By Ross Casey
Here we are then, we are back on WSBF with the next installment of NXT UK. This week comes from the Download Festival and we have Aiden English on commentary! Assuming Nigel McGuinness isn't a metalhead.
We get the usual great opening package, this time it relaid the foundation of Alexander Wolfe joining Imperium last week. What next for this dominant faction? Let's find out...
KENNY WILLIAMS v KASSIUS OHNO
Decent pop for Kenny and a big one for Kassius, I'm assuming most people in this tent don't watch NXT UK and aren't aware he's a heel, or they are hipster metalheads. Do those exist?
Commentary mention that Kassius claims to be the greatest British style wrestler today and he proves it at the start by taking apart Williams' arm with some excellent catch as catch can. Kenny uses his pace and agility to turn the tide, bouncing around the ring and selling his arm at the same time. Beautiful.
Williams attempts the rope bounce like Jon Moxley but Kassius sees it coming and catches him in the ropes and stamps on his face. That was savage - but oh so creative. Top marks to Aiden English for noting that the move was first originated by Les Kellett. There's a name you need to research. What a character!
Ohno hits some great strikes which causes the crowd to chant one more time. Like a true heel, he immediately slaps on a sleeper. Ohno then lands a Finlay Roll and again English is on hand to note that the move was used by Kendo Nagasaki. Boy's done his homework, son!!!
The tide turns when Ohno tries an air raid crash, only for Williams to get his knees up. He lands a penalty kick to the chest of Ohno, hits a tope to the outside and a jumping back elbow off the top. Williams attempts a springboard but again Ohno is wise to it and pushing him into the ropes.
Whilst tangled, Kassius hits ROARING ELBOW and gets the pinfall victory. That was a dominant victory for Ohno, with Williams still looking plucky and charismatic. Expecting him to break free from Jordan soon though and joining the dark side with Dar because if you're Scottish on this show, you're a heel.
WINNER - KASSIUS OHNO
IMPERIUM IN RING PROMO
Barthel says that you people assume they are here to entertain. He can assure you they are not. Aichner says that their numbers have increased, their unit is complete and you will respect their values.
Wolfe adds he jumped at the chance to join Imperium, NXT UK is not a playground and they will fight to protect the legacy of this sport. WALTER concludes that Travis Banks has a title shot next week and he doesn't stand a chance.
Travis is here! Banks says that he has worked his whole life for this and you better bring everything you have got. I am not sure what happened with Trav here, he seemed very nervous and potentially forgot his lines. He's usually very good on the mic.
Anyhow, Imperium look amazing in their trackies and have a genuine presence about them and Banks is getting fed to them. So thumbs up from me. The match should be great.
NOAM DAR BACKSTAGE AT DOWNLOAD
Noam is asked about his recent behaviour with some fans saying he took a dive against Mark Andrews... Dar says he is offended by that and deserves a medal of honour for coming back from injury.
He stops talking to Glen Joseph and sees Kenny Williams. He says there is room for Kenny to be under his wing... he could be a great support act for Supernova 11. Think about it. Kenny isn't interested - but for how long?
I BLOODY KNEW IT!
GALLUS v THE HUNT
This one starts off like a bar brawl, which considering the match is between wild animals and a football firm, is probably smart booking. Both Boar and Primate hit lopes to the outside and then they double team Mark Coffey in the ring.
Mark Coffey uses the ref to get a thumb to the eye of Boar and lands a full nelson slam. Gallus take control now with their mix of quick tags, strong strikes and rest holds.
Boar finally gets the tag to Primate after some miscommunication from Gallus and he clears house to a big pop from the crowd. Bring them down to bring them up...
He gets plenty in - including a lovely T-Bone suplex but misses a dive on the outside before Mark Coffey tackles Boar into the ring steps. Enziguri and body slam combo and its a 3 count on Primate.
Divide and conquer from Gallus again!The match was fine, very different to the opening match, which is a good thing as variety is King. Post match Firm leader Joe Coffey arrived and they triple teamed Wild Boar until Bomber Dave Mastiff arrived!
He goes after all three of Gallus on his own but they powder. Save it for another day boys!
WINNERS - GALLUS
MOUSTACHE MOUNTAIN BACKSTAGE INTERVIEW
Moustache Mountain are interviewed backstage by Radzi, and he informs them that in two weeks time they finally get their rematch against Grizzled Young Veterans. Trent sarcastically says it has been a long time coming, whilst Tyler grins and says that they are looking forward to proving to the NXT UK fans and those all over the world that they are the best tag team in the world.
The dynamic here has definitely changed - Trent is much more serious whilst Bate continues to be his affable young self. I definitely feel like something is brewing here character wise between these two.
Looking forward to the match!
MAIN EVENT - #1 CONTENDERS NXT UK WOMENS CHAMPIONSHIP BATTLE ROYAL
Never recapped a battle royal before. Let's do it by elimination and also figure out the ranking system in the division!
By order of elimination:
RIO - Attacked Jazzy Gabert, got tossed like a rag doll.
?? - CHOPPED off the apron by Jazzy Gabert.
CANDYFLOSS - Dominator from Jazzy Gabert. Jinny stops her from throwing Candy out to do it herself...
JAZZY GABERT - Piper picks Jazzy up and pops her over the apron and Xia baseball slides her out for the upset elimination! Good storytelling as she was Jazzy's first victim in NXT UK.
JINNY - Gabert saves her but once back in Xia eliminates her! WOW.
KILLER KELLY - A messy elimination as Kelly bounces off the ropes in the first two attempts before hitting the apron hard on the successful third attempt.
ISLA DAWN - Tried to fight Rhea Ripley. Didn't work. Dumped over with ease.
NINA SAMUELS - Tried to fight Piper. Didn't work. Dumped over with ease.
RHEA RIPLEY - Fighting on the apron with Piper, Brookside dropkicks her out.
PIPER NIVEN - As Ripley falls, she grabs Piper's hair and she takes a vicious flat back bump at ringside.
XIA BROOKSIDE - She thinks she won, but Kay Lee Ray is yet to be eliminated and she gets lobbed out feet first!
Kay Lee Ray was thrown over the second rope early doors, laid low and stole one. Clever girl. Now she takes on Toni Storm, which should be the Takeover match in my opinion. Banger material.
WINNER - KAY LEE RAY
Thanks for reading!
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