NXT UK TakeOver: Blackpool II Thoughts
NXT UK is arguably the most underappreciated promotion within the professional wrestling landscape as their shows and events always deliver. NXT UK TakeOver: Blackpool II presented great potential with a stellar card and I’m happy to confirm it lived up to expectations.
The Undisputed Era's appearance to attack Imperium at the conclusion of the event was incredibly exciting and unexpected. This was an excellent way to promote their match at WWE Worlds Collide.
I'm always anxious to witness a straight forward brawl with high stakes and Walter vs Joe Coffey delivered in a big way. The nearfalls were unbelievable.
I've never seen a Walter match that wasn't enjoyable. He's such a joy to witness compete.
Every time Walter chops an opponent, I grab my own chest in pain. God, they are thunderous.
The conclusion of the tag-team match saw me legitimately jumping out of my seat. As advertised, it was chaotic and unforgiving as Gallus retain their NXT UK Tag Team titles.
Gibson protecting Drake while he ascends to the top of the ladder is the psychology I can get behind.
NXT UK's tag-team division is arguably the most underappreciated in the world. I've been stating this for 6 months and the division is only growing stronger.
Tom Phillips and Nigel McGuinness remain my favourite commentary duo in all of professional wrestling. Why do Tom Phillips and Nigel McGunniness work so well together?
Nigel questioned why Andrews would dive off the ladder while Tom rationalized the decision. In the end, Nigel acknowledged his point.
This felt incredibly natural and highlighted their chemistry.
Tyler Bate vs Jordan Devlin was easily Match of the Night. Delvin kicking out of the Tyler Driver 97, Bate IMMEDIATELY leaped to the top rope and landed the Twisting Corkscrew Splash. I loved this sense of urgency.
Goosebump moment of the evening: Triple H, William Regal and Johnny Saint giving Tyler Bate a standing ovation as a sign of respect.
Ever since his Match of the Year caliber battle against Walter, Tyler Bate has proven to be one of the best professional wrestlers on the planet.
Shawn Michaels once proclaimed that Jordan Devlin is "the one to watch" from the NXT UK promotion. An incredible endorsement for an individual who still hasn't reached his full potential. Scary!
The opportunistic Kay Lee Ray superkicks Toni Storm following the frog splash and pins Piper to retain her NXT UK Women's Championship. A perfect finish.
A solid triple threat match that leaves me wondering if we will see Toni featured more prominently on NXT on USA.
Out of desperation, Toni Storm displayed some heel tendencies throughout this match and is now visibility frustrated.
Eddie Dennis defeated Trent Seven following a Razor's Edge to the outside of the ring on a crew member then brought Trent back in and dropped him on his neck for the pinfall victory.
Not to be overly critical, but it was an underwhelming start to a great event. Dennis is still such an unproven commodity and while pairing him with Trent was certainly a wise move for the rub, it felt more like a match that belonged on their weekly television program.
It never ceases to amaze me that the majestic and historic Empress Ballroom opened in 1896.
I'm sure it would be an absolute honour to compete there.
Overall Grade: A
To anyone who tuned into #NXTUKTakeOver for the very first time, I'm sure they were converted into an instant fan.
For returning fans, let's continue to support arguably the most underappreciated promotion within the pro-wrestling landscape.
