NXT UK FINALLY premieres! And to start things off, Noam Dar finally challenges Pete Dunne for THE United Kingdom Championship!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Mark Andrews VS Joe Coffey w/ Mark Coffey; Coffey wins.
• Dave Mastiff VS Sid Scala; Mastiff wins.
• Toni Storm VS Nina Samuels; Storm wins.
• WWE United Kingdom Championship: Pete Dunne VS Noam Dar; Dunne wins and retains the WWE United Kingdom Championship.

PLAY BY PLAY

NXT UK, ARE?! YOU?! READY!?

“Before us stands a kingdom. One with an indelible history. An unmistakable legacy. But when this kingdom meets a Universe, a new history will be unearthed. A new flag will be raised. The future will redefine its legacy. A kingdom will rise.” And that all begins, now!

Mark Andrews VS Joe Coffey w/ Mark Coffey!

The High-Flying, Stage-Diving Welshman rockstar owes both Coffey Brothers payback for the beat down they handed out back in June. However, he can only take on one at a time, so he goes with big brother Joe first. Will Andrews get satisfaction? Or will Joe finish what he started over the Summer?

The bell rings and the fans are on Andrews’ side. Andrews and Joe circle and Andrews gets around. Joe standing switches and throws Andrews down to then get the arm. Fans rally while Joe wrenches Andrews’ arm. Andrews rolls and handsprings to get up but he can’t get Joe down. He kips up and gets into a Greco-Roman wristlock battle with Joe, only to get brought down again. Joe covers, TWO as Andrews gets a shoulder up. Joe pushes that shoulder back down, TWO as Andrews gets the other shoulder up. That shoulder goes down, but then Andrews bridges! Joe goes to put his full weight on Andrews but gets caught into a wheelbarrow arm-drag! Andrews tries another arm-drag but Joe reverses to a whip. Andrews comes back with a huricanrana!

Joe ends up in a corner and Andrews runs in, but is put on the apron. He swing kicks Joe away, then springboards, for a flying huricanrana! Andrews handsprings and the fans fire up while Joe gets to ropes. Fans rally behind Andrews as he tries to whip, but Joe holds ropes. Joe breaks free and chops Andrews stiff across the chest. Joe gives body shots and European Uppercuts, but Andrews ducks the discus, only to run into a Pounce! Fans boo while Andrews writhes but Joe just stalks behind Andrews to a corner. Joe throws more hands then brings Andrews out for the butterfly swing! Around and around the go, and then Joe throws Andrews with a butterfly suplex! Cover, TWO! But Joe is right on Andrews with a half straitjacket, to a full!

Fans rally up as Andrews endures, but Joe drives in a knee. Andrews feeds off the fan energy but Joe bends him back. Andrews stands up and arm-drags Joe off. He runs but into an elbow. Joe throws Andrews out of the ring, then distracts the ref. Mark comes around but the ref spots him in time. So Joe gets the sneak attack instead! Joe declares this is “My Kingdom! MY Kingdom!” Joe puts Andrews in, then pulls off the elbow pad. He brings Andrews up, but Andrews blocks the elbow to fire off chops and forearms. Joe shoves him away but Andrews comes back with furious palm strikes! Fans fire up as Andrews mule kicks and front kicks Joe. Andrews whips but Joe reverses. Andrews slides under to enziguri!

Joe gets to a corner and Andrews grits his teeth. Andrews runs in for meteora then runs to victory roll and double stomp! To standing corkscrew moonsault! Cover, TWO! Fans rally up as Andrews brings Joe up. Joe shoves Andrews but runs into another enziguri. Andrews runs but into a pop-up EuroUpper, and then Joe gives a running headbutt! Joe says “No mercy!” but fans boo. Joe runs in for a corner splash, then whips for the pop-up powerslam! Cover, TWO!! Andrews survives and Joe is furious. Joe drags Andrews as fans rally up again. Joe suplexes but gets Stun-Dog Millionaire! Andrews heads to a corner with Joe in a drop zone, but Mark saves his brother. So Andrews SUPER ASAIS on them both!

Andrews hits both Coffey Brothers and the fans are all fired up. Andrews puts Joe in, climbs up again, but Mark gets up to go after him. Mark gets kicked away but Joe hops up for a SUPER Belly2Belly! Then All the Best for the Bells! The spinning lariat hits, Joe covers, Joe wins!

Winner: Joe Coffey, by pinfall

Joe should give some credit to his brother, Mark, for giving him the opening. The gritty Glaswegians are a force to be reckoned with, who will they run over next?

But it seems they’re not done with Andrews just yet! Both Coffey Brothers stomp away on Andrews, and fans boo and jeer the entire time. Here comes Flash Morgan Webster for the save! Flash uses his pilot’s helmet to even the odds, and the Coffey Boys are in retreat! Will the speed combination of Webster and Andrews get even with the big bad Coffey boys?

NXT UK, meet Eddie Dennis.

Dennis has been wrestling for over a decade, and during that entire time, he was a close personal friend to Mark Andrews and Pete Dunne. When they all started, it wasn’t about wrestling for thousands while making millions, it was about having fun and telling stories. And Dennis has some stories to tell. When will Dennis make his debut on NXT UK? What stories about Andrews and the current WWE UK Champion will he share?

Mustache Mountain is here!

Trent and Tyler take to the mics as fans give them a standing ovation. They chant “Mustache Mountain! Big Strong Boys!” Trent thanks Cambridge for that. But save your lungs, today is a big day. It’s a very special day. Today is quite possibly the biggest day in British professional wrestling history! Fans seem to agree with that. But it’s not just about NXT UK but about the entire NXT UK Universe as we witness the birth of this brand! Trent wants everyone to think back to earlier this year, when he and Trent stood in the ring at a sold out Royal Albert Hall and became NXT Tag Team Champions! Tyler says that they aren’t those champions anymore, Triple H did mention something about the UK tag team championships. Fans know “You Deserve it!”

But wait, there aren’t any other tag teams here in NXT UK. As a former UK Champion, still the youngest ever–which would make Trent the oldest–there must be a boat load of talent itching for a chance. Trent agrees, that talent should buddy up, talk it out, because when those tag titles arrive, Trent wants Mustache Mountain to have the best opposition going! Whether you’re in the ring, in the back or in the audience, the whole of the UK comes together for THEIR brand! This is THEIR NXT UK! Strong words from strong men, but when will we see those tag team titles? Who will step up to this challenge when that time comes?

NXT UK, meet Dave Mastiff.

The man of the Black Country is a human wrecking ball, and declares himself THE best heavyweight in the world. He vows to show the world that, next!

Dave Mastiff VS Sid Scala!

The “Bomber” is on a mission to make a name for himself as the biggest and best man in NXT UK. Will he literally be too much man for the young kid from London to handle?

Cambridge already tells Sid, “Mastiff’s gonna kill~ you~!” but Sid doesn’t back down. The bell rings, he gets in Mastiff’s face but Mastiff grabs his hand. Sid throws a forearm, Mastiff sends Sid flying with a forearm! Then he deadlifts Sid off the mat and into a suplex. Mastiff carries Sid around, with one hand, then dumps him down!

Mastiff stalks Sid to a corner while fans want “One More Time!” He double chops Sid in the corner, then tosses him across the way. Mastiff drags Sid up for elbows right to his ear! Sid covers up as best he can, but Mastiff is on him, licking his chops. Sid breaks free and throws a forearm, but Mastiff just smiles. Mastiff seems to like a good fight, but Sid is at a loss for words. Sid runs, but into a DROPKICK!? Mastiff defies physics, then he deadlift German Suplexes Sid all the way to a corner. And then, the cannonball!! Mastiff covers, Mastiff wins!

Winner: Dave Mastiff, by pinfall

The size, the strength and the speed of Mastiff easily takes care of the smaller Sid Scala. Who will be next on the menu for Mastiff to maul?

Backstage interview with Nina Samuels.

She is moments away from her WWE debut here on the first episode of NXT UK. Nina is “elated” to finally be here on the grand stage she deserves. The first thing on her list is to be the inaugural NXT UK Women’s Champion. And what better way to do that than to make a name for herself off Toni Storm? That match, is now!

Toni Storm VS Nina Samuels!

The NXT UK Women’s Division is off to a strong start as the Lightning from Down Under and the House of Couture’s pink rose are in the brand’s first women’s match! Toni’s having a great time in the Mae Young Classic, but can she make some major moves in the UK? Or will dividing her attention cost her against her talented and fashionable opponent?

The bell rings and fans are strongly behind Toni. Nina does her best to shrug that off as she ties up with Toni. Toni gets a headlock and takeover, makes it a cover, ONE. Nina works her way up as fans sing for Toni. She turns the hold around to a headlock of her own, but Toni pries her way out. Fans rally up but Nina reels Toni back in. Nina shifts to a wristlock while fans chant “Aussie Aussie Aussie! OI OI OI!” Toni spins, bridges, rolls and breaks free but Nina SLAPS her! Nina trash talks so Toni SLAPS back! She also kicks and runs to boot Nina down! Fans fire up with Toni as she runs in at Nina, but Nina drop toeholds Toni into buckles. Nina drives in a meteora to Toni’s back, then covers, TWO! Nina is frustrated, but she toys with Toni.

Fans boo as Nina brings Toni to the ropes and pulls her back. Nina lets go at 4, but then runs to dropkick Toni in the back. Cover, TWO! Nina grows frustrated, but she puts Toni in a modified chinbar. Fans rally up for Toni and Toni powers her way up to her feet. Nina elbows Toni and throws her down by her hair, then covers, TWO! Fans rally more for Toni and she hits Nina back with forearms. Toni fires off more and more forearms, then whips. Nina reverses and gets Toni with a tilt-o-whirl backbreaker! Cover, TWO! Toni continues to frustrate Nina, but then Nina trash talks the fans.

Nina brings Toni up to put her in a corner. She pie faces Toni around then whips her corner to corner. Toni goes up and over and then gets Nina in a snap German Suplex! Fans fire up and Toni gets moving for her own meteora. Then Toni lifts Nina for the Storm Zero neckbreaker! Cover, Toni wins!

Winner: Toni Storm, by pinfall

The Storm weathered the thorny rose, and has her first win on the first episode of NXT UK! Will Toni continue to take the entire Women’s Division by storm? And who else will join the division to fight for the NXT UK Women’s Championship?

NXT UK General Manager, Johnny Saint, is in the ring!

Cambridge is happy to see Saint as he’s here to personally watch the first main event of his brand!

WWE United Kingdom Championship: Pete Dunne VS Noam Dar!

The Scottish Supernova earned this title match way back in June when he made a surprise return at the United Kingdom Championship special’s finale. He overcame Mark Andrews, Flash Morgan Webster and Travis Banks to earn this shot, and finally cashes in on NXT UK’s premiere. Will Dar become the third-ever man to hold the WWE UKC? Or will The Bruiserweight continue his impressive reign that dates back to over a year ago?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and Johnny Saint shakes both men’s hands before exiting the ring. Dunne throws his coat at Dar and gets him right in the face! Dar keeps his cool as the bell rings. Fans sing for Dar as he circles with Dunne around the ring. They tie up and Dunne pushes Dar to ropes. Dunne backs off on the ropebreak at 4 but mocks Dar’s pinkie’s out. Fans banter as Dar gives a handshake. Dunne wants to take it but Dar uses his pinkie to flip Dunne off. Dunne whips Dar but Dar holds ropes. Dar ducks and table tops Dunne to then get a spinning, windmilling backslide. Cover, TWO! Dar drags Dunne up for a headlock but Dunne powers out. Things speed up but Dunne clobbers Dar with that clothesline!

Fans fire up behind The Bruiserweight while Dunne drags Dar around. Dunne has the legs and hooks them, to then grab an arm. Dunne tortures the wrist and fingers before stomping the knees. Dar clutches his bad leg as he rolls away. Dunne is on Dar in a corner and whips him corner to corner. Dar reverses and Dunne goes up, but Dar stops him from going over with a lariat to the leg! Dar rolls out as fans rally up. Dunne rolls to a corner but Dar is there to bring him to the apron. Dar throws hands then drags him out. Dunne catches himself, but Dar kicks out the arms! Fans rally while a 10 count begins. Dar puts Dunne back in at 6 and enters at 7 to kick Dunne more. Dunne kicks back from the mat but Dar stomps him down.

Fans duel now as Dar drags Dunne up. Dunne X-Plexes Dar outta nowhere! Both men are down but fans fire up. Dunne stands first and aims at Dar. Dar stands but gets furious hands from all sides! They end up in a corner and Dunne backs off at 4 but with fury! Dunne goes back in to whip Dar but Dar again reverses. Dunne successfully gets up and over to then enziguri Dar down! He drags Dar up but Dar standing switches. Dar throws Dunne with a German Suplex but Dunne lands on his feet, to buzzsaw Dar! Dunne lifts Dar and hits a sit-out powerbomb! Cover, TWO! Dar survives but both men are down. Fans chant for “British Wrestling!” as Dunne drags Dar over. Dunne climbs up but Dar intercepts him. Dunne goes after Dar’s ear and nose, but Dar sweeps the legs!

Dar puts pinkies out and double chops, headbutts and uppercuts Dunne quick. He runs in for a big EuroUpper and Dunne is rocked. Dar reels Dunne in for a Northern Lights, but normal covers, TWO! Dar argues with the ref but two is a two. Dunne rolls away but Dar follows. They’re on the apron as Dunne boots Dar. Dar hits back with forearms but Dunne SLAPS Dar. Dar hits back but Dunne goes after the fingers! He bends them as far as they can go, but Dar roundhouses Dunne. Dar gives Dunne a Fisherman Suplex on the apron!! Fans fire up as both men hit the floor. Dar and Dunne stir as the 10 count begins again. They crawl around the outside, and both get in at 9.5! The two glare at each other as they crawl. “This is Awesome!” but it’s far from over.

Dunne grabs the fingers but Dar hits back with forearms and kicks. Dunne still SNAPS the fingers!! But Dar uses his elbow! Dunne leaps to get the arm, for a triangle hold! But it’s a cover, TWO, Dar gets a half crab. Dunne rolls it back to a cross armbreaker! But Dar rolls through to an ankle lock! Dunne rolls to throw Dar off, they both collide with clotheslines. They don’t fall, Dunne gives a forearm but Dar gives a lariat. Dunne enziguris, runs, but into the rabbit clothesline! Fans are thunderous for this first ever NXT UK main event! Dunne and Dar stir as fans chant “UK! Woop Woop!” Dar gets to a corner and stands, to take aim at Dunne. But Dunne sees him coming, and catches him into a body scissor and floating hammerlock!

Dar powers through to a suplex! Dar gets up again, as does Dunne, and Dar sweeps the legs. But Dar keeps going with pinkies out, for a forearm from Dunne! Dunne gives Dar the pumphandle, but Dar reverses the Bitter End into a knee bar!! Dar has the knee and the ankle while Dunne is so far from the ropes! Dar kicks Dunne in the back but Dunne flails and reaches, for the ropebreak! Fans applaud Dunne’s toughness while Dar lets him go. Dar and Dunne are both down, exhausted from this action already. Fans duel again as Dar puts pinkies out. But Dunne grabs one, puts it on the mat, and STOMPS IT! Then hits Bitter End! Cover, Dunne wins!

Winner: Pete Dunne, by pinfall; still WWE United Kingdom Champion

The Bruiserweight retains his title once again! He denies Dar the best birthday gift possible, and adds to his already impressive legacy as WWE UK Champion. Who will be the next to step up and challenge Dunne’s reign? What will it take for someone to end that reign?

Dunne waits for Dar to stand, to offer him a handshake now. Dar considers it, but then both men give pinkies out. This is it’s own showing of respect between these two. When and where will Noam Dar be back for another shot at the title?

My Thoughts:

An excellent first episode for WWE’s long-awaited UK show. The opening package to recap everything WWE UK has done since the inaugural championship tournament was great, and of course reminds us Triple H is behind the scenes making sure this NXT is just as great as the American NXT. Then there was very little time wasted with things that aren’t matches. Andrews VS Joe Coffey was pretty good, and naturally Mark helps screw Andrews over. Flash Morgan Webster of course wants his own payback, so it’s a good move to team him and Andrews up against the Coffey Brothers. It also ties into Mustache Mountain daring the other UK talent to make teams so that there can be an NXT UK Tag Division. I’m already betting on Mustache Mountain VS Coffey Brothers for the titles.

Dave Mastiff gave us one of the most fun squash matches in a long time. He’s definitely going to be a big name in the NXT UK Division, and could even be a big name on the main roster one day. Then we already get a big tease for a major rival of at least Pete Dunne’s, as Eddie Dennis implies he knows some dark secrets that he could easily use against Dunne in a build to a title match. Toni Storm VS Nina Samuels was a great first women’s match, and we know from real time that Toni Storm is going to compete for the NXT UK Women’s Championship, only to get injured. [Highlight for spoilers] Then Dunne VS Dar, incredible main event! Dunne’s reign keeps going and outside of maybe Dennis or Mastiff, I can’t be sure who stops him.

My Score: 8.6/10