Since the WWE United Kingdom Championship tournament, the competitors from the UK have scarcely been featured on WWE television. With a weekly show still in the works, the WWE Network hosts a special show, the UK Championship Special, commentated by Jim Ross and Nigel McGuinness which highlights live events from the European tour a couple weeks ago. In perhaps the most important match of the night, Pete Dunne takes on Trent Seven to determine who will take on Tyler Bate for the United Kingdom Championship tomorrow night at NXT TakeOver: Chicago.
Wolfgang vs. Joseph Conners
Before the match, we get video packages giving the WWE Universe some insight on both men. Wolfgang, a native of Scotland, advanced to the semifinals of the championship tournament by picking up an upset victory over Trent Seven, but he ultimately lost to Tyler Bate. Conners, the Englishman who is missing half an ear, also found moderate success in the tournament.
Joseph Conners takes too long setting up for an aerial attack, and Wolfgang counters it into a spear. While Conners is down, Wolfie hits the “Howling” Swanton Bomb for the win. Winner: Wolfgang
TJP & The Brian Kendrick vs. Rich Swann & Dan Moloney
Even though this is the UK special, there is some time to feature the competitors from 205 Live. TJP and The Brian Kendrick make a strange team since they had quite a lengthy feud over the Cruiserweight Championship following the Cruiserweight Classic. Dan Moloney is the only member of this match that isn’t a Cruiserweight, but he impressed the WWE Universe in his brief showing a few months ago.
TJP takes out Rich Swann outside the ring, and Brian Kendrick rolls up Dan Moloney while using the tights for leverage to steal the win. Winners: TJP & The Brian Kendrick
Pete Dunne vs. Trent Seven – #1 Contender’s Match (United Kingdom Championship)
In Progress Wrestling, Pete Dunne and Trent Seven are partners in a team known as British Strong Style. In WWE, however, it is a different story. Seven barely defeated Wolfgang one night prior to this match, and Dunne attacked him from behind to gain the advantage. Dunne did this twice in the championship tournament as well, and Nigel McGuinness is shocked that there are no repercussions.
In a bit of a side note, it is incredible that Pete Dunne is allowed to display his Progress Championship on WWE television.
Trent Seven goes for his signature lariat, but Pete Dunne counters it and manages to hit the Bitter End for the victory. He will head to NXT TakeOver: Chicago tomorrow night to challenge Tyler Bate for the United Kingdom Championship. Winner, and NEW #1 Contender: Pete Dunne
Tyler Bate (c) vs. Mark Andrews – WWE United Kingdom Championship
It might be obvious by now, but Tyler Bate is the first and only WWE United Kingdom Champion. Bate defeated Pete Dunne in the finals of the championship tournament, and he has successfully defended his title against Trent Seven and Jack Gallagher through NXT. Mark Andrews was one match away from the tournament finals, but he has the chance to capture the belt tonight. Unfortunately, WWE all but flat-out said Andrews is losing this match by promoting Bate’s title defense tomorrow.
Tyler Bate kicks out of everything Mark Andrews throws at him, then he nails the challenger with a brutal flipping heel kick. Bate continues his momentum to finish Andrews off with the Tyler Driver ’97. Overall, the match was a bit of a spotfest with several moves that should not have been kicked out of, but it did a great job of demonstrating what incredible athletes both men are. Winner, and STILL WWE United Kingdom Champion: Tyler Bate
Bate heads to NXT TakeOver: Chicago tomorrow night, where he will defend the United Kingdom Championship against Pete Dunne. While Bate celebrates his victory, Dunne attacks Mark Andrews on the entrance ramp. NXT General Manager and UK Championship coordinator William Regal rushes to the ring to prevent Dunne from starting any further assaults. Dunne extends his hand for a handshake, but Bate knows better and just keeps his guard up.
