Tag: wolfgang

Daily Update: New WWE trademark, Josh Alexander, Wolfgang

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Daily Update

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This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter

This issue covers the following topics:

  • The changes in the WrestleMania plans, the Drew McIntyre title win, Roman Reigns return and the whys.
  • WWE getting Will Hobbs while AEW signs a slew of new talent as well. A look at each case-by-case.
  • Notes on the big weekend coming to Mexico City
  • Kayla Harrison injury and what is the future for the biggest women’s fight in years
  • Win-loss records and total bouts for all top WWE/NXT talent in 2025
  • WWE Iron Man winner from 1984-2025
  • What cutting back on the schedule has taught us about injuries
  • Who gets protected in booking and who doesn’t
  • The problem with the current schedule and development of young talent
  • A star who has been around through various eras talks timing and injuries and best schedule
  • A look at TNA’s debut on AMC, what went right and wrong
  • When did wrestling start being a work. Studying of history shows it’s a lot earlier than you would think
  • Odds for WWE matches upcoming
  • The most detailed look at the ratings of all the pro wrestling shows this past week, as well as comparisons with the past and a look at the level of declines and why
  • What wrestler has already main evented 12 sold out shows in 2026
  • One woman wrestler announces retirement and another retires
  • Kazuchika Okada in Japan
  • Most watched New Japan World matches of 2025
  • Ted DiBiase Jr. on trial
  • Death of Rick Link, from fan clubs to main events
  • Jesse Ventura speaks about the current political environment
  • The greatest wrestler in the world signs with Eric Bischoff’s promotion
  • Tons of major independent shows coming
  • AEW gets TV in new market
  • Ticket sales for upcoming WWE, AEW and TNA events
  • Most viewed YouTube videos from AEW and WWE
  • Tag team returning to AEW
  • Dana White shuts down talk of major match
  • A new lawsuit filed against WWE
  • Notes on the recent WWE tryout
  • Notes on all the WWE arena shows this past week.

This Week’s Back Issue

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Wednesday Update

WWE

  • WWE uploaded the full triple threat tag match that headlined NXT last night, which saw Sol Ruca & Zaria defeat Fallon Henley & Lainey Reid and Kendal Grey & Wren Sinclair to become the number one contenders to the TNA Knockouts Tag Team titles.
  • WWE filed a trademark application for the name “Royce Keys” on January 20.
  • On What Do You Wanna Talk About? with Cody Rhodes, The Undertaker was asked if he’s enjoyed hosting his own Six Feet Under podcast:
    • It has its moments. Yeah, it really does. When you’re in a discussion or you’re in a conversation and you’re hitting it off, that’s always fun. But, man, sometimes when you get that guest that doesn’t want to talk or is not a storyteller, right? I don’t want to name names, but it can be like pulling a tooth.
  • Undertaker announced that Rhodes will be a future guest on Six Feet Under.
  • R-Truth sent out a message thanking everyone for how they’ve responded to the new season of WWE Unreal:
    • Thank you to each and everyone of you WORLD WIDE! I don’t call you fans anymore, You all are my family. I really appreciate ALL of you more than you’ll ever know.
  • CM Punk & AJ Styles teamed up at WWE’s house show in Brussels yesterday, defeating Bron Breakker & Bronson Reed.
  • Booker T spoke to The Takedown on SI about his willingness to help younger talent:
    • I always tell the young guys, if you want some help, I’ll be right over here. I got a little cubby hole and I got a little spot, a little office. Sometimes I show up to work and I have two guys, three guys, a girl, sitting there waiting on me. We’ll break it down … really go into self interrogation mode, ask ourselves serious questions.
    • It’s mostly going to be ‘what not to dos’ and working with these kids and really getting down to the meat and potatoes of being able to beat someone up poetically. That’s all it is. If you could do that, we can make a whole lot of money.

Other Wrestling

  • Josh Alexander appeared on the Battleground Podcast ahead of his match against Kenny Omega on Dynamite tonight.
  • During the interview, Alexander was asked if he would like to see his wife Jade Chung and friend Scott D’Amore have a role in AEW/ROH:
    • I would absolutely love to see that. I mean, Scott’s one thing. He might take offense more if I said no to that than my wife. 
    • My wife first and foremost, she changed her whole career from a wrestling manager into being a ring announcer just because [TNA] asked her to try it. She was worried about it, but she’s like, ‘I’ll give it a try, I’ve never done it, we’ll see.’ She went to voice lessons for a year, and she’s still going to this day, even though she’s not doing it anymore.
    • But she did all this hard work. And I think the hard work showed in what she was able to do as a ring announcer. Like, she was getting praise from a lot of people from around the industry that have been in the industry for a very long time.
    • So I think it’d be a terrible waste of her talents to not see her do what she now loves to do and is now confident in doing at a bigger company. AEW would be a very good place for that.
    • Scott D’Amore, the man has helped me more than anybody else in wrestling history. He saw something in me when a lot of people didn’t, gave me an opportunity when a lot of people didn’t. And the only reason I’m sitting here in this house that I’m able to put over my children’s heads is because of Scott D’Amore giving me those opportunities and me making the best of them. So I owe that guy so much, and I would love to see him anywhere.
  • WDW News Today has an interview with MJF.
  • Alec Price told Undisputed that he and Jordan Oliver are out to prove they’re the best tag team in the world now that they’ve signed with AEW:
    • This is our time. [MJF] was part of the last generation of indie talent, then me and Jordan and our generation held the indies strong. Now it’s all about a new challenge. Me and Jordan aren’t going to squander this opportunity. We’re the best tag team in the world, and we’re going to show it.
  • In an interview with NJPW’s English-language website, Yota Tsuji reacted to Hiroshi Tanahashi’s retirement match:
    • I hit the showers when I got to the back and I was icing my neck while I checked it out. Tanahashi’s incredible. Those cheers at that volume from that many people without stopping, it just hit home how much he means to wrestling. Tanahashi that day was like the ultimate final form of a pro-wrestler. And you know, the match was great. Some emotion just boiled over toward the end there (laughs).
  • Tsuji noted that he wants his IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship defense against Gabe Kidd or Andrade El Idolo to take place overseas. Those two are facing each other in a number one contender’s match at the New Beginning in Osaka on February 11.
    • I’d like to do it overseas. If it happens to be Andrade then it’s a new international name to me to face, and if it’s Gabe then it will be a chance to show the best of NJPW to a foreign audience, so it’ll be cool either way.
  • All three members of former WWE faction Gallus will be debuting for MLW in Kissimmee, Florida on January 29, with Wolfgang joining Joe Coffey and Mark Coffey among the confirmed entrants for the 40-man Battle Riot match.
  • Elayna Black (the former Cora Jade) revealed that she is dating fellow TNA wrestler KC Navarro.
  • Limitless Wrestling’s YouTube channel uploaded the full Eddie Kingston & Ortiz vs. Anthony Greene & Channing Thomas tag match from last week.
  • “Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase, The Great Sasuke, Gangrel, and Jordan Oliver & Alec Price will be taking part in Joey Janela’s Boat Bash 2027.

Big Vinny V: TNA Impact with Joe Hendry vs. Wolfgang

Posted on by Vincent Verhei

The Hendry-Gallus feud from NXT spills over into TNA this week with Wolfgang facing Joe Hendry in the main event. Why was this match so perfect for Hendry, and what does that tell us about where his professional future lies?

We also have a pair of qualifying matches for Ultimate X at Emergence, where Speedball Mike Bailey will defend his X Division title, with one of those attempting to qualify being … Speedball himself?

Plus: a major championship match is booked for next week, PCO’s honeymoon with Steph De Lander goes even worse than you might expect, and The System cuts a promo that may still be going on as we speak. All this and more on the Big Vinny V Show!

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TNA Impact live results: Ultimate X qualifying matches begin

Posted on by Matt Boone

Two three-way qualifying matches for entry into the Ultimate X match at Emergence begin tonight on TNA Impact.

In one, WWE NXT’s Dante Chen will make his promotional debut as he battles KC Navarro and Zachary Wentz of The Rascalz. In the other, X-Division Champion “Speedball” Mike Bailey takes on Trent Seven and Jake Something. If Bailey loses, he will vacate the title and it will be put up for grabs in the Ultimate X match.

Tonight’s show will also feature another open challenge by Knockouts Champion Jordynne Grace.

The man who appears everywhere in wrestling — Joe Hendry — will take on NXT’s Wolfgang of the Gallus faction.

Following last week’s disaster of a wedding between PCO and Steph De Lander due to the return of Matt Cardona, the fallout from the failed nuptials will be felt.

After a fairly unsuccessful Slammiversary that saw Moose lose his World title and Eddie Edwards & Brian Myers drop their Tag Team titles, The System will kick off the show to give the state of their group.

After turning on Joe Hendry during last month’s six-way for the World title at Slammiversary, Josh Alexander will attempt to explain his actions.

KUSHIDA vs. Jonathan Gresham rounds out the lineup.

**********

Steph De Lander Honeymoon Pt. I

Steph De Lander checks in to kick off this week’s show. She is holding black and red lingerie for her monster PCO and welcomes us to her honeymoon following their undead wedding last week.

The System Kick Off This Week’s Show

“Trust … The System” is the first thing we hear when we shoot inside the Impact Zone. Out comes JDC and The System in their red, white and blue gear. Alisha Edwards begins on the mic. “Do you wanna know something?” The fans loudly respond, “No!”

She says she’s so sick and tired of us stupid fans thinking that The System is failing. A “You suck! You suck!” chant breaks out as the raspy-voiced Alisha yells at the fans in Tampa to shut their collective mouths.

Eddie Edwards takes the mic next and claims he and Brian Myers losing the tag-team titles was nothing more than a fluke. He tells everyone in the back that they will do whatever it takes to get their belts back. Myers insists nothing has changed and that The System is still the best wrestling faction.

Another “You suck! You suck!” chant spreads throughout the Impact Zone as JDC begins his turn on the mic. He tells the fans to shut up once more before handing the mic off to Moose. Moose addresses Nic Nemeth. He says he might be the TNA World Champion at this moment, but he’ll never be the face of the franchise.

When the time is right, he claims he will come and get what his rightfully his, the TNA World Championship. Before then, he needs to address the lunatic Mike Santana telling people he’s afraid of him. Moose asks if Santana knows how many Hall of Famers he has on his resume.

Moose says Santana calls himself a dog. He says next week he’ll take that dog out back and give him the “Old Yeller” treatment. Why? Because in the end, “you always trust in The System.” Their theme hits again to wrap up the opening segment.

Backstage With Jonathan Gresham & KUSHIDA

Backstage, Jonathan Gresham is interviewed without his mask on. Gia Miller brings up his match against KUSHIDA tonight, which was originally set for TNA Slammiversary. She says she didn’t expect to see him like this without his mask on.

Gresham says he hasn’t been feeling well for a while. KUSHIDA comes in and doesn’t say anything. He looks at Gresham, extends his hand and then walks off. On that note, we head into a commercial break.

“Speedball” Mike Bailey (c) defeated Trent Seven & Jake Something to qualify for Ultimate X

When the show returns, we see the TNA digital exclusive where “Speedball” Mike Bailey is with Santino Marella. It is announced that if Bailey doesn’t win in the three-way Ultimate X match he is involved in tonight, he will vacate his TNA X-Division Championship.

Inside the Impact Zone, the theme for Trent Seven hits and out comes his Speedball Mountain tag-team partner for our first match of the evening. Jake Something heads to the ring next, followed by reigning TNA X-Division Champion “Speedball” Mike Bailey.

The commentators inform us that there are no disqualifications or count-outs in these qualifier matches. The bell sounds and this high stakes three-way qualifier bout gets started. Seven and Bailey shake hands at the onset. Fans immediately start chanting “Speedball! Speedball!”

Something and Seven scramble up and down from the mat, before Something is thrown out to the floor. Seven and Bailey mix it up and we see Seven end up on the floor as well. Bailey goes for a high spot to the floor and Something moves, causing Bailey to unintentionally take out Seven.

Back in the ring, Bailey and Something mix it up and end up in the ropes, where Bailey hits a modified poison-rana to bring Something up and over the ropes and out to the floor. Bailey launches himself onto Something, who catches him on the floor and by Bailey’s legs, swings him repeatedly into the ring apron.

Something power bombs Bailey on the apron and leaves him laying, before heading back into the ring and dominating the offense over Seven. Seven fights back and hoists Something up on his shoulders. Out of nowhere, Bailey leaps off the top-rope and dropkicks them both down.

Seven starts to fire up, and he blasts Bailey with a few powerful clotheslines for a two-count. Something hits a double shoulder block to knock both guys down. He continues to hit the ropes and run over the Speedball Mountain duo a few more times. He goes for a splash on Seven, but he gets his boot up.

Bailey hits a poisonrana. Seven hits a top-rope scoop-slam for a close two-count. Speedball Mountain both take turns chopping the hell out of Something. Seven hits a Seven-star lariat on Something, who doesn’t go down. He goes for another, but Something blocks it. Bailey hops on Something’s back.

With Bailey on his back, Something hits a power bomb on Seven and a back-splash to get Bailey off of him. Something hits a Void on Seven with Bailey at ringside. He goes for the cover, but Bailey breaks it up in time. Bailey hits a super kick and then a tornado kick in the corner. Bailey hits Ultimo Weapon off the top on Something for the win. He is the first to qualify for Ultimate X at TNA Emergence 2024.

Backstage With Tasha Steelz, Gisele Shaw & Santino Marella

Footage of Tasha Steelz vs. Gisele Shaw from TNA Xplosion is shown. We see Steelz cheat to win and then shoot backstage to a promo from Steelz. As Steelz boasts over her victory, Shaw confronts her.

Santino Marella comes in making cop siren sounds. He announces another match between the two with extra referees for next week to ensure no “extra shenanigans” take place this time. Steelz makes the Cardi B “Okurrrr (Okay)” noise to wrap things up.

Backstage With Hammerstone, Eric Young & Santino Marella

TNA Bound For Glory 2024 is announced for October 26 when we return. The location was not yet announced. Slow roll out for the announcement. Backstage, Hammerstone approaches Santino Marella. He says he wants in the Ultimate X.

Santino says it’s not about weight limits, it’s about no limits. He tells him he’s got it and walks off. Eric Young comes up and tells Hammerstone they have unfinished business.

KUSHIDA defeated Jonathan Gresham

Back inside the Impact Zone, KUSHIDA makes his way to the ring looking like Michael J. Fox in Back To The Future as always. He settles inside the ring and awaits the arrival of Jonathan Gresham.

“The Octopus” makes his way to the ring and is wrestling without the mask on. The bell sounds and off we go. Tom Hannifan explains how this was supposed to take place at TNA Slammiversary but didn’t due to Gresham’s travel issue.

Gresham tries to shake hands but KUSHIDA isn’t interested. Gresham and KUSHIDA lock-up and Gresham backs KUSHIDA into the corner. He gives him a clean break. KUSHIDA slaps on a side headlock and takes Gresham down to the mat.

We see Gresham get KUSHIDA’s back standing, and he pushes him into the ropes. Once again Gresham gives KUSHIDA a clean break. A very technical wrestling battle continues with these two applying holds and hitting reverses and counters.

A back-elbow by Gresham slows KUSHIDA down as Hannifan talks us into a mid-match commercial break. When the show returns, we see KUSHIDA get the Hooverboard Lock for the submission victory.

Backstage With ABC & “Speedball” Mike Bailey

TNA World Tag-Team Champions ABC are shown backstage. They talk about recapturing the tag-team titles. As they continue to talk, they are approached by TNA X-Division Champion “Speedball” Mike Bailey.

He thanks them for their help and then asks him to do him the honor of competing in Ultimate X Qualifying matches. Chris Bey and Ace Austin like the idea of possibly becoming double-champions. After this wraps up, the show heads into another commercial break.

Steph De Lander Honeymoon Pt. II

When the show returns, we see Steph De Lander in a hot tub from her honeymoon. She grabs her cell phone to call her monster. She gets his voicemail. She laughs it off and looks around, waiting for him.

Jordynne Grace (c) and Rosemary ends in No Contest in TNA Knockouts Championship Open Challenge

Inside the Impact Zone, the theme for Jordynne Grace hits. Out comes “The Juggernaut” for her latest TNA Knockouts Championship Open Challenge. She settles in the ring and waits to see who answers the call this week.

The lights go out and when they come back on, the theme for Rosemary hits. Out she comes from “The Undead Realm” to a decent crowd reaction. She settles in the ring with a bag and pulls out her giant butcher’s knife.

The bell sounds to get this one started as fans in Tampa break out in a “Rosemary! Rosemary!” chant. Rosemary gets Grace down early and screams and shrieks as she unloads on her with rights and lefts from back-mount. She gets an odd stretch on Grace under the bottom rope.

Grace starts to fight back. She connects with a huge super-plex off the top-rope and holds on after the landing. She picks Rosemary up for a powerful German suplex and then looks to try and finish her off.

Before she can, however, Ash By Elegance comes out and attacks them both with a pink kendo stick. The referee throws it out. After the match wraps up, the show heads into another commercial break.

TNA Bound For Glory 2024 Announcement

When the show returns, Tom Hannifan and Matthew Rehwoldt are shown on-camera at the commentary desk. Hannifan introduces the official promotional trailer for TNA Bound For Glory 2024, which confirms the show for October 26 at the Wayne State University Fieldhouse in Detroit, Michigan.

Josh Alexander Calls Out TNA World Champion Nic Nemeth

Back inside the Impact Zone, the theme for Josh Alexander hits and out comes “The Walking Weapon.” He gets on the mic as fans chant “You sold out!” and “You screwed Joe (Hendry)!” at him.

Alexander calls Hendry a meme and says he’s not a pro wrestler. He says he didn’t change, the fans did. This time a few weeks ago, they’d be chanting “Walking Weapon!” at him.

He continues to drone on, talking about how he was considered the heart and soul of TNA. He calls himself the best pro wrestler walking the planet. Whether you like him or not, you’ll have to get used to him.

Alexander calls out TNA World Champion Nic Nemeth. He says Nemeth boasted being a fighting champion and the face of TNA. He says TNA already has a face, and it is Josh Alexander. He says they’ll call him the same thing they did in WWE when he’s done with him. “A transitional champion.”

Nemeth comes out and doesn’t say a word. He simply walks up, hits him to get him to drop his guard and then blasts him with a super kick. He kneels down next to him on the mic and says, “I am a fighting champion. You want your match, you got it. Next week right here in Tampa, I will end you.”

When we return, Santino Marella is shown backstage. He makes it official. Nic Nemeth vs. Josh Alexander will take place for the TNA World Championship next Thursday night. Frankie Kazarian comes in and says this is his house, and in his house, “Daddy at first.”

Santino says when it’s his turn, he’ll get a title shot, but right now, “Daddy’s not even sitting at the table.” Kaz assures Santino he’ll get it one way or the other.

Zachary Wentz defeated KC Navarro and Dante Chen to qualify for Ultimate X

Back inside the Impact Zone, The Rascalz make their way out, as Zachary Wentz is part of the next three-way Ultimate X qualifier. As they settle in the ring, footage is shown from this week’s WWE NXT of Wes Lee attacking The Rascalz.

KC Navarro comes out next, followed by WWE NXT Superstar Dante Chen, and then the bell sounds to get this one officially off-and-running. It’s time to find out who joins “Speedball” Mike Bailey as the second participant in the returning Ultimate X match at TNA Emergence.

The three immediately take turns hitting arm-drags and sunset flips in a very fast-paced start to this Ultimate X qualifier. Navarro ends up in the early offensive lead, hitting back-to-back-to-back wild high spots in the ring and on the floor.

Navarro hits a tornado DDT on Chen for a close two-count, while Wentz recovers on the floor. Wentz fights his way back into the mic in the ring until Chen hits a modified double-noggin-knocker on Wentz and Navarro. Chen gets some offensive spotlight shine for a few moments.

Wentz takes over from there and hits his finisher for the pinfall victory. With the win, Zachary Wentz joins the field in the TNA X-Division Championship Ultimate X match at TNA Emergence. The commentators promote the main event coming up next as we head into another commercial break.

Steph De Lander Honeymoon Pt. III

We see an excited Steph De Lander in night wear laying in bed excited. “He’s almost here!” she says, as she waits on her new husband, PCO. Someone knocks at the door and she pops up happy. Matt Cardona is on the other side of the door.

De Lander wants nothing to do with him and pushes him out. Outside the room, we see PCO being held down. Cardona leans down in his face and tells him to stay away from his property, De Lander, and then stomps the back of his head.

Joe Hendry defeated Wolfgang

It’s main event time!

Hannifan and Rehwoldt show us highlights from WWE NXT of Joe Hendry’s recent match involving Gallus’s Joe Coffey. Back inside the Impact Zone, Gallus’ own Wolfgang from WWE NXT makes his way out and heads to the ring for our final match of the evening.

The catchy-ass entrance tune for Joe Hendry plays and the fans in the Impact Zone stomp, clap and sing along with him. He settles in the ring and his music dies down, but the “We Believe!” chants grow louder. He gets on the mic. “Say his name and he appears,” he begins as always.

Hendry tells Wolfgang it wasn’t so long ago that they were both back in Scotland trying to make names for themselves. He says it also wasn’t long ago that he showed up to his place of work and handled him. He brings up Gallus attacking him with a chair.

He says what’s interesting about that is that Mark and Joe Coffey isn’t here tonight. He says since it’s just them, he’s got something to say but he’s struggling to find the words. “I think it goes something like …” and boom, a big shot from Hendry to Wolfgang starts this one off with a bang.

Hendry continues to unload on Wolfgang, who he sends out to the floor with a big shot. Wolfgang recovers and the action continues at ringside. Hannifan and Rehwoldt talk us into a mid-match commercial break as the main event of the evening continues.

When the show returns, we see the action back inside the ring with Hendry in a commanding offensive lead. The crowd chants “Joe! Joe! Joe!” but Wolfgang quiets them down as he begins to shift the momentum in his favor. Fans chant “We want tables!” as the fight continues on the floor at ringside.

Wolfgang pulls the pad off of his arm and grinds his exposed elbow into the forehead of Hendry. Hendry begins fighting back. He hoists Wolfgang up for a delayed suplex. Fans break out in a “We believe!” chant as the wildly popular star continues to settle into a comfortable offensive lead.

Hendry muscles Wolfgang up and hits an impressive fall-away slam. He gets the “We will rock you!” clap-chant going and looks for the Standing Ovation. Wolfgang avoids it. Wolfgang looks for the Howling swanton bomb off the top, but Hendry avoids that and hits the Standing Ovation for the win.

Backstage, we see Mike Santana brawling with The System by himself. Tons of security guards break up the wild brawl as this week’s show goes off the air on that note. Thanks for joining us and don’t forget to follow me on Twitter/X.

Next Week:
* Moose vs. Mike Santana
* Ultimate X Qualifying Matches Continue
* Nic Nemeth (c) vs. Josh Alexander (TNA World Title)

Gallus appear at WWE NXT Heatwave, attack Diamond Mine

Posted on by Ethan Renner

The Gallus group from NXT UK appeared on Tuesday’s WWE NXT Heatwave show, attacking members of Diamond Mine. 

During an in-ring promo segment teasing dissension between Roderick Strong and The Creed Brothers of Diamond Mine, Gallus’s Mark Coffey, Joe Coffey, and Wolfgang appeared, attacking Diamond Mine and leaving them laying. 

Later on Heatwave, Gallus was involved in a pull-apart backstage with Josh Briggs and Brooks Jensen, the current NXT UK Tag Team Champions. Briggs and Jensen captured the vacant titles on the June 23 episode of NXT UK.

Mark Coffey and Wolfgang are former NXT UK Tag Team Champions, holding the titles from October 2019 until February 2021 when they lost the titles to Pretty Deadly.

Joe Coffey headlined NXT TakeOver: Blackpool in January 2019, unsuccessfully challenging Pete Dunne in a WWE United Kingdom Championship title match. Joe Coffey was suspended by WWE in June 2020 after allegations against him surfaced as part of the #speakingout movement. He was reinstated in October 2020. 

NXT UK results: Title tournament begins

Posted on by Markus Gronemann

NXT United Kingdom Championship tournament first-round match: Oliver Carter defeated Charlie Dempsey (w/ Die Familie) (9:10)

Both men cut in-set promos on their way to the ring. Carter vowed that, despite not being 100 percent, he would win. Dempsey said he’d beat Carter because of Carter’s disrespect for Die Familie.

Carter attacked every member of Die Familie right away and focused on Dempsey. The referee quickly rang the bell and the match was on. Carter was in control and clotheslined Dempsey to the outside, then followed with a plancha.

Dempsey came back and launched Carter into the corner knee-first, then extensively worked over Carter’s previously injured knee. Carter briefly fought back, but Dempsey was relentless.

Dempsey hit a picture-perfect dragon suplex, but Carter got his second wind and staged a comeback. Carter escaped a painful half-crab and turned it into a roll-up for the pinfall victory.

Die Familie hit the ring, but Carter wisely fled up the entranceway and celebrated his win.

– Blair Davenport, Eliza Alexander, Amale, and Isla Dawn all came backstage screaming after last week’s main event. Referees separated them and Sid Scala screamed that neither of them would get a title shot.

– Scala asked Tyler Bate not to interfere in Trent Seven’s match tonight. Bate said he’d never do something like that, but he will get under Seven’s skin by becoming the new NXT UK Champion.

Eliza Alexander defeated Thea Hail (w/ Chase U) (4:11)

Alexander attacked but Hail immediately took over with some clumsy looking lucha offense. Alexander stopped her with a clothesline. Alexander worked Hail over while Hail showed some glimpses of hope in between.

Hail powered out of a Camel Clutch and went for a standing moonsault, but Alexander got her feet up. Alexander then hit a running knee and scored the win via pinfall.

– Nina Samuels crashed an interview segment with Amale. Amale said she would beat whoever it took to get an NXT UK Women’s Championship shot, whether it was Davenport, Dawn, Alexander, or Nina Samuels.

– Andre Chase gave a lecture backstage. Eddie Dennis interrupted and ridiculed him. Chase snapped and swore at him. Dennis mocked Bodhi Hayward, saying that Chase got some neanderthal and taught him to comb his hair. Chase said if Dennis thought it was easy having a protege, he should get one and pointed out Saxon Huxley, who sat in the back of the room eating roasted chicken.

Sam Gradwell defeated Teoman (5:41)

Gradwell beat Teoman up early and threw him to ringside. Rohan Raja got in Gradwell’s way when he went for a kick, allowing Teoman to pull Gradwell between the ring and apron and take over.

Gradwell still held his own and thwarted some nefarious tactics by Teoman and Raja. A little later, Raja pulled Gradwell from the top. The referee saw Raja and expelled him. Teoman argued with the ref, then grabbed Gradwell. Gradwell hit Teoman in the head with his knee brace, then hit his finish for the win.

– Scala congratulated Mark Coffey on winning the Heritage Cup. Noam Dar entered the office and demanded a rematch. Scala said he would try and make it happen.

NXT United Kingdom Championship tournament first-round match: Trent Seven defeated Wolfgang (8:56)

Wolfgang started with a hip toss and an arm drag, then worked over Seven’s arm. Wolfgang hit a dropkick, but Seven threw him out of the ring. Wolfgang quickly took back over and threw Seven into the barricade. Wolfgang climbed the barricade, but Seven threw him down.

Back in the ring, Seven hit a DDT but Wolfgang countered an attempt at the Seven Star Lariat into a German suplex. Wolfgang hit another suplex for a near fall, then followed with an elevated gutbuster for another two count.

They battled on the top rope until Wolfgang threw Seven down and went for a Swanton Bomb, only for Seven to get his knees up. Seven then hit the Birminghammer for the win.

Final Thoughts —

A fun show. Oliver Carter vs. Charlie Dempsey was the best match on the episode, while Trent Seven vs. Wolfgang was a nice brawl between two powerhouses.

Teoman somehow has descended into the midcard. They told a nice story here, but he should not lose to people on the 50-50 level like Sam Gradwell.

Eliza Alexander vs. Thea Hail was another showcase of just how green the NXT 2.0 talent is, but I guess they need all the matches they can get.

Next Week —

  • NXT United Kingdom Championship tournament first-round match: Tyler Bate vs. Kenny Williams
  • NXT United Kingdom Championship tournament first-round match: Joe Coffey vs. Mark Andrews

NXT UK results: Ilja Dragunov vs. Wolfgang

Posted on by Markus Gronemann

NXT UK Tag Team Champions Josh Briggs & Brooks Jensen defeated Mark Andrews & Wild Boar to retain their titles (9:05)

Jensen and Boar started with Boar outwrestling the bigger man. Boar and Andrews double-teamed Jensen until he made the tag to Briggs. The champs came back with a suplex into a powerslam on Andrews.

After being worked over for a few minutes, Andrews turned a double-team powerbomb into a Stun Dog Millionaire and tagged in Boar, who ran wild and scored a number of near falls on Briggs. Andrews and Boar hit a dropkick/German suplex combo on Jensen, followed by a frog splash by Boar for a near fall.

Briggs had Andrews up for a long delayed vertical suplex, but Andrews hit another Stun Dog Millionaire. But Andrews missed a Shooting Star Press when Briggs moved. Briggs and Jensen then hit their awkward high/low combination finisher for the win.

The teams shook hands following the match.

– After running in on Trent Seven last week, Tyler Bate was backstage and grabbed a camera. Bate said he had loved Seven like a brother but now was coming to “get” him.

– There was a press conference with NXT UK Women’s Champion Meiko Satomura and her next challenger Sarray. They spoke in Japanese and Sarray then said in English that she was the sunrise and Satomura was the sunset. Satomura said no one could beat her.

They posed for a photo and Satomura stared at Sarray, which slightly flustered her.

Blair Davenport defeated Amale (5:47)

Amale dropped Davenport early with a double palm strike and head kick, but Davenport avoided a running kick to the corner. Davenport followed up with a slam and beat up Amale at ringside.

Davenport missed a stomp off the turnbuckles and it looked like her previously injured ankle was still causing her issues. She still scored a near fall, but Amale came back with a suplex and face wash in the corner. Amale went for the Hopebreaker, but Davenport countered into a roll-up. Davenport then followed up with a knee to the face and the Falcon Arrow for the pinfall victory.

– Oliver Carter was at Die Familie’s dinner table and did a voiceover with a German accent, just as Teoman usually does. He then switched to his own accent and started upsetting the table decoration. Carter wrote a letter to Die Familie and told them that Rohan Raja was next. Teoman then read the letter and was furious.

– People were still cashing their bets with Sha Samuels. As he had no money left, Samuels paid people with his shoes and various track jackets. He was distraught and half naked by the end.

– A segment announced NXT 2.0’s Chase U would make their NXT UK debut next week. Oliver Carter vs. Rohan Raja also was made official for next Thursday’s episode.

NXT UK Champion Ilja Dragunov defeated Wolfgang to retain his title (15:57)

Wolfgang backed Dragunov into a corner but let him out without any further attack. Dragunov took Wolfgang down with a side headlock but could not take him off his feet with tackles, while Wolfgang put Dragunov down with ease.

A few minutes into the match, Dragunov’s back gave out and he was also bleeding from the elbow. Dragunov went for a running kick, but Wolfgang caught him and slammed him into the corner.

Wolfgang worked over the champion’s back with submission attempts. Dragunov went for a bridge, dodging another attack and collapsing once more. Dragunov fought back, but his back kept giving him major problems.

After a failed attempt, Dragunov finally hit a flying head kick and a knee in the corner. He seemed to have injured his ankle in addition to his back. Dragunov hit a number of elbows and a senton, which did his back no favors.

Wolfgang survived a number of clotheslines, then hit one of his own for a near fall. He hit a Torture Rack into a backbreaker for another two count. Dragunov came back with a falling punch that almost had Wolfgang knocked out, but Wolfgang still kicked out of the subsequent pin.

Dragunov hit a top rope senton that may have injured him more than Wolfgang. He went for Torpedo Moscow, but Wolfgang countered it and hit a caveman toss suplex for another near fall. Wolfgang went for a vaulting spear, but Dragunov kicked him in the face.

Dragunov then deadlifted Wolfgang for a huge slam and followed with Torpedo Moscow for the pinfall victory and successful title defense.

The two competitors shook hands after the match.

Final Thoughts —

The main event was fantastic and Dragunov’s selling of his back was as good as Bryan Danielson’s selling of his head on last night’s AEW Dynamite. Hard-hitting and brutal with great psychology. Go out of your way to watch this one if you can.

Davenport looked strong in her comeback and the tag team match also was fun, mostly due to the big man/little man dynamic and Andrews & Boar, even though Briggs & Jensen didn’t look out of place.

Next Week —

  • NXT UK Women’s Champion Meiko Satomura defends against Sarray
  • Oliver Carter vs. Rohan Raja
  • Chase U make their NXT UK debut

NXT UK Championship match set for July 28 episode

Posted on by Ian Carey

An NXT UK Championship match is set to air on July 28. 

It was revealed on NXT UK this week that Wolfgang challenging Ilja Dragunov for the title will air in two weeks. 

Wolfgang cut a promo directed at the NXT UK Champion during Thursday’s show. 

“People need to remember who Wolfgang is, just how bad I can be in that ring,” he said. “Someone needs to take that title from you, why not Wolfy?”

NXT UK also revealed three matches set to air next week.

Sam Gradwell will face Trent Seven in singles action. This was set up in an angle from last week’s show. Seven defeated Tate Mayfairs and then continued to attack him after the bell until Gradwell made the save. Then on this week’s show, footage aired of Seven attacking Gradwell in the NXT UK Performance Center. 

Dave Mastiff vs. Josh Morrell is also scheduled for next week. This was set up in a backstage segment on Thursday. Mastiff approached Morrell and congratulated him on his win over Primate before revealing they will face each other next week. 

Also next week, Isla Dawn will face Fallon Henley. They were involved in a short segment from the Performance Center on this week’s show.

Announced lineup for the July 21 episode of NXT UK:

  • Fallon Henley vs. Isla Dawn
  • Dave Mastiff vs. Josh Morrell
  • Trent Seven vs. Sam Gradwell

Announced lineup for the July 28 episode of NXT UK:

  • NXT UK Champion Ilja Dragunov defends against Wolfgang

NXT UK results: Roderick Strong vs. Wolfgang

Posted on by Markus Gronemann

Taped at BT Sport Studios in London, England

A larger contingent of fans was back at BT Studios for this set of tapings.

Oliver Carter (w/ Ashton Smith) defeated Tyler Bate (w/ Trent Seven) (10:08)

The two teams agreed last week that they would meet in singles matches. If Smith and Carter win both, they’ll get another shot at Moustache Mountain’s NXT UK Tag Team titles.

Carter and Bate traded holds and counters early on, then transitioned into quick pinfall attempts. Carter took over with a number of kicks and got another two count before Bate dropkicked him out of the ring.

Back inside, Bate tried controlling Smith with a waistlock but ended up getting floored with a dropkick from the top before Carter went for more pins. Bate eventually caught him and hit an exploder, followed by a running Shooting Star Press for a two count of his own.

Bate took Carter up for an Airplane Spin, dropped him on his knees, and locked in an abdominal stretch and then an octopus hold, but Carter made the ropes. Carter escaped both a Tyler Driver ’97 and a German suplex attempt, then went on offense and hit a full nelson slam into a backbreaker for two.

They traded rolling koppu kicks. Bate hit the rope-assisted lariat and went for Tyler Driver ’97 once more, but Smith countered it into a hurricanrana for a close two count. 

Bate was sitting on the top rope when Smith and Seven got into it at ringside and Seven shoved Smith into the steps. Bate managed to throw off Carter, who was looking to use the distraction. Bate then went for a flying European uppercut but was still distracted by the bickering at ringside, allowing Carter to turn the attack into a backslide for the somewhat upset of a win.

– A-Kid encountered a raving Saxon Huxley backstage as Huxley was in the middle of a photo shoot. A-Kid asked him to be his tag team partner against Die Familie — and Huxley eventually agreed.

– Wild Boar was in a video segment, swearing to bring revenge and everything he suffered through during the past year to Symbiosis.

Emilia McKenzie defeated Nina Samuels (8:45)

They went back and forth with wristlocks and grappling on the mat early on. McKenzie eventually hit a hurricanrana off the middle rope, but Samuels took back over.

Samuels locked in a kneeling abdominal stretch, but McKenzie eventually powered out and came back with a back suplex. Samuels dropkicked her into the ropes from behind, leading to a nearfall.

McKenzie hit a German suplex, which prompted Samuels to roll out of the ring. McKenzie followed up with a dive through the ropes, but — back in the ring — was promptly thrown off the top rope by the hair. Samuels then missed a top rope moonsault, allowing McKenzie to hit a spear to gain the pinfall victory.

– Mark Coffey came out of Sid Scala’s office, then revealed to his brother Joe that Mark would receive a Heritage Cup title match against Noam Dar.

– Kenny Williams found a note on his locker reading “You’ve made a lot of enemies” and “Tick Tock.” The note either came from Sam Gradwell, whose mohawk he cut off a few weeks ago, or someone found some old scribblings of Karrion Kross.

– Eddie Dennis and the rest of Symbiosis went into Scala’s office as they had been asked to. Scala revealed that Wild Boar requested a match with Dennis, who replied that he was pretty much a manager these days. Dennis suggested that Boar take on either T-Bone or Primate. Scala said he had to make a call.

Stevie Turner defeated Aleah James (4:10)

After Turner took her down with shoulderblocks, James quickly came back with a dropkick, a Matrix bridge, and more innovative offense. Turner retaliated with a kick to the face and a chinlock.

James made a comeback with running crossbodys before getting almost pinned after a jumping uranage. Suddenly, James came back with a bridging O’Connor Roll for the flash pin.

– Sha Samuels had the odds for the Dar vs. Mark Coffey Heritage Cup title match on a whiteboard. Dar complained about having to face Coffey. Someone called and bet on Mark winning, and Samuels excitedly told them he’d up the odds for that as he and Dar snickered.

– A video recapped the past and recent history between NXT UK Women’s Champion Meiko Satomura and Isla Dawn. Dawn said the version of her that Satomura defeated in her very first match in NXT UK is gone and she has collected all the trinkets she needs over the past few months. Dawn said she’ll take Satomura’s title, while Satomura said she can not lose. The two will meet in a title match next week.

Roderick Strong defeated Wolfgang (9:50)

Strong got under Wolfgang’s skin before the match started, then kept evading the big Scot and repeatedly fled to ringside. Wolfgang eventually caught him in a headlock, then hit an overhead, judo-style suplex.

Wolfgang manhandled Strong around the ring, leading to Strong stumbling to ringside once more. Strong used some questionable tactics to regain the upper hand and hit a stomp over the ropes.

Strong kept grinding down Wolfgang, working over his back and neck. Wolfgang made it back to his feet, threw Strong into the corner, and hit another hip toss. He went up top and came down on Strong with a double axe handle. They went back and forth until Wolfgang hit another suplex but missed a spear into the corner. Strong then hit a running knee right to Wolfgang’s face to score the win. Strong was bleeding above the right eye by the end of the match.

Strong got on the mic after the match, saying that he’s not here for a long time but for a good time and he’s looking for the big fight. He called out NXT UK Champion Ilja Dragunov, stating the ball is in Dragunov’s court.

Final Thoughts —

The opener was really good. People know Bate is excellent, but they shouldn’t sleep on Carter, who is also a tremendous and entertaining wrestler.

McKenzie vs. Samuels was another good match, with Samuels looking better than she has in recent months. James vs. Turner was alright. James has charisma but seems a bit overexcited at times and isn’t as crisp as she could be yet.

The main event was fun, even though Strong didn’t look as much a killer as he probably should when calling out the champion. Strong vs. Dragunov should be very good. though.

Next Week:

  • NXT UK Women’s Champion Meiko Satomura defends against Isla Dawn

Roderick Strong to make NXT UK debut next week

Posted on by Joseph Currier

A member of the NXT 2.0 roster is set to make their NXT UK debut next week.

During this week’s NXT UK episode, it was announced that Roderick Strong will be a special guest on NXT UK next Thursday. He’ll be facing Wolfgang on the show.

While Sid Scala was making the announcement, Wolfgang interrupted Scala and said he wants something that will help take him to the next level. Scala said NXT UK management has noticed the momentum Wolfgang has been on, and he announced that Wolfgang will be Strong’s opponent next week.

https://twitter.com/NXTUK/status/1502019799290945537

The match was filmed at a set of NXT UK television tapings earlier this month.

Strong is part of Diamond Mine in NXT 2.0. The faction is managed by Malcolm Bivens and also includes The Creed Brothers (Julius & Brutus Creed) and Ivy Nile.

It’s also been announced that — in an attempt for Oliver Carter & Ashton Smith to get another shot at Tyler Bate & Trent Seven’s NXT UK Tag Team titles — Carter and Smith will be facing Bate and Seven in singles matches. Carter vs. Bate will take place on next Thursday’s NXT UK.

Plus, WWE has revealed that Meiko Satomura will defend her NXT UK Women’s Championship against Isla Dawn on the NXT UK episode that airs in two weeks (Thursday, March 24).

NXT UK results: Jordan Devlin vs. Wolfgang

Posted on by Ian Carey

As per usual, this week’s show was taped from BT Sports Studios in London, England.

Sam Gradwell defeated Kenny Williams 

After Gradwell made his entrance, Williams came out on crutches and announced he would be unable to compete. Sid Scala then appeared on the big screen and said the medical team had no record of his injury and the match would take place. 

Gradwell attacked Williams on the outside before the bell. Williams was still only in his street clothes as he apparently assumed his ruse would get him out of the match. A grabbing of the mohawk and a rake of the eyes would then get Williams back into it after the early flurry from Gradwell. 

Williams wasn’t on offense for long after Gradwell battled back with a series of clotheslines. Williams then attempted to get back into things by whiplashing Gradwell off the ropes. He then attempted a sunset flip pin, but Gradwell hooked his legs and pinned him for the win. 

After the match, Williams grabbed a crutch and attacked Gradwell from behind. With his opponent down, Williams went to the outside and grabbed a pair of scissors from a toolbox under the ring. He then got back in the ring and snipped off Gradwell’s mohawk. 

– Gallus was shown in the back watching footage from last week’s show when they took over an episode of Supernova Sessions. Wolfgang didn’t seem to be in a good mood, however, likely due to Devlin attacking him in the back last week. He told the Coffey boys to watch what he does tonight.  

– Xia Brookside was interviewed in the back. She was very excited until she was asked if she’s a positive role model like Amale. The mention of Amale really upset Brookside who stormed off and said that her daddy would hear about this. 

– Clips of Dave Mastiff showing Jack Starz what he needs to do in order to earn his respect and a vest were shown. Mastiff ran through three challenges Starz must meet in order to earn a cut. Challenge #1 was he had to be in peak physical condition. Clips were then shown of Mastiff running him through a series of exercises. Challenge #2 was labeled “Bomber Appetite.” He then forced Jack to eat a lot. Challenge #3 was labeled “Bomber Guts.” We then cut to a clip of Mastiff encouraging Jack to streak across a field, but Jack ran away before doing it. 

– We cut to a clip of Sam Gradwell looking for Kenny Williams in the back. He kicked in some doors but never found him. 

Emilia McKenzie defeated Angel Hayze

They exchanged pinning combinations early before Hayze locked McKenzie in a headlock and refused to let go. McKenzie eventually broke the hold and went on a sustained period of offense. 

Hayze fought back and landed a series of clotheslines. She looked to go for a fisherman’s suplex but McKenzie countered. McKenzie then hit a neckbreaker and followed with a suplex. Hayze fought back with a superkick that got a two count. She then went for a cazadora but McKenzie countered and slammed her face first into the mat and got the pin.

– Andy Shepherd interviewed Nathan Frazer in the back. Frazer said he wants to face Ilja Dragunov for the NXT UK Championship. 

– Die Familie was shown in either a high rise apartment or hotel room. Teoman talked about having lost last week in the main event and promised that nobody will stop them moving forward. 

Stevie Turner defeated Myla Grace

Tuner hit the first big move with a Lou Thesz press, followed by punches from the full mount position. She then got a two count after a big knee lift shortly after. 

Grace made a comeback after fighting out of a chinlock. She hit a feint kick and a tornado DDT, but Turner put things away shortly after. Turner hit a big pump kick, followed by a side slam and got the pin.

– Sid Scala announced that he will present NXT UK Women’s Champion Meiko Satomura with a special gift next week to thank her for all she’s done for the brand. 

– A video previewing the Tag Team title match between Moustache Mountain against Ashton Smith & Oliver Carter was shown. Trent Seven and Tyler Bate said being champions gives them more motivation than they’ve ever had. Smith and Carter said that while the champions have beaten them before, they haven’t beaten them when they are this close to achieving their dream. It was announced that this match will take place next week. 

– It was also announced that Xia Brookside will face Amale next week.

Jordan Devlin defeated Wolfgang 

They noted on commentary that Devlin is likely still feeling the impact of his recent empty arena match with Dragunov. Wolfgang then started to work the arm early in the match. 

Devlin tried to fight back, but Wolfgang hit a series of shoulderblocks and knocked his opponent to the outside. It was all Wolfgang early. He got a two count from a vertical suplex and went back to working the arm. 

Devlin only got back into things after ramming his opponent into the steel post after the match had spilled to the floor. He sold his arm for a bit before going on his first sustained period of offense. Devlin had Wolfgang locked in an armbar for a bit. Shortly after, Wolfgang picked up Devlin in a gorilla press but couldn’t hold him up due to his injured arm. 

Devlin then continued to work on Wolfgang’s arm after it was the focus of Wolfgang’s attacks earlier.

Wolfgang eventually fought back by slingshotting Devlin over the top rope and to the floor. He went for a double axe handle but could only use his one good arm for the move. Wolfgang then got a two count off a senton shortly after. 

Devlin dodged a charge in the corner and hit a headbutt to get back into it. He then got a two count after a springboard cutter. Wolfgang then hit a big spear, but the pain from his injured arm prevented him from making a timely cover. He went to the top rope but was caught by Devlin who hit him with a spanish fly. He followed that up with a 450 splash to get the pin. 

Devlin celebrated his victory as the show came to a close. 

Final Thoughts:

This was a fun show. The main event was a very solid match. The other matches were all pretty quick but McKenzie and Turner both came off well. The opening angle with Gradwell and Williams was also pretty good. The cutting off of the mohawk I would imagine will lead to some type of stipulation match down the line. The Mastiff and Starz comedy stuff could turn out to be funny, but also might not. Overall, this was a good show. 

NXT UK results: Heritage Cup contender tournament finals

Posted on by Markus Gronemann

Report —

The show opened with a video highlighting Noam Dar and Wolfgang and their path to the tournament finals

Jinny defeated Emilia McKenzie (07:30)

McKenzie started by working over Jinny’s arm and showed some good aggression. Jinny eventually took over with a leg lock and held onto Emilia’s hair. McKenzie staged a comeback, but Jinny quickly took back over and locked on an octopus hold. She transitioned into a single-leg Boston crab, but Emilia made the ropes.

Joseph Conners looked to get physically involved, but Meiko Satomura ran out and kicked Conners down. McKenzie hit a German suplex and a butterfly driver, but Jinny kicked out at 2.9.

McKenzie missed a spear into the corner, allowing Jinny to hit a ripcord Liger kick for the pinfall victory.

After the match, Jinny cut a promo on McKenzie and Satomura, saying that she defeated Meiko’s protege. She then challenged Meiko to a title match and Meiko accepted.

*****

Sha Samuels gave Noam Dar a pep talk backstage.

Blair Davenport had a meeting with Sid Scala, claiming she was banned from competing, not having a meeting. Scala told her she was being reinstated next week at the request of her opponent, Stevie Turner. He also warned her that future misbehaving would not be tolerated. She told him good, but informed him that she always got what she wanted.

A video on A-Kid aired, he said he would beat Ilja Dragunov next week

*****

Sam Gradwell defeated Mark Andrews (08:47)

Gradwell dominated early, but Andrews wiped him out with a dropkick. Gradwell was sent to ringside, but evaded a dive by Andrews. Andrews slowed down, but still got slammed on the outside. Gradwell took over in the ring as well and hit a butterfly suplex for a near fall.

Andres came back with a wheelbarrow bulldog, a kick and a double foot stomp onto Gradwell’s back. Gradwell held onto Andrews’ leg as he ran the ropes and hit him with a forearm for another near fall. Gradwell caught Andrews in mid-air, but he turned it into Stun Dog Millionaire. Gradwell went to the outside and Andrews hit a moonsault off the second turnbuckle to the outside.

Andrews went for a springboard move from the apron, but Gradwell caught him and hit a fireman’s carry slam for the win.

*****

Flash Morgan Webster waited for Sha Samuels backstage. Samuels berated him and Webster slapped him and ran away

Wolfgang warmed up with the rest of Gallus backstage

A graphic plugged Ilja Dragunov vs. A-Kid for the NXT UK championship for next week. Dragunov was then shown doing some crazy workouts as he is wont to do. He reiterated that he would defeat A-Kid next week.

*****

NXT UK Heritage Cup number one contender tournament finals: Noam Dar (w/Sha Samuels) defeated Wolfgang (w/Mark and Joe Coffey) in Round 6 (15:48)

Round 1

Dar evaded Wolfgang early, then forced a break off the ropes. Wolfgang had Dar’s number, but Dar managed to hurt his arm when Wolfgang put him on the top rope. Dar kept working over Wolfgang’s shoulder but Wolfgang hoisted him up for a powerbomb just as the round ended.

Round 2

Dar dropkicked Wolfgang’s head, but Wolfgang came back with a crossbody in the corner and an axe handle off the top. Suddenly, Jordan Devlin ran out and attacked Joe Coffey. Officials ran out to break things up, but Wolfgang was distracted, allowing Dar to roll him up for the first fall at 1:26 of the round. Dar 1-0

Round 3

Wolfgang hit a spear right away and got the pin at 0:05 of the round. Wolfgang 1-1

Round 4

Wolfgang attacked early and Dar tried evading him. They went to ringside, but Dar whipped the middle rope into Wolfgang’s crotch as he entered the ring. The ended up outside again, where Dar kicked the ring post and Wolfgang speared the barricade just as the round ended.

Round 5

Wolfgang hit a running backbreaker for a near fall. Dar got an armbar on Wolfgang, then transitioned into a leg lock, but Wolfgang eventually escaped. Dar went for the Nova Roller, but Wolfgang hit a spear. The time ran out a second before the referee made the three count, so Dar was saved by the bell.

Round 6

Dar hit leg kicks early, but Wolfgang no-sold his offense and hit a suplex. Dar took out Wolfgang’s leg, then attacked it once more from the top rope. Dar got a near fall off a rollup, then another one after a head kick.

Dar hit the Nova Roller with one minute left in the round, but Wolfgang got back up. Dar hit a second one as Wolfgang was on his knees to gain the victory at 2:20 of the round. Noam Dar wins 2-1

After the match, Tyler Bate came out with the Heritage Cup trophy and posed with it as the show went off the air.

Final thoughts —

The McKenzie vs. Jinny match built to the next title match.

Andrews vs. Gradwell was nothing too exciting.

The Heritage Cup final was really good and may have been one of Wolfgang’s better matches. Dar winning surely will lead to an exciting match down the line.

Next week —

  • Ilja Dragunov vs. A-Kid for the NXT UK Championship
  • Blair Davenport vs. Stevie Turner

Heritage Cup contender’s tournament finals set for next week’s NXT UK

Posted on by Joseph Currier

The winner of NXT UK’s Heritage Cup number one contender’s tournament will be decided next week.

WWE has announced that Noam Dar and Wolfgang will face off in the finals of the contender’s tournament on next Thursday’s episode of NXT UK. The winner will get a future shot at Tyler Bate’s Heritage Cup Championship.

Dar defeated Mark Andrews and Kenny Williams in the first two rounds of the tournament, while Wolfgang defeated Sam Gradwell and Teoman.

On today’s NXT UK, a video package aired where Dar and Wolfgang spoke about next week’s match. Wolfgang said he wants to inspire the new generation in the same way that people like William Regal, Fit Finlay, and Johnny Saint inspired him. Wolfgang said the difference between him and Dar is that he cares about the heritage of British wrestling and the wrestlers who laid the groundwork for them.

Wolfgang said winning the tournament isn’t just about getting Gallus back on top, it’s about him showcasing what he can do.

Dar gave respect to the legends, but he said being humble doesn’t work as well as being aware. Dar said he’s only 28 and is only getting better. Dar said his game plan is to use his ninja sharpness, not get hurt, and come home with a pocket full of cash.

Bate is the second-ever Heritage Cup Champion. He won the title from A-Kid this May.

Jinny vs. Emilia McKenzie and Andrews vs. Gradwell are also set for next Thursday’s NXT UK.

NXT UK results: WALTER-Dragunov revisited, Wolfgang vs. Gradwell

Posted on by Markus Gronemann

Report —

NXT UK Heritage Cup number one contender’s tournament first round: Wolfgang defeated Sam Gradwell 2-1 in round 5 (11:45)

Round 1 —

Wolfgang overpowered Gradwell early. They brawled at ringside and Gradwell hit a flying forearm from the apron. Wolfgang was about to punch Gradwell in the mouth as the round ended.

Round 2 —

Gradwell had Wolfgang trapped in an armbar on the mat about halfway into the round, but Wolfgang powered out. Wolfgang hit an axe handle off the top and a running kick to retaliate. Gradwell slapped him, then escaped to ringside to catch his breath for the last few seconds of the round.

Round 3 —

Wolfgang started out wild, but Gradwell stopped a spear with his knee brace, then hit a flatliner for the first fall at 0:24 of the round. Gradwell 1-0

Round 4 —

Wolfgang’s left shoulder was hurt and he favored the arm, which Gradwell immediately focused on. Wolfgang fought back and eventually hit a front slam off a suplex to score a pin at 1:39 of the round. Wolfgang 1-1

Round 5 —

Gradwell hit a hard forearm for a near fall in the first minute. He evaded two spears by Wolfgang, but fell victim to the third one at 1:17 of the round. Wolfgang wins 2-1

**********

A video recapped Blair Davenport’s attack on Nina Samuels and Sid Scala last week.

Scala, still visibly upset, then announced that NXT management had suspended Davenport. 

**********

Kenny Williams and Noam Dar talked about their match next week. Both are despicable heels and Dar said he was an elephant who would stomp the cockroach Kenny Williams out.

Pretty Deadly defending their NXT UK Tag Team Championships against Gallus (Joe & Mark Coffey) was announced for next week.

**********

Gallus then celebrated Wolfgang’s win and loudly sang backstage, which drew the ire of the Irish Ace. Jordan Devlin came out of his locker room and said he was getting a massage. He then told Joe Coffey after he took care of his neck, he would take care of Coffey’s ego. Coffey got in Devlin’s face, who flinched and held his neck in pain.

**********

Oliver Carter, Ashton Smith & Saxon Huxley defeated Symbiosis (Eddie Dennis, Primate & T-Bone) (09:01)

Smith and Carter had new music and a new entrance screen. 

Huxley and Primate started and Huxley threw Primate to ringside quickly. T-Bone was in next and attacked Huxley, but got wiped out with a Thesz Press. Smith was in next and ate a big overhead suplex. T-Bone and Primate worked him over and Eddie Dennis joined in.

Smith outsmarted Dennis and tagged Carter, who immediately hit a beautiful springboard moonsault on Primate. Primate punched him to ringside and Dennis took over. All three members of Symbiosis worked over Carter, who eventually managed to hot tag Huxley.

Huxley ran wild and wiped out Eddie Dennis with an elbow drop, then followed up with a clothesline off the top. Smith was in and they hit a double suplex on Dennis. Smith was in trouble quickly, as Primate attacked him from the outside. Smith almost fell victim to a flying headbutt by Primate, but Carter made the save.

Smith then impressively hoisted Primate on his shoulders with ease, and Carter hit a Doomsday Cutter for the pin.

**********

Stevie Tyler was asked about her match with Meiko Satomura. She said that she got a title match in only her fourth match and now had the blueprint to beating her.

Emilia McKenzie then walked up and said it was interesting that Tyler badmouthed Satomura when she had been beaten by her and that McKenzie would beat her too. After she left, Tyler pouted and called McKenzie two-dimensional.

**********

Pretty Deadly cut an entertaining promo, talking about how they would beat Gallus next week, just as they had six months ago.

**********

Replay from NXT TakeOver 36: NXT UK Championship: Ilja Dragunov defeated WALTER to win the championship

This was an incredible match, which Dave rated at *****¼ stars. The original report of the match can be found here.

Ilja Dragunov, Rhea Ripley, Cesaro, Drew McIntyre, Finn Balor, Toni Storm and Sheamus provided commentary and added insights for the match. 

Final Thoughts:

  • The Wolfgang/Gradwell match was a fine hoss fight.
  • The six-man was fun and showcased Carter and Smith as a really good team.
  • The replay of the WALTER and Ilja match was outstanding of course. I’d have preferred to have just Ilja’s insights and maybe get some reactions from his peers in a separate segment. This was the best match in WWE this year by a country mile.

Next week:

  • NXT UK Heritage Cup number one contender’s tournament semifinals: Noam Dar vs. Kenny Williams
  • NXT UK Tag Team Championship: Pretty Deadly vs. Gallus

NXT UK results: Heritage Cup contender tournament begins

Posted on by Markus Gronemann

Report —

Taped at BT Sports Studios in London, England

Wolfgang defeated Flash Morgan Webster (07:31)

They first showed a recap of Webster slapping Wolfgang to set up the match this week.

Webster used his speed to his advantage early and agitated Wolfgang with some quick offense. Wolfgang used his size to finally cut Webster down, but then got sent to the outside and was hit by a tope by Webster. Wolfgang came back and eventually posed over a fallen Webster.

He caught Webster coming off the ropes and hoisted him on his shoulders, but Flash hit a poison rana, then hit an elbow for a near fall. Webster came off the top with a senton bomb but Wolfgang got his knees up, then speared Webster into oblivion for the pin and the win.

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Sid Scala announced that in two weeks, Joe Coffey will face Rampage Brown in the final match of their ongoing rivalry. The only way to win will be via submission or knockout.

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Dani Luna and Mark Andrews were asked about Webster’s match tonight. Isla Dawn crept up from behind and acted creepy. Luna told her to get lost.

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Moustache Mountain walked around backstage with some training equipment. Bate said he will become a Grand Slam champion by beating Pretty Deadly next week and Seven said ho they can call themselves the best team in NXT UK when they never beat Moustache Mountain.

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Sid Scala told Jinny and Joseph Conners that Jinny will have a rematch with Aoife Valkyrie in two weeks and it will be no disqualification. Also, Joseph Conners will be locked in a cage at ringside.

Jinny threw a fit, threw a chair, and Conners said this wouldn’t change the outcome.

Amale defeated Nina Samuels (04:52)

Samuels ran wild on Amale early on, attacking her and throwing her around by the hair. Amale came back with a lariat and some ground and pound, then hit a bulldog for a two count. Samuels took back over, threw Amale face first into the turnbuckle then hit her with double knees to the back.

Amale came back with stomps and a running kick into the corner, then scored a near-fall with a swinging neckbreaker. Samuels came back and hit two spinning backbreakers. Amale hit a northern lights suplex, followed by the Heartbreaker (a spinebuster variation) to pick up the victory.

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An amazing video about the upcoming WALTER vs. Ilja Dragunov match aired.

Ilja talked about how WALTER had become his nightmare and now the nightmare was back. He said he was broken inside after their match but he is different now. He said that he lost all respect for WALTER. He said he will now become WALTER’s nightmare. His choice of words and delivery were much better than this synopsis, so go watch the clip yourself if you are looking forward to this match.

A video then recapped what happened between Dragunov, Pete Dunne and WALTER on NXT in the U.S. this week

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A video from two weeks ago was shown, as Symbiosis made their way backstage after their loss to Moustache Mountain. 

As Dennis was about to cut a promo, Saxon Huxley stormed into the room with his chain, screaming “Better luck next time!” over and over again. Dennis asked if he was talking about them. He repeated screaming the phrase into Dennis’ face, then stormed off again, as Symbiosis looked on and were puzzled.

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Meiko Satomura talked about facing Stevie Turner next week. She said that Turner had to learn about respect and it was her role as a champion to teach her. Turner said she was the future of NXT UK and that she would win.

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Pretty Deadly were at a WWE Warehouse and said they were surrounded by history, but would have to make space for their own history. They threw down some pictures of Moustache Mountain and said next week, Moustache Mountain would be the best team that Pretty Deadly has ever beaten.

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Heritage Cup Number One Contender Tournament Round 1: Noam Dar defeated Mark Andrews two falls to one (15:30)

Round 1 —

They felt each other out and exchanged holds, with Andrews getting the better of things by holding on to a headlock

Round 2 —

Dar took over and beat Andrews down, then threw him to ringside and rammed him into the barriers. Andrews made a comeback just as the round ended.

Round 3 —

Andrews hit a sunset flip right at the bell, but got kicked off the turnbuckle and sold his leg. Teoman and Rohan Raja walked out at this point and looked on from the aisle. They went back and forth until Andrews hit Stun Dog Millionaire, then hit a dive to Dar on the outside. Andrews missed a springboard move, selling his leg but still went for the Pelè kick, but Dar caught his leg and applied the ankle lock for the submission win at 2:43 of the round. Teoman and Raja left again. Dar 1-0

Round 4 —

Andrews caught Dar’s leg on a kick through the ropes and hit a dragon screw on the leg in the ropes. Both men sold their legs at this point. Dar went for the ankle lock again, but Andrews rolled through for a rollup pin to pick up the fall at 1:38 of the round. Andrews 1-1

Round 5 —

Andrews almost picked up the win with another pinning combination. Dar hit a back elbow that almost got him a three count. Dar went for the Nova Roller but Andrews caught him with an enzuigiri. He went up top, but Dar kicked his leg away and sent him crashing to the mat. Dar hit a mule kick to the leg, then hit the Nova Roller to score the final fall at 2:38 of the round. Dar wins 2-1

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Next week:

  • NXT UK Women’s Champion Meiko Satomura defends against Stevie Turner
  • NXT UK Tag Team Champions Pretty Deadly defend against Moustache Mountain

In two weeks:

  • Rampage Brown vs. Joe Coffey in a submission or knockout match
  • Jinny vs. Aoife Valkyrie in a no disqualification match with Joseph Conners locked in a cage at ringside

VIDEO: WWE virtual roundtable with Scottish champions

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Update —

The virtual roundtable is available to watch below starting at 10 a.m. Eastern time:

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WWE is set to air its first-ever virtual roundtable on YouTube this week.

It was announced today that WWE’s virtual roundtable series will kick off with an episode featuring the company’s Scottish champions. It will premiere on YouTube at 10 a.m. Eastern time this Thursday (April 30).

WWE Champion Drew McIntyre, Women’s Tag Team Champion Nikki Cross, NXT UK Women’s Champion Kay Lee Ray, and NXT UK Tag Team Champions Gallus (Mark Coffey & Wolfgang) are taking part in the roundtable. They will “discuss what it means to represent Scotland in both WWE and NXT UK, their personal and often entwined journeys to championship glory and what their concurrent reigns could mean for the future of Scotland and the United Kingdom as a whole.”

The virtual roundtable will be hosted by NXT UK’s Andy Shepherd.

McIntyre became WWE Champion by defeating Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 36. He’ll defend his title against Seth Rollins at Money in the Bank on Sunday, May 10.

Cross & Alexa Bliss also regained the Women’s Tag Team titles by defeating Asuka & Kairi Sane at WrestleMania 36.

Kay Lee Ray has been NXT UK Women’s Champion since winning the title from Toni Storm at NXT UK TakeOver: Cardiff in August 2019. Gallus won the NXT UK Tag Team titles from Mark Andrews & Flash Morgan Webster at a set of NXT UK tapings in October.