest edition of her Beer Garden! Calling her show the most must watch show on television since Balamory, Session Moth proceeds to introduce her first guest for the evening.. Spike Trivet! The crowd boos as Spike Trivet walks out from the back and he is closely followed by his associate and ally Ridge Holland. Joining Session Moth Martina in the ring, Spike Trivet on being offered a drink is quick to request champagne but tragically all Martina has for him is Lambrini. Albeit with a look of disgust Spike takes a glass and after taking a swig he spits it out and then dumps the rest of the mat. Calling the drink swill, Spike Trivet takes a seat before he nods his head to Ridge Holland who stands in the corner of the ring. From here Martina begins to talk with Spike about the news last week that he would be challenging Finn Balor for the WWE UK Championship next week. Asking Spike how he feels having accepted Balor's open challenge, Spike Trivet smugly says like a true Vulture he watched and waited looking for a moment to strike. From here Martina looks to talk with Trivet about his time in the brand so far. Trivet says that unlike many who wrestle for this promotion, he is not here to live out a dream or childish fantasy. Instead Spike Trivet is here to simply prove that he is better, saying that he was born with a silver spoon and that success has constantly been presented to him on a silver platter. Trivet calls his success a forgone conclusion as just like in society, the rich get richer and the successful are the ones who truly prosper. From here Martina asks him how he feels about the current WWE UK Champion Finn Balor. Trivet is actually quite complimentary at first of Balor, saying that he's done a great job of representing the brand on a small time level but that now it is time for the brand to be brought into an upper echelon by it's Sovereign Lord. Just then much to Spike's shock, the WWE UK Champion Finn Balor walks out onto the ramp. Balor then walks down to the ring while Ridge Holland stands by the apron obstructing him from entering the ring. This is until Session Moth reveals that Balor is in fact her other guest for the evening. This doesn't seem to impress Trivet who looks at Martina in disgust. However despite this Trivet nods at Holland who stands by allowing the WWE UK Champion to enter the ring. After hugging Martina, Balor takes a microphone before he stands in the corner of the ring and stares at his challenger. Trivet is quick to quip that he best enjoy this moment with his title as in two weeks time Trivet will be sat here as champion and Finn won't. In response to this Finn Balor counters that he has beaten everyone who has stood against him so far. Many of whom have said the exact same things that Spike Trivet did. The only difference between them and Spike Trivet is a world of hard earned skill and talent on their sides as opposed to the entitlement that Trivet has. Calling next week a lot more than a mere title defense, Finn Balor instead counters that their match is an education for Trivet. That education of course being that all the money in the world cannot save you from certain things. This includes a harsh reality that money can't buy talent or heart and next week Spike Trivet will learn that the hard way as Finn walks out the exact same way he walks in.. As champion. With that Balor holds the title in the air as a livid Spike leaves the ring with Ridge Holland in tow. ​

MATCH #1: EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH GUNTHER W/ NIGEL MCGUINNESS VS. RAMPAGE BROWN The opening contest of the evening would be a singles match for the WWE European Championship. This clash of the titans would see Gunther facing someone who matched him in size and hard hits, this of course being Rampage Brown. A hard hitting contest from the off, it finally seemed that Gunther had potentially met his match as Brown had no issue in exchanging some vicious strikes with Gunther. Brown would also be the first man yet to take Gunther off of his feet as a big back suplex put Gunther down for a near fall. Unfortunately for Brown, the turning point in this bout would be when a lariat attempt of his was ducked and Gunther instead fired back with a northern lariat. Brown fell in a heap but still managed to kick out before the count of three. However from that point it seemed that Brown was badly stunned from that blow and that Gunther wasn't going to ease up landing several more big lariats on Brown. Showing concern for Gunther as he rushes down to the ring is Brown's former tag team partner Ashton Smith. Seeing Brown hurt, Smith looked like he was contemplating throwing in the towel but Brown can be heard yelling at him to let him fight. Conflicted Smith holds off on throwing in the towel as Gunther follows with a series of hard mounted forearms to Brown, the last bounces Brown's head off the mat. Before referee Thomas Scarborough can check on Brown, Gunther drags him to his feet and drives him into the canvas with the Last Symphony before making the match winning cover. Andy Shepherd: And the winner of the match and still champion Gunther! The crowd boos as Gunther stands tall in the ring and is presented his championship by Nigel McGuinness. While Gunther raises the title in the air, Ashton Smith enters the ring and starts to check on Brown while the official calls for medics.​

~ DISRUPTION ~ Quickly the cameras cut to the backstage area and in this particular hall of the building there appears to be quite the commotion with a lot of people rushing onto the scene. With a lot of shouting from all directions, the camera manages to see a grounded Sadie Gibbs clutching her left knee. A livid Anthony Ogogo is on the scene yelling for medics to arrive. While medics begin to check on Sadie Gibbs, a livid Anthony Ogogo turns his attention to Jinny and the House of Couture. Warning Jinny that he will be in the medics office first checking on Sadie. Ogogo makes it clear to Jinny that he expects to see her and her house waiting in his office for him after as this is unacceptable. ​

~ COMMISERATIONS ~ Camera footage from earlier in the evening is then shown and it focuses on Tegan Nox arriving to the building. The former UK women's champion seems surprised when she is met by Hyan. With the pair having had a hard fought match last week, Hyan swiftly offers Tegan Nox a handshake saying that it should have been her who did this last week as she apologized for how she behaver after the match. Nox smiles as she says that she totally understands where she is coming from as Nox says that is the same frustration she feels for not being in the UK rumble despite her efforts. Before this pair can part ways it seems that Eliza Alexander has heard enough of this respectful showcase. Calling Nox a has been, Eliza looks at Hyan dismissively and brands her pathetic. Before Nox can respond Hyan buts in and says if Alexander wants to see who really is pathetic, then she will see her in the ring next week! ​

~ THE BLACK SWAN ~ Cara Noir is coming!​

MATCH #2: TAG TEAM MATCH THE WORK HORSEMEN (ASHER HALE AND JD DRAKE) VS. BRIXIA BONE BREAKERS (MIRKO MORI AND NICO INVERADI) Tag Team action is the next port of call for the evening as The Work Horsemen battled the Brixia Bone Breakers. This would be a hard hitting match which shouldn't be a surprise based on the talents involved. While Asher Hale and Nico Inveradi were more willing to mix up flash strikes and some technical wrestling, we'd see JD Drake and Mirko Mori make more of a brawl when they were in the ring together. As the bout wore on we'd see size become a factor with Hale knocking Inveradi off the apron allowing Drake to plan Mori with a drill bit for the victory. Andy Shepherd: And the winners of the match The Work Horsemen! The crowd cheers as the announcement is made and JD Drake rises to his feet in the ring. Drake is soon joined by Asher Hale and the pair have their arms raised in victory until the cameras cut away from ringside.​

~ WELFARE ~ Following the match, the cameras take us backstage to the trainer's room. In the room we see Sadie Gibbs laying on a bench while she is being attended to by medical personnel. Also present in the room is the Guvnor of WWE UK Anthony Ogogo. Ogogo watches on with concern as the medics believe that because of the assault which Sadie Gibbs has suffered she may have sustained at the very least a tear of her meniscus. Thinking of his athlete's safety Ogogo says he is about to call it on Sadie's match tonight. Gibbs however is defiant as she says that she is not here to back down from anyone. Saying this could be her one and only shot at the women's title, Sadie Gibbs pleads with Ogogo to let her go out there and give it her all. Albeit with reluctance, Anthony Ogogo nods his head in agreement and agrees to keep the match as it is. ​

~ STEP OFF ~ More footage from earlier in the evening is then shown this time from the locker room area as we see Angelico making his arrival to the the locker room. On arrival however Angelico is approached by a livid Nathan Cruz. The reason for this heated confrontation of course is Nathan knowing that Angelico spoke to his girlfriend Katherine Darcy the week previous. Calling her a grown woman who can make her own decisions, Angelico says he notices she isn't even with Nathan this week. This remark puts Cruz on the defensive as he comments that she had an appointment which is why she's not here. With that Cruz loudly yells that Angelico needs to stay away before he storms out the locker room.​

~ PREVIEW ~ Ahead of our third match of the evening, we are played a pre taped interview in which Joanna Rose is joined by William Regal. Not here in any form of a managerial capacity, instead William is here to talk about a particular match tonight which will feature the WWE UK debut of his son Charlie Dempsey as he takes on one of William Regal's proteges and students Kassius Ohno. Calling both men true throwbacks to what European wrestling once was, William Regal says that he is here tonight not just as a father and a mentor but also as a fan of what European Wrestling once was. Calling tonight the evolution of the sport he once had to fight the general public on a beach to get into, William Regal says that he fully expects both men to make him proud with tonight's contest. ​

MATCH #3: SINGLES MATCH GABRIEL KIDD W/ DOUG WILLIAMS VS. BRYAN KEITH The third bout of the evening was a singles match as Gabriel Kidd took on "The Bounty Hunter" Byran Keith. With his mentor Doug Williams at ringside, Gabriel Kidd entered in a strong showing here against the Texan. In a match which mixed technical wrestling and strong style levels of striking. It seemed that it would take a lot for one man to put the other down. This was very much shown to be the case when Keith countered a Chaos Theory attempt and sent Kidd shoulder first into the ring apron before landing a Diamond Dust on his opponent. With Kidd stunned, Keith then followed up with an emerald tiger driver for the win. Andy Shepherd: And the winner of the match Bryan Keith! The crowd cheers as the announcement is made and Bryan Keith has his arm raised in the ring by the official. While Keith starts to celebrate his win Doug Williams helps his protege to his feet. Keith approaches Gabriel and offers him a handshake but shockingly an angered Kidd instead shoves him away. Williams very much acts as a mediator and cool head on what is becoming a heated situation. Having calmed things down, both Keith and Gabriel then shake hands.​

~ CALL OUT ~ The cameras then direct us to the hallway of the arena where Simon Miller is joined by Eddie Dennis. Miller is quick to ask Eddie Dennis if he has had any luck as of yet finding a new client as per his conversation with Anthony Ogogo. Dennis says that he hasn't as of yet but he is still looking for the right man for the job. It is then that Simon Miller reveals in some exclusive news that if Eddie Dennis hasn't found a representative by next week, then Eddie Dennis will be stepping into the ring himself to take on Shigehiro Irie one on one! ​

~ MY VOW ~ Pacing back and forth in the locker room, Pete Dunne is uncharacteristically quite animated as he paces back and forth. Saying that in a few weeks time it is the WWE UK Rumble and he has to weigh up exactly what he is looking to accomplish. Pete Dunne is quick to remind the world that he never received his rematch for the title he brought to prosperity. At the same time however Dunne has to deal with the personal reasons going into the bout as well with his former allies. Admitting that he'd love to say the title is his sole focus at the moment, Dunne admits that he will get his belt back but before then his goal ​

MATCH #4: SINGLES MATCH CARLOS ROMO W/A-KID AND MARIAH MAY VS. CLEMENT PETIOT W/AMALE AND LUDWIG KAISER A heated grudge match was then our next venture in the ring as Carlos Romo took on Clement Petiot. With both men being primarily tag team competitors it made a change seeing them compete in singles action. This bout was very much a clash of styles as Romo looked to fly across the ring while Petiot looked to use his size and technique to ground Carlos Romo and trap him in a variety of holds. One story of note during this bout was Ludwig Kaiser seemingly looking to make conversation and be civil with A-Kid at ringside. This appeared to throw off both teams when all of a sudden Amale landed a hard forearm on Mariah May. This led to scuffle between the two women which both Kaiser and A-Kid sought to split up. This chaos and disorder would allow Petiot in the ring to land a superkick on Romo before following up with a bridging fisherman suplex for the win. Andy Shepherd: And the winner of the match Clement Petiot! The crowd boos as the announcement is made and Clement Petiot climbs to his feet. Clement is soon joined in the ring by Amale who raises his arm in the air. While Amale does this and Mariah May tends to Carlos Romo, we see Ludwig Kaiser offer A-Kid a handshake. A-Kid is hesitant to do so and Kaiser in response nods his head before rolling in the ring and celebrating with his team mates. ​

~ I KNOW ~ ​ A pre taped promo then plays focusing on Kay Lee Ray. Filmed from an undisclosed location, Kay Lee Ray says she requested this time today to address her recent issues with the Kingdom of Wonderland. Saying that she knows a cult when she sees one, Kay Lee Ray says that she looks at Isla Dawn and she sees someone who isn't here to lead a kingdom. Claiming to see through the mask Isla Dawn wears and the guise she is hiding behind. Kay Lee Ray says that she knows Isla is using people and looking for something. Saying that she wants to stop Wonderland and Isla, Kay Lee Ray challenges Isla to a match next week!

~ DECLARATIONS ~ As he leaves the trainer's office and begins to head to his office. It is clear that the Guvnor Anthony Ogogo is in a very bad mood. Walking through the halls and on his way to his office, Ogogo is surprised to be met by Maria Kanellis. The self proclaimed queen of WWE UK, Maria says that she is here to meet with Anthony about her husband and the throne's placement in the UK Rumble. Shaking his head, Ogogo says that there entrance in the Rumble purely depends on if the Throne will cease their attacks and insubordination. With a smile Maria tells Ogogo that the Throne has already taken those steps and the guilty party in their ranks has been dealt with. From there Maria passes Ogogo who then continues to head to his office. ​

~ RETRIBUTION ~ A replay of their match from two weeks ago is shown before clips of two separate interviews are played. As both Nathan Frazier and Kid Lykos separately sit down with Simon Miller and Joanna Rose respectively. These two UK Performance Center standouts are first asked about their thrilling first contest which of course wound up as a time limit draw. Both men despite their bad blood are respectful to one another as they acknowledged one another's skills. Yet when talk turned to the post match antics of Lykos that is where things went a little sour. While Frazier may have called their first match a great debut clash, he called Lykos' post match actions pathetic. In response Lykos said he isn't here to make friends and calls the draw a fluke occurrence. The interview then closes with both men promising to be victorious. ​

MATCH #5: SINGLES MATCH CHARLIE DEMPSEY VS. KASSIUS OHNO The following contest which had been listed by some as a special challenge match would see Kassius Ohno battle UK Performance Center standout Charlie Dempsey. With William Regal watching on from ringside, we'd see very much a traditional European style match. Mixing in some hard hitting striking with some catch wrestling, we'd see Charlie Dempsey show that he can more than hang in there with the Commonwealth Champion. We'd see a lot of similarities in both men's styles with Ohno and Dempsey honoring William Regal's old move set. This included Dempsey landing a knee trembler and Ohno picking up a near fall with a regalplex. In the end however Ohno would manage to counter an attempt at a regal cutter with a roll up to pick up the hard fought victory. Andy Shepherd: And the winner of the match Kassius Ohno! The crowd cheers as the announcement is made and Kassius Ohno climbs to his feet. While Kassius Ohno has his arm raised in victory, a disappointed Charlie Dempsey takes a knee. At ringside William Regal nods his head and begins to clap his hands together while Ohno approaches Dempsey and helps him to his feet before the pair shake hands. ​

~ ANNOUNCEMENTS ~ Seemingly taking the reigns while Anthony Ogogo handles business tonight, Simon Miller is standing backstage with some new updates for the WWE UK Rumble. Milley begins by saying that before he addresses the rumble, he has a little addition to a match tonight as Santana Garrett will be competing in the previously announced triple threat match tonight making it a fatal four way. From here Miller follows by confirming that Teoman and Cara Noir will be taking part in the WWE UK men's rumble while Isla Dawn will be included in the women's. Before Miller can continue he is confronted by Zack Gibson, Gibson demands to be in the WWE UK Rumble also. Miller nods his head and says Zack never let him finish as Ogogo did also confirm that Gibson would be in the UK Rumble also! ​

~ THE RIPPER ~ Blair Davenport is in UK Rumble!​

MATCH #6: FATAL FOUR WAY ALEX GRACIA VS. AQA VS. RACHEL ELLERING VS. SANTANA GARRETT Fatal four way action was the next port of call for the evening between four women all set to compete in the UK Rumble. This clash of styles would very much see a spirited effort from all four women involved. All of whom would have their respective standout moments including Rachel Ellering being able to showcase her power, AQA displaying some impressive high flying maneuvers, the athleticism and veteran Savvy of Santana Garrett and of course the win at all costs motivations of Alex Gracia. As this match waged on we'd see a suplex attempted by Rachel Ellering put herself and AQA out on the ring apron. AQA would manage to shove Ellering back first into the ring post but was soon pulled into the ring with a draping DDT by Gracia. As Gracia would make the cover however she'd be hit with a moonsault from Santana Garrett. This allowed Garrett to follow with a cover on Gracia to pick up the victory! Andy Shepherd: And the winner of the match Santana Garrett! The crowd cheers as Santana Garrett climbs to her feet in the ring. Emotional at having picked up her first victory with the WWE UK Brand. While Garrett celebrates we see all the other women in the match begin to express their disappointment at ringside.​

~ MEETING ~ Having cooled enough following the events of the day, Anthony Ogogo heads to his office where he finds Jinny and the House of Couture waiting for him. Jinny quickly goes to complain about how long she has been waiting but Ogogo cuts her off swiftly reminding her that this isn't Wade Barrettt or Katarina Leigh's WWE UK. It is his and he will not have anyone think how she and her house conducted themselves tonight acceptable. Which is why Ogogo has decided that for Jinny's match tonight Nina and Lana are banned from ringside. Should they overrule him and go out there not only will they forfeit their spots in the rumble but he will personally see to it they forfeit their employment! ​

~ IN MOD WE TRUST ~ ​ Right ahead of the main event of the evening, the cameras take us to the parking lot where "Flash" Morgan Webster is standing by. The fired up Webster during this promo makes it clear that he is sick and tired of the Throne acting like they run this place. Saying that he has been here from the very beginning, Morgan Webster states that he's seen Ilja Dragunov, Mark Andrews and Adam Brooks already saying this but he is also out for revenge and her to make sure that the Throne and so called reign of King Kanellis crumbles once and for all!

MAIN EVENT: WOMEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP JINNY VS. SADIE GIBBS It was then time for the main event of the evening as Jinny defended her championship against the unbeaten super prospect Sadie Gibbs. Having been jumped earlier in the night by the house of couture. Sadie's compromised knee very much had a target on it for the Fashionista. Showing off her aggression, Jinny seemed to want to ground Sadie and work her over as best she can. Through this bout we'd see Jinny try and keep Sadie down but the explosive, super prospect proved hard to keep down as she'd manage at points to throw Jinny off her and even connect at one stage with a big enzugiri kick. As the bout waged on Gibbs began to love more up to her moniker and picked up a close near fall following a spear on her opponent. Sadly a turning point in the bout was when Gibbs went for one of her trademark press slams only for her knee to buckle. This allowed Jinny to drop behind before she followed with a chop block on Sadie. Gibbs would drop to a knee and this allowed Jinny to drive her into the canvas with a facelift before following with the Touch of Couture for the victory! Andy Shepherd: And the winner of the match and still champion Jinny! The crowd boos as the announcement is made and Jinny rises to her feet. Once passed her title by the referee, Jinny raises her title in the air while she's joined in the ring by Nina Samuels and Lana Austin. Under Jinny's command the pair of Nina Samuels and Lana Austin begin to put the boots to Sadie Gibbs. From here the pair drag the injured Sadie to her feet and hold her in position for Jinny to blast her with the women's championship. With that the show comes to a close with Jinny standing tall over Sadie Gibbs. ​

 

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WWE UK NEWS​

release confirmed​

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Following this latest edition of WWE UK's weekly show, we know that a surprising departure has been confirmed from the brand. This departure will be of UK Heavyweight Rampage Brown. It is said that this departure was down to Brown's contract merely expiring and a deal sadly being unable to be reached at this particular time. WWE management is said to be quite impressed with the bruising style of Brown and some say that Brown is looked upon as someone who will eventually be offered a coaching role with the UK performance center. With the door very much open for a future return, Brown is wished well in his future endeavors. ​

Prospect returns to UK Performance Center​

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There was a lot of talk at the end of this past show about the status of Sadie Gibbs with WWE UK. The so called Super Prospect was once seen as a future headline star for the brand and someone who was to be the face of it's programing. Lately however Gibbs' momentum had notably stalled with her appearances on the brand waning. It is said that unfortunately this was down to both some physical and personal issues on Gibbs' part. Which is why this match with Jinny for now has been used to wrap up Sadie's time on the WWE UK TV show. It has been noted though that Gibbs by no means will be departing from the promotion and instead will be returning to the WWE UK performance center. This will allow Gibbs to not only heal up physically but also allow her the chance to reevaluate her wrestling career. ​

UK Performance center standouts earning rave reviews​

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With the WWE UK Rumbles allowing talents from the performance center opportunities to compete not just in the match itself but also on the weekly shows. This has allowed many eyes to observe and review these prospective talents. One name who has so far earned rave reviews for his appearances thus far is Nathan Frazier. The talented high flyer who is a protege of Seth Rollins, Frazier is seen as someone who may have expedited his call up based on his showings so far. Women's standout Eliza Alexander is in the same boat, seen by many as a solid, mid card heel. Alexander is seen as someone who truly understands her character and some even note that there was talks of aligning her with Jinny and the House of Couture. Another name who has made a strong impression is Kid Lykos, this of course isn't Lykos' first WWE UK run but it is his first go as a single talent. In a similar fashion to Alexander, Lykos is seen as someone who could make for a solid mid card heel. The final name mentioned is Charlie Dempsey, Dempsey of course is the son of William Regal and is very much described as a different kind of athlete in the UK performance center. With his match and showing with Kassius Ohno receiving rave reviews, Dempsey while listed as a little too soon for a full time call up at this moment is perceived as a star for the future. ​

NXT sends top prospect to NXT UK​

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In some surprising but very exciting news, a new addition to the WWE UK performance center has been announced today. Set to cross the pond from NXT to continue his development, we know that "The Judge" Ezra Miller will soon be heading to the UK Performance Center. Miller is seen as a top prospect by many in the WWE system thanks to his size, charisma and in ring improvements. Some say that WWE UK is being looked at as a chance to further hone Miller's in ring schools with WWE perhaps looking to use these international NXT's as a territory system as such to act as a finishing school for it's talents. ​

UK RUMBLE UPDATES​

Men's Rumble	Women's Rumble
1. Angelico	1. Raquel Lourenco
2. Michael Oku	2. Aleah James
3. Suge D	3. Kanji
4. Nathan Frazier	4. Candy Floss
5. Ludwig Kaiser	5. Laura Di Matteo
6. Clement Petiot	6. Hyan
7. Tyler Bate	7. Eliza Alexander
8. Trent Seven	8. Santana Garrett
9. A-Kid	9. Amale
10. Carlos Romo	10. Mariah May
11. Asher Hale	11. Nina Samuels
12. JD Drake	12. Lana Austin
13. Kid Lykos	13. Millie McKenzie
14. Gabriel Kidd	14. Amber Nova
15. Pete Dunne	15. Alex Gracia
16. Shigehiro Irie	16. Xia Brookside
17. Bryan Keith	17. AQA
18. Charlie Dempsey	18. Rachel Ellering
19. Mark Davis	19. Indi Hartwell
20. Kyle Fletcher	20. Persia Pirotta
21. Ridge Holland	21. Stevie Turner
22. Man Like Dereiss	22. Jessi Kamea
23. Ashton Smith	23. Natalia Markova
24. Cara Noir	24. Katherine Darcy
25. Teoman	25. Isla Dawn
26. Zack Gibson	26. Blair Davenport

 

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WWE UK BRAND SHOW PREVIEW​

WWE UK CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH Finn Balor (c) vs. Spike Trivet The main event of this coming show will be a WWE UK Championship clash as Finn Balor defends his championship against "The Vulture" Spike Trivet. With Anthony Ogogo mandating that all champions would need to defend their titles, Finn Balor as the WWE UK Champion was the final champion to be called forward to do so. Balor in turn would elect to issue an open challenge to the locker room. This would be accepted by Spike Trivet much to the horror of the crowd in attendance. The ever unpopular Trivet of course has steadily risen the card with victories in the past over the likes of EC3, Kassius Ohno and others. Will we see a new champion crowned? ​

NO HOLDS BARRED Kay Lee Ray vs. Isla Dawn A no holds barred clash has also been confirmed for this coming week's show as Kay Lee Ray battles Isla Dawn. This bout has steadily built with a seeming case of bad blood emerging between the pair after Kay Lee Ray claimed to have seen through the veil of the Red Queen. Dawn of course is the leader of her own kingdom or cult depending on who you ask and lately we have seen a more ruthless side by Dawn as she has authorized the excommunication of Joseph Conners and Jurn Simmons from her sect. With Kay Lee Ray claiming to see through Isla Dawn's guise and knowing that she's after something. Will we be given a reveal this week? ​

REMATCH Kid Lykos vs. Nathan Frazier Two WWE UK performance center standouts will also do battle in a highly anticipated rematch as Kid Lykos and Nathan Frazier face off. The pair memorably collided a few weeks ago in an action packed, thriller. That match was a highly entertaining and exciting clash which culminated sadly with a time limit draw much to the disappointment of the audience and competitors. Despite an allocation of extra time being given the match sadly would remain without a winner thanks to the time limit exceeding. This bout would lead to bad blood building between the pair and this rematch finally happening one week before the men's rumble! ​

GRUDGE MATCH Eliza Alexander vs. Hyan A grudge match will also feature this week between Hyan and a WWE UK performance center standout Eliza Alexander. Despite entering some solid and spirited efforts, Hyan has yet to be victorious as a roster member with the WWE UK Brand. This is something which Eliza Alexander mocked this past week on the latest show directly to Hyan's face. In turn Hyan has challenged Eliza Alexander to a match this week in the hopes to turn her fortunes around while also silencing Eliza Alexander once and for all. Will Hyan pick up her first victory? ​

HIGH STAKES MATCH Aaron Henare w/Eddie Dennis vs. Shigehiro Irie A special match has also been confirmed this week as Shigehiro Irie will be in action. His opponent however will be a representative selected by Eddie Dennis. Dennis of course has his back against the wall currently in WWE UK as he has been ordered to find himself a client to manage or he will be forced to depart the brand. One person who seemingly caught Dennis' eye is NXT Japan's Shigehiro Irie only for Irie to refuse his offer. In a rage Dennis has demanded this match and employed a mercenary known as Aaron Henare who has come to the brand for one night with the purposes of defeating Irie and forcing him to be by Dennis' side which is the added stipulation to this bout. Will Irie be forced to become Eddie Dennis' client? ​

ALL STAR SHOWCASE Xia Brookside, Kanji, Candy Floss, Santana Garrett, Laura Di Matteo and AQA vs. Nina Samuels, Lana Austin, Millie McKenzie, Alex Gracia, Persia Pirotta and Indi Hartwell A women's tag team match will also feature on this week's card as twelve women set to compete in the WWE UK Women's rumble will do battle in a twelve women's tag team match. This bout will see the ever popular Xia Brookside and her friend Candy Floss unite with the submission specialist Laura Di Matteo, rising prospect Kanji, veteran Santana Garrett and RoW high flyer AQA to take on the House of Couture's Nina Samuels and Lana Austin, British Strong Style's bruiser Millie McKenzie, the vain pair of Australia's Hottest Commodities and fellow ROW standout Alex Gracia. Will these teams be able to coexist in this big match?​

 

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NXT MEXICO: THE STORY SO FAR​

With the WWE looking to further branch out into markets across the globe. It was totally understandable that following the success of NXT and the rise of WWE UK that they would begin to make leeway into establishing developmental programs and fledgling shows. It was only a matter of time really before WWE took a punt at establishing themselves in two of the largest wrestling markets namely Japan and Mexico. This expansion very much would be an aggressive approach with WWE's expansion between the two beginning around the same time. In a similar approach to what they did with Japan, WWE began using some connections and it's more established hispanic names to do so. The most notable of which of course would be the legendary Rey Mysterio. On top of this WWE would use The Bella Twins and Tito Santana as brand ambassadors and began to use the likes of Andrade, Angel Garza, Lucha House Party and Rey Mysterio as potential bargaining chips in order to do so. Looking to bolster the roster early on we'd know that Lucha House Party, Angel Garza and Humberto Carillo would all be stationed as part of the roster along with the recently signed El Hijo Del Phantasma who had been repackaged on NXT as Santos Escobar. On top of this NXT prospects Taynara Conti, Arturo Ruas and Cezar Bononi as well as the recently signed Dominik Mysterio would also be added to the roster in the hopes of furthering their development. The NXT Mexico Performance Center would then quickly be established with legend and future hall of famer Ultimo Dragon (While Japanese, Dragon of course is a Lucha Pioneer who got his first big break in Mexico) being the lead of the performance center while employing the likes of Chavo Guerrerro, Konnan, Averno, B-Boy and Ricky Reyes among it's trainers. On top of this we knew that WWE would soon find a venue for it's weekly show which would take place at the Fronton Mexico. Of course even with such names and the WWE behind it things wouldn't exactly be smooth sailing at least at first. This would very much be down to the established status quo in Mexico among it's wrestling promotions. With AAA very much not being an option for WWE thanks to their relationship with New Japan Pro wrestling as well as competitor AEW. It would seem that it took quite a lot for a deal or alliance to be formed between WWE and CMLL, this down in part to some previous bad blood between the promotions. On top of this it would be thanks to veteran Rey Mysterio that the WWE made connections with Toryumon and Crash Lucha. It would be through this that the WWE was to amass a roster filled with both talented Lucha Libre veterans and also rising young stars and prospects as it looked to develop the next wave of Lucha Talent. Although it did have to be noted that unlike the transition in Japan which was seen as very routine and business like, the Mexican expansion was met with a lot of detraction and resistance. Roster Luis Fernandes Gil - General Manager Angela Fong - Ring Announcer Karlee Perez - Valet of Mil Muertes Hugo Savavonovich - Play by Play Carlos Cabrera - Commentator Marcelo Rodriguez - Commentator Salina De La Renta - Valet Shaul Guerrero - Valet Dasha Fuentes - Backstage Interviewer Aero Star Alejandro Saenz Amazing Red Angel Fashion Angel Del Oro Angel Garza Arez Argenis Arturo Ruas Averno - Also acting as head trainer for NXT Mexico's performance center Bandido Jr Barbaro Cavernario Bestia 666 Black Taurus Carlito Cezar Bononi Cruz Del Toro Daga Dominick Mysterio Drago Dragon Lee El Hijo de Dr Wagner Jr El Hijo del Vikingo Epico Flamita Gran Metalik Humberto Carillo Joaquin Wilde Kalisto Komander Laredo Kid Lince Dorado Mil Muertes Pagano Primo Puma King Rey Horus Santos Escobar Texano Jr Catalina Garcia Chik Tormenta Elektra Lopez Lady Shani Ivelisse Velez La Hiedra Lady Flamer Lady Maravilla Lady Shani Mercedes Martinez Princesca Sugehit Priscila Zuniga Marti Belle Reina Dorada Silueta Star Fire Stephanie Vaquer Taynara Conti Thunder Rosa Valentina Feroz Vanilla Vargas Yulisa Leon Zeuxis​

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To compare the landscape of NXT Mexico and NXT Japan would very much be like telling the difference of night and day. While NXT Japan very much focused heavily on the ring work and matches with very little in the way of backstage segments or angles. While NXT Mexico would of course include a lot of in ring work, it was also quite segment heavy in it's story telling. It wasn't also afraid to go a little more bold or cinematic in some ways with the story it was telling. This was definitely seen in regards to it's selection of an authority figure for NXT Mexico. Unlike WWE UK who has used the likes of Wade Barrett, Katarina Leigh and William Regal in authority roles while of course NXT in the past has used the likes of Regal and JBL while NXT Japan is using Tatsunami Fujinami. In the case of NXT Mexico, it's authority figure wasn't a former wrestler but rather a former wrestling personality introduced as Luis Fernandes Gil. Unlike Mr. Fujinami who was shown to be an unbiased figure, when it come to Luis Fernandes Gil there was a lot more than would originally meet the eye. In early segments Gil would come off as a mere businessman looking to provide the world with what was in his eyes the best programming in Lucha Libre. Yet soon it become apparent that Gil was to an extent a maddened emperor or a ruthless dictator. Seeking to profit from NXT Mexico as best he can for him and those above him, Gil's corruption would very much spread across the roster. Showing a complete biased side to those who suit his needs and fit his vision while at the same time issuing the full weight of his wrath on those who dare oppose him. One of those blessed to have Gil's full support would be a fellow businessman and wrestler Santos Escobar with the pair teased to have a background with one another before NXT Mexico. Along with Escobar and Escobar's associates some other names who seemed primed for Gil's preferred treatment included his hired guns Los Mercenarios, Veteran Averno and Mercedes Martinez. One other person who it seemed that Gil would give this treatment to would be Karlee Perez and her partner Mil Muertes, seemingly the one person who intimidated and worried Gil. Karlee's witch craft and scare tactics very much meant that Gil at times would be at her mercy. While these talents however would be on the right side of Luis Fernandes Gil and his visions for what was best for the brand. There of course would be others who were unfortunately not as blessed. These would be people that Gil perhaps had taken an immediate disliking to or were opposing those he had chosen to. In some cases however and this would slowly arise over a period of time, there would be those who perhaps refused Gil's offer to unite with him or those who just defiantly took a stand against what they had deemed corrupt, dictatorial behavior. Some of the names shown to be opposing Gil would include Aero Star, Drago, Ivelisse Velez and Argenis among others. The most noted opponent of Gil however was rising Luchador Laredo Kid. Laredo Kid had been an early recruitment effort for Gil but had refuted his offer of friendship. In turn this made him public enemy number one for the corrupt general manager. However one thing hasn't changed and that is Gil's need for violence to appease those above him. This is why the first NXT Mexico special Paso De La Muerte which will be an event with every match contested inside a steel cage. ​

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One clear difference set out from the off by NXT Mexico and it's ruling under Luis Fernandes Gil, is that unlike NXT, WWE UK and NXT Japan which all held tournaments or other match types to crown champions. NXT Mexico would have it's champion presented and crowned from the off as Luis Fernandes Gil named Santos Escobar the NXT Mexican Heavyweight Champion. Calling Escobar a generational talent and someone who is rightly the face of the brand, Luis seemed to have a lot of admiration for the champion who would always be accompanied by his associates Cruz Del Toro, Joaquin Wilde and Elektra Lopez. Very much playing a wealthy, businessman or mobster like persona Escobar was quickly established as the brand's top heel who very much had the general manager in his back pocket thanks to their business negotiations. For his first defense Escobar would defeat rookie Dominik Mysterio albeit with some questionable tactics involved. This would soon become a story of Santos Escobar's title reign in that while clearly Escobar was one of the brand's most talented competitors, he was also someone willing to break every rule and take every short cut in order to retain his championship. This included copious amounts of interference from his Legado Del Phantasma cohorts whch aided him in bouts against the likes of Pagano and Puma King. Along with techniques such as low blows, eye rakes and belt shots which he has also utilized to firm effect. In the run up to Paso De La Muerte however, Escobar would seemingly find himself an opponent wise to many of his attempts at taking short cuts. As Santos would combat Angel Del Oro and in Angel Del Oro's victories over both Joaquin Wilde and Cruz Del Toro, Angel not only managed to counter this cheating but showed he'd willingly take some short cuts of his own to level the playing field. This included Angel blasting Escobar with a title belt shot at their press conference to knock out the champion before signing the contract over the downed Escobar. ​

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While the NXT Mexican Heavyweight championship may have been handed and presented to Santos Escobar. The NXT Mexican Cruiserweight Championship would be contested for in a wild eight person ladder match which included Alejandro Saenz, Bandido Jr, Rey Horus, Bestia 666, Arez, Komander, Flamita and Barbaro Cavernario. This would be an action packed contest which culminated with Bandido Jr grabbing the title to be named the first ever NXT Mexican Cruiserweight Champion. Unlike many wrestlers on the roster who seemed to very much pick a side of the Gil administration, we'd find in Bandido there was the true epitome of a lone wolf. Seemingly content to go solo and with his mindset of just coming in to do business, Bandido would quickly become one of NXT Mexico's most must watch talents. This was quickly established following a title defense against Kalisto. Following this defense Bandido would find himself battling a pair of feuding cousins Humberto Carillo and Angel Garza. At least that is how things looked at first when the duo's family drama began to intervene in Angel's upcoming challenge of Bandido's title. As we'd soon find however this was in fact a ruse and Carillo and Garza were actually on the same page in an attempt to set up Bandido. To his credit however the champion managed to overcome the odds and retain his title in what was an interference heavy clash. Unfortunately for Bandido any post match celebration would be cut short as he was blindsided by the veteran Averno. In a later interview Averno called the championship his for the taking but it wouldn't just be Averno who coveted the title as Bestia 666 would also stake a claim to the belt following a surprise victory over Barbaro Cavernario in a street fight. This would lead to Gil making the match between the three a three way dance steel cage match!​

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Similar to the Cruiserweight championship, there was no coronation for the NXT Mexican Women's Champion. Instead on a one match show there was a gauntlet match featuring many of Mexico's top female wrestlers while also including some surprise appearances by the likes of Taynara Conti as well as former WWE women's champion Melina. This match would be won by it's very first entrant Ivelisse Velez. The no nonsense, hard nosed brawler who refused to back down from anyone who'd stand against her, Ivelisse was quickly established as the women's divisions top babyface thanks to her never back down and never quit mentality. Unfortunately for Ivelisse she was very much on the hit list of Gil's having taken a stand against him and his corrupt regime. In retaliation of this Ivelisse would have the deck stacked against her in several defenses as she'd battle Elektra Lopez, Zeuxis and Prinsesca Sugheit on repeated occasions before her next challenger would emerge from the woodwork. Deemed as a top signing for the women's division, Veteran Mercedes Martinez was very much positioned by Gil as the top contender from the off. Flanked by her associate Priscila Zuniga, Martinez was quickly established as a force with wins over the likes of Lady Shani and Catalina Garcia. This would lead to a confrontation between Martinez and Ivelisse in which a brawl quickly broke out between the pair and saw them going all over the building until an assist from Zuniga allowed Martinez to spinebuster Ivelisse through a table at catering. In retaliation of this, two weeks later a chair wielding Ivelisse would assault both Martinez and Zuniga. With both women seemingly wanted to hurt one another anyway they can, their upcoming title match at the Paso De La Muerte was confirmed to be a Steel Cage death match! ​

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Honoring Mexican wrestling tradition, unlike the other territorial developmental systems there wouldn't be a standard tag team division with champions. At least not at first as instead NXT Mexico would feature a trios tag team championship. Like every other title introduced in the brand it seemed that the Gil Administration had it's chosen favorites in the group of Los Mercenarios which was the trio of Texano Jr, Black Taurus and Daga. Living very much up to their name, this trio had earned their special treatment by acting a a group of thugs very much for Gil. Which is why it was no surprise that Gil announced a tournament for the trios titles with the winners of the tournament facing off against Los Mercenarios to crown the champions. With a tournament favorite trio of the Colon family comprised of Primo, Epico and the returning Carlito making it to the finals before being shockingly upset by the makeshift trio of Aero Star, Argenis and Drago. It seemed the deck was stacked against the trio when their match with Los Mercenarios was set for right after. Yet in a stunning moment and further upset Aero Star managed to roll up Taurus to take the trios championships. Sadly for the champions any celebration was cut short thanks to a vicious beating by the Mercenarios who quickly looked to capture what in their minds should have been theirs. As a rematch was quickly made however it seemed that Gil rather than being angry with his team had instead a newfound bout of confidence and this was shown when Drago shockingly betrayed his former partners and allowed the Mercenarios to pin Argenis. With Drago joining the Gil administration, we'd see Los Mercenarios reign supreme as champions until a shocking upset this past week when the trio issued an open challenge which was accepted by Kalisto, Gran Metalik and Lince Dorado aka Lucha House Party. During this match Kalisto would manage to shock Daga with a Salida Del Sol to capture the trios titles. A livid Gil would in response to this announce an immediate trios rematch inside a steel cage at the Paso De La Muerte.​

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Having refused an offer by Gil to join his administration or collective, there was a bounty to say the least on the head of Laredo Kid. With individuals such as Cezar Bononi and Arturo Ruas being two early individuals looking to cash in on this as well as a brief cameo by powerhouse heavyweight Shawn Hernandez. Laredo Kid to his credit would manage to overcome the odds time and time again. Unable to contain his anger and disgust at this fact and his utter despisement of Laredo Kid, Gil seemed to have gone from wanting to see Laredo Kid beaten to wishing to see him broken. In order to guarantee this happening, Gil would make a deal with the literal devil which of course would be the man known as Mil Muertes and his associate Karlee Perez. Bringing a very occult like feel to NXT Mexico would be the monster known as Mil Muertes and his associate Karlee Perez wasn't a regular occurrence on television. Instead he'd make brief appearances destroying opponents while Perez appeared in segments teasing witch craft and supernatural abilities. During a conversation between Perez and Gil, it seemed that Gil for his part was aware of and intimidated by the story of Muertes but was willing to make a deal to suit them two. In exchange for terms not yet revealed on Perez's side, Muertes in turn would make Laredo Kid a sacrifice. With the terms of this agreement met, Gil would announce at the Paso De La Muerte Mil Muertes will take on Laredo Kid in a Steel Cage casket match. ​

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While the women's title picture was dominated by the Ivelisse Velez and Mercedes Martinez clash. A recent press release unveiled a highly touted signing from the NWA promotion by the name of Thunder Rosa. With a big deal made of her signing Rosa would first make an appearance where she formally signed a contract with the brand in the ring and conducted a live interview with Dasha Fuentes. With this big signing and news it wasn't a surprise that there would be people looking to make their name off of Thunder Rosa. This included talented martial artist Taynara Conti who looked to pick up the biggest win of her career against Rosa. This would set up a match between the duo in which Thunder Rosa would pick up her first victory. Unfortunately for Rosa as she picked up a couple more impressive victories, she'd find herself with a new foe coming out of the woodwork. This foe would be an old friend of Rosa's by the name of Marti Belle who beat down Thunder Rosa with a night stick. During an embittered promo the week which followed Marti Belle said that Rosa was ungrateful and if it wasn't for her she would never have become the so called highly rated signing she apparently is now. Promising to tear Rosa apart and claiming to know her weaknesses. Marti Belle would follow by challenging Thunder Rosa to a match at the upcoming Paso De La Muerte event which we'd later learn would officially be confirmed and accepted by a vengeful Rosa. ​

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While a lot of the stories of the brand would focus around the corrupt nature of Luis Fernandes Gil and his behavior/antics affecting the brand. There would be some other stories and points of interest worth taking note in. The first of which would be the continued development of Dominik Mysterio. Showing up to NXT Mexico with a huge weight upon his shoulders as the son of the legendary Rey Mysterio, Dominik would very much be shown to struggle in the early going thanks to his lack of experience which has meant that Mysterio has been winless so far since his arrival. Yet thanks to his spirited efforts he has won over the fans and seemingly impressed one other person as Shaul Guerrero would start to appear at ringside for his matches. Two other generational standouts would be El Hijo De Dr Wagner Jr and El Hijo De Vikingo. Both the sons of mexican wrestling legends and the latest in their dynasties. The duo would pick up some impressive victories in their respective divisions as Wagner Jr was a staple in the heavyweight picture while Vikingo was a standout in the cruiserweight picture. However with their rise it seemed they'd attract some attention of the pairing of Angel Garza and Humberto Carillo who were jealous that they with their bloodline weren't being recognized in the same light by the fans. Despite some tension based on their father's history, Wagner and Vikingo would begin to align and stand against the duo. Speaking of tag team action a pair of developmental prospects signed by the WWE Yulisa Leon and Valentina Feroz would also start featuring in matches as a tag team. Unfortunately for the young pairing they would be winless despite some spirited performances. Yet in these efforts similar to Dominik, it would seem that the crowd would begin to rally behind this plucky baby face team. Unfortunately for the pair while they had impressed the fans they had run afoul of a veteran pairing of Princesca Sugheit and Zeuxis who believed that the rookie pair needed to pay their dues. One point of note also following the trios title saga was the ongoing feud between Aero Star and Drago. Billed as former friends well before NXT Mexico, Drago's betrayal stung Aero Star big time and while Argenis was quick to seek retribution. Unfortunately it would be thanks to a mist spray by Drago that Argenis was beaten and then received a nasty series of chair strikes following. This would spur Aero Star into action and he'd bring with him a rage as he began pummeling Drago with punches until Drago fled the ring knowing that he'd brough the wrath of his former ally. The last two parts of note were two more recent additions to the brand. The first of which was Salina De La Renta. The leader of De La Renta promociones, Salina was in a similar vain as Santos Escobar painted as a former acquaintance of Luis Fernandes Gil and could be seen at ringside observing matches as she scouted talent for her talent agency. The second name of note was that of exciting prospect Dragon Lee. Billed as a student of the Ultimo Dragon and someone looking to continue his legacy, Dragon Lee would have a series of vignettes highlighting his training before his upcoming arrival. ​