By Haydn Gleed, ProWrestling.net Staffer (@haydngleed)
NXT UK Hits
Toni Storm vs. Deonna Purrazzo: A minor Hit. This match was fundamentally sound but it didn’t feel there was any real heat to it, which made it come across as an exhibition match. It didn’t help that going into this match it was essentially a babyface vs. babyface contest, meaning the crowd weren’t really behind one or the other. While they attempted to make Deonna the heel in this match, it didn’t really stick. I enjoyed the Rhea Ripley vs. Deonna match from two shows ago a lot more.
Promos, promos everywhere: One thing that I’m enjoying about NXT UK is that a number of talent who I’ve never heard cut promos being given the chance to show us what they’ve got. On this particular show I thought Marcel Barthel and Joseph Connors both did great jobs with their respected opportunities and Travis Banks also did well considering how bad some of the promos I’ve seen him cut in the past have been. The wrestlers are getting opportunities and I like that.
Pete Dunne and Joe Coffey contract signing for Takeover: A minor Hit. As soon as you saw the table setup in the ring you knew it was going to get broken, but at least it was done to put decent heat on the heel going into Takeover next week. Although Coffey’s speech went on a bit too long and there were moments such as when they both sat down at the same time at the same speed that looked choreographed, it was still well delivered. For that matter, so was Dunne’s simple response of “you talk too much”. On a separate note, I don’t know how much Dunne is getting paid, but surely he can afford a razor to tidy up his facial hair and some socks. The scruffy apeth!
NXT UK Misses
”The Wildboar” Mike Hitchman vs. Josh Morrell: There was nothing wrong with the match as I thought Josh looked good in the little offence he had and it made Hitchman look strong with the virtual squash. However, it felt completely out of place with just a couple of shows left until Takeover since I doubt either guy will be on the show.
Dave Mastiff vs. Eddie Dennis: Ugh! I have really enjoyed the build between these two with the novel techniques they’ve been using backstage to setup Eddie Dennis as the slimy heel and Mastiff as the likable Giant, but this was match nearly took me out of the feud. The first half of the match was good and I enjoyed it, but when they are in the middle of a big feud and they are trading forearms towards the tail end of the match that visibly look like they wouldn’t crack an egg and then there was a double DQ finish because they both touched the referee lightly. It was very, very weak. It wasn’t like the referee really had to get involved to separate them, which led to him being pushed out of the way, it was just weak on so many levels. I understand that they were building toward a no DQ match at Takeover, but they could have done it in so many different ways. Have them fight for a while and then the match breaks down when they both grab weapons of some description forcing the need for a no DQ match. Something, anything, just not this. I am still looking forward to the match at Takeover when they can really let loose, but this match and finish nearly lost me.
Dot Net Members have access to the weekly NXT UK audio reviews hosted by Haydn Gleed and Darren Gutteridge. For more information, visit PWMembership.net. If you wish to get in touch with Haydn, do so via twitter (see above) or via email haydn.gleed@gmail.com
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