Episode 10

NXT UK Women’s Championship Tournament Semifinals: Dakota Kai VS Rhea Ripley!

The Captain of Team Kick has done rather well in being a crossover superstar between the UK and the US. But she’ll have to be ready to surf the Riptide tonight. Can Dakota keep her head above water? Or will Rhea rip away Dakota’s championship aspirations on this side of the pond?

The bell rings, and fans chant for “DK!” Dakota and Rhea circle, and Rhea calls for a test of strength. But then she pulls back when the fans tease her with singing. Rhea calls for the challenge again, and Dakota approaches. They tie up with the knuckle locks, but Rhea clearly has the advantage. She bends Dakota back and to the mat, ONE as Dakota gets a shoulder up. Rhea shoves it back down, ONE as the other comes up. Rhea shoves the shoulder back down, ONE as Dakota bridges. But Dakota can’t bridge through the knee drop, ONE as she kicks out. Dakota reverses the wrist locks but Rhea picks her up and puts her in the corner. Rhea puts Dakota on the top rope, then pats the shorter superstar’s head. Then pie faces her! So Dakota kicks Rhea in the face!

Dakota gets moving but Rhea follows, but Dakota sits on the roll up. ONE as Rhea sunset flips, ONE as Dakota rolls it back. TWO but it was close. Dakota points that out but Rhea is frustrated. Rhea shoves Dakota, Dakota shoves back. Dakota dodges Rhea’s dropkick then runs and redirects Rhea to dropkick her! Dakota gets a waistlock but Rhea standing switches. Rhea throws Dakota around with the rear bearhug, but Dakota pops her off. Dakota runs and penalty kicks! Double stomps, covers, TWO! Rhea rolls away and out of the ring, but fans still rally for DK. Dakota goes to the apron, and gives Rhea another penalty kick! Then another! Rhea is rocked, Dakota puts her in. Dakota covers, TWO! Rhea crawls away but Dakota runs in. Rhea pushes Dakota back for a flapjack!

Dakota gets to a corner but Rhea drags her out for a cover, TWO! Rhea grows frustrated, and she chokes Dakota on the ropes. She backs off at 4, but goes after Dakota in a corner for big stomps. Dakota fights back but Rhea clubs her down. Rhea drags Dakota up, bounces her off the mat, then dropkicks her face! Cover, TWO, Rhea stomps Dakota more. Dakota crawls but Rhea stalks her to the corner. Fans rally but Rhea grinds her forearms into Dakota’s face. Rhea backs off at 4, then drags her up. Dakota fights back with body shots, but Rhea clubs her again. Rhea hammers Dakota to the mat, then throws forearm from all sides. Rhea steps on Dakota and flexes, but stops at 4. She drags Dakota up and bounces her off buckles. She rams her shoulder into Dakota again and again but stops at 4.

Rhea drags Dakota up again, but fans rally up. Dakota fights out of the stalling suplex and rolls Rhea! TWO, and Rhea rocks Dakota with a dropkick. Cover, TWO! Fans fire up for Dakota again but Rhea puts on the inverted cloverleaf. Rhea wrenches those knees as Dakota endures. Fans rally and Dakota feeds off the energy to reach for ropes. Rhea drags Dakota away, and Dakota has to endure more. Dakota keeps going forward and fans continue to chant. She gets the ropebreak! Rhea lets go at 3, then drags Dakota away from ropes. She kicks Dakota while she’s down, and wants the hold again. Dakota kicks and kicks and shoves Rhea to ropes! Dakota gets up but Rhea is on her. Scorpion kick! Dakota fires forearms, and another scorpion kick! Then a dropkick puts Rhea in a corner!

Dakota goes side to side, for the wash! Dakota fires up as she goes Around the World! Rhea is staggered, Dakota pushes her down for a cover, TWO! Rhea survives and gets out of the ring. Dakota pursues from the apron, but Rhea blocks the penalty kick. Electric chair, face on the apron! Rhea covers, TWO!! Rhea is shocked, but fans are fired up for Dakota. Dakota sits up but Rhea is on her. Rhea shouts, “You really think you’re gonna beat me again?”, in reference to the inaugural Mae Young Classic. Dakota chops Rhea, then throws palm strikes! She kicks, runs, Kai-ropractor denied, Rhea forearms and pumphandles. Dakota escapes Riptide to roll Rhea up, TWO! Roundhouse rocks Rhea, and Dakota kicks and kicks and kicks her face! Rhea ducks the roundhouse, Riptide!! Cover, Rhea wins!!

Winner: Rhea Ripley, by pinfall; advances to the finals

The Aussie with an Attitude makes it through, and is now one match away from the title! But will it be the Fashionista or the Lightning that she faces in the next round?

Sid Scala finishes talking with Johnny Saint.

The underdog asked the NXT UK GM for an opportunity, and he has it. Sid’s not cleared to compete now, but if he is in a couple weeks (episode 12), he has a match with Joe Coffey! The Iron King of Scotland? Is he going to be ready for this? It’s a big opportunity against a big man, but Sid hopes to make the best of it. Is this an opportunity or a death wish?

Backstage interview with Jordan Devlin.

The still undefeated Iron Irishman just conquered the Leeds Luchador, and then called out The Bruiserweight. Devlin didn’t just defeat Ligero but he brutalized him, solidifying his place in NXT UK as the unofficial number one contender. Dunne has been the WWE UK Champion for over 450 days, but he’s only defended against Mark Andrews or Tyler Bate. “Those lads are pathetic.” They’re not as ruthless or cunning as Devlin. When Devlin gets Dunne in the ring, and not if but WHEN his hand is raised as the new UK Champion, there’s gonna be some changes around here. First on Devlin’s list, changing the show’s name to NXT Ireland, featuring The UK. Bold words from a bold man, will Devlin make good on his promise to his nation?

Johnny Saint later tweets out that he’s heard Devlin’s words, and seen Devlin’s impressive victories. Devlin wants Dunne, and he gets him next week (episode 11), with the title on the line! Will the dream of rebranding become reality? Or will The Bruiserweight keeps his impressive reign going?

Flash Morgan Webster & Mark Andrews VS Joseph Conners & Saxon Huxley!

The Modfather and Rockstar felt the tag chemistry between them against the Coffey Brothers and Wolfgang, though they did lose. As for the Righteous and the Muscle Cat, they did much better against Amir Jordan & Kenny Williams. However, the NXT UK Tag Team Division is still young, is there time before the tag titles arrive to prove true tag team superiority?

Fans chant for “Tarzan Jesus!” as Huxley starts against Flash. The bell rings and the two circle. Flash and Saxon tie up, and fans sing for “Hey~ Jesus! Hoo, hah! I wanna know~, if you’ll be my God.” Saxon puts Flash in a corner with a shove but Flash slips out and shoulders back in. Flash slingshots for a sunset, but Saxon blocks. Saxon drags Flash up but Flash evades and tilt-o-whirls away. Flash boots Saxon away from the corner then hops up, flying headscissors! Saxon runs into a dropkick, Conners tags in. Conners runs into an arm-drag, but gets up. Andrews tags in and whips Conners with Flash. They double hip toss, then combine imploding splash with moonsault! Cover, ONE, but Andrews keeps on Conners in a corner.

Andrews whips corner to corner, but Conners reverses. Andrews goes up and over then wheelbarrows to stomps! Cover, ONE, and Conners gets to ropes. Conners puts Andrews on the ropes but backs off at 4. The ref doesn’t see Saxon shove Andrews, and Conners attacks in the distraction. Andrews dodges it and chops away! He whips but Saxon tags in. Conners reverse, Saxon hits a big Thesz Press! Cover, TWO! Fans rally as Saxon stomps Andrews around. Saxon drags Andrews up, to scoop and slam. Tag to Conners, and he drives elbows into Andrews at the corner. Conners drags Andrews up and goes after the ear! He stops at 4, but reels Andrews in for a clothesline! Cover, TWO! Andrews crawls but Conners blocks his path to Flash. Conners drags Andrews up and carries him to his corner. Tag to Saxon, and Saxon mugs Andrews.

Saxon brings Andrews around for an armlock, and grinds an elbow into Andrews’ shoulder. Fans rally up and Andrews fights up. Saxon throws Andrews down, but Andrews hits back. Saxon stomps away, then tags Conners. Conners drags Andrews around to stomp, then back up around for clubbing forearms. Conners keeps Andrews from getting to Flash, but Andrews uses a jawbreaker! Andrews reaches but Conners gets his legs. Andrews shoves Conners away but Saxon tags away. Saxon puts Andrews in a corner but misses. Andrews dodges again, tag to Flash! Flash rallies with furious hands! He gets Conners with a knee, but Saxon puts him in a corner. Flash goes up and over and runs, redirects, springboard into the Rude Boy Block!

Flash keeps going, and double underhooks Saxon. Saxon powers him out onto the apron. Flash kicks Saxon back, but Conners rushes over. Conners misses the sweep, Flash hits him with a cannonball! Flash hurries back up after Saxon, flying crossbody is caught! Fireman’s carry and drop! Conners wants in, but Saxon says he has this. But Flash gets away, tag to Andrews! Flash fakes Saxon out with high hands, to give a headbutt! Andrews hurries up top, Flash tilt-o-whirl DDT’s, Andrews Shooting Star! Cover, Flash & Andrews win!

Winners: Flash Morgan Webster & Mark Andrews, Andrews pinning

Their first time out is a success! Can this high-flying, fun-loving combination take the tag division by storm and rock those tag titles?

As for Conners, he turns on Saxon! Fans are on Tarzan Jesus’ side, but it doesn’t matter as Conners drags him up for Don’t Look Down! Fans say “You’re a Sinner!” but Conners already knows he’s a Righteous Killer. Will Conners turn away from tag team wrestling to go straight for the top title?

Dave Mastiff VS Tyson T-Bone!

We saw these two raring for a fight last time, and now they have it! Will the King of Travelers get the competition he’s looking for? Or is The Bomber more than he bargained for?

The bell rings and T-Bone dances around Mastiff. He sticks and moves with a quick jab, but Mastiff barely feels it. T-Bone gets in more shots and Mastiff felt that nose shot. But then T-Bone feels Mastiff run him over with that shoulder! Mastiff grins as T-Bone gets to a corner. Mastiff lets T-Bone stand, and they go again. T-Bone tries to punch but is put back in the corner. Mastiff wants to whip but T-Bone holds onto ropes. T-Bone then turns things around and gets big shots in, both punches and stomps! He stops at 4 but gets one more shot in. He kicks low then clubs Mastiff down. T-Bone kicks and drops an elbow and Mastiff is on the mat for the first time.

T-Bone rains rights, then covers, ONE! Mastiff is up but T-Bone stays on him with a neck wrench. T-Bone pulls beard hair and the ref reprimands him. T-Bone lets up to keep on the neck wrench. Fans rally up and Mastiff feeds off the energy. T-Bone wrenches hard, but Mastiff endures. Mastiff powers his way up and T-Bone grows worried. T-Bone throws more hands and brings Mastiff back down for more neck wrenching. Fans continue to rally as Mastiff endures again. Mastiff stands again, and bearhugs T-Bone! T-Bone ear claps and throws haymakers, but his back is hurting. Mastiff gets T-Bone up, T-Bone sunset flips, but Mastiff sits on him! T-Bone is flattened but Mastiff can’t keep the cover. Both men are down as a ten count begins. Fans rally again, and T-Bone stands. Mastiff follows, and builds speed for a BIG crossbody!

Mastiff is up again, and stalks T-Bone to ropes. T-Bone staggers up, and Mastiff shows off his punching power! And a headbutt! Mastiff brings T-Bone around, to ram elbow after elbow into the shoulders and jaw! T-Bone crawls but Mastiff has him for a German Suplex! T-Bone ends up in a corner, and Mastiff runs corner to corner, BOMBER CANNONBALL! Cover, Mastiff wins!

Winner: Dave Mastiff, by pinfall

It wasn’t pretty but it was gritty. T-Bone got that stronger competition, and that stronger competition won. Can Big Dave use this momentum to steamroll towards a title shot? Can T-Bone make a recovery to try again?

NXT UK Women’s Championship Tournament Semifinals: Jinny VS Toni Storm!

Whether it’s the Lightning from Down Under or the Fierce Fashionista, The Mosh Pit Kid, Rhea Ripley, waits for the winner in the finals. How will the finals of this historic tournament take form after tonight?

The bell rings and fans sing for Storm. Toni and Jinny tie up and go around and around the ring. Jinny puts Toni in the corner, but backs off at 4. They circle again and tie up. Fans still sing for Toni as she and Jinny go around again. Jinny arm-drags but Toni holds on. They break as fans chant “Aussie Aussie Aussie! OI OI OI!” Toni and Jinny tie up again, and Toni gets a waistlock. Jinny resists as Toni lifts. Jinny breaks free to get a wristlock. She brings Toni down, but Toni gets up. Fans rally as Toni gets a headlock and takeover. Jinny endures the wrenching and rolls Toni over. TWO as Toni lets go. Toni goes after the facelock, but Jinny works her way out of that, back to a wristlock. Toni spins, bridges, rolls and reverses! Jinny endures as Toni wrenches more.

Jinny spins and throws a big forearm. Toni is rocked, and Jinny brings her in for a headlock. Toni powers out and things speed up, Toni boots Jinny down! Cover, TWO! Toni goes after the legs, for a deathlock STF! Fans chant for Jinny to tap but Jinny endures. Jinny works against the hold but Toni wrenches back hard. Jinny comes close, but grabs Toni’s hair. Toni wrenches Jinny more, but Jinny crawls for ropes. Toni rocks back and forth, but Jinny gets the ropebreak. The ref counts and Toni lets Jinny go, but with stomps! Toni stomps Jinny to a corner, then drags her up for big EuroUppers. Fans fire up with Toni as she runs in, but Jinny boots her away! Jinny gets Toni with the Japanese arm-drag, into buckles! Cover, TWO! Toni gets to the corner, but Jinny stomps a fashionable mudhole into her.

Fans rally up but Jinny keeps on Toni with a double chop. Jinny stomps another mudhole into Toni in another corner. She stops at 4, but whips Toni corner to corner. Toni falls short and face first. Jinny is on her with more stomps, then drags Toni up. Snap suplex and float over, TWO! Jinny grows frustrated, but she puts Toni in an armlock with chinbar. Jinny thrashes Toni around as fans rally up. Toni gets up but Jinny throws her down by her hair. Cover, ONE! Jinny seethes as she clubs away on Toni’s back. “This is MY NXT!” Jinny goes back to the armlock and chinbar, but fans rally up again. Toni fights her way back up, and arm-drags Jinny off! Jinny fires off strikes, but Jinny chops! Toni headbutts, they both go down!

Fans fire up and chant for “NXT! NXT!” Then fans rally up as the two stir. Jinny is on Toni with a forearm. Toni throws a forearm back. Jinny hits, Toni hits. They brawl to their feet, back and forth. Toni gets the edge, then blocks Jinny’s kick, for a trapped-leg German! Jinny crawls to a corner and Toni fires up. Toni runs in, big hip attack! Then Perfect Plex! Cover, TWO!! Jinny survives but Toni isn’t stopping. Toni climbs up, but Jinny stops her with a high roundhouse! Jinny climbs but Toni headbutts her away. Jinny hits back, then climbs up. Toni forearms Jinny and sends her down with another headbutt. But Jinny dropkicks Toni’s legs out, then hits a draping facebuster! Cover, TWO!! Toni survives and Jinny is at a loss for words.

Jinny rains down rights on Toni, then drags her up. Jinny slaps Toni, then reels her out, but Toni dodges and underhooks. But Storm Zero is denied by Jinny’s rolling ax kick! Cover, ROPEBREAK! Jinny is furious, and she stomps away on Toni. Fans sing for Toni as Jinny runs in. Toni goes up and over, gets Jinny with the German! Then STORM ZERO! Cover, Toni wins!!

Winner: Toni Storm, by pinfall; advances to the finals

The Mae Young Classic winner is in another tournament finals! She will face Rhea Ripley for the right to be the inaugural NXT UK Women’s Champion! Will Toni win yet another historic women’s tournament? Or will Rhea show that not even the Storm can weather the Riptide?

Johnny Saint comes out to congratulate Storm, but Rhea Ripley appears to look her finals opponent in the eye. And then shoves her! Saint keeps the peace, but it’s only a matter of time before it’s Aussie VS Aussie! Which rock ‘n’ roller will rock the other, and hold that title belt up high?

My Thoughts:

Another great pair of episodes for NXT UK. The NXT UK Women’s Championship was a major part of both, and all the matches were pretty great. Rhea was naturally impressive against Xia Brookside and Dakota Kai, and taking her run in the Mae Young Classic into consideration, it makes sense she’s one half of the finals. And it’s also natural for Toni Storm to be in the finals given she won the MYC, though that was decided after all this was taped. Toni VS Rhea is going to be great, and obviously having the title match happening means we’re almost caught up with NXT UK’s backlog.

Eddie Dennis is doing pretty good for himself. His first feud seems to be with Ashton Smith, which is just fine for both of them. Dennis is very experienced and Smith is very talented, these two can give us a good match. Mastiff VS T-Bone was also pretty great, and it makes a lot of sense for Mastiff to win. He’s literally bigger and seemingly stronger, and we can’t have too many Heels accomplishing win streaks at once so the Face Mastiff needed this win here. Andrews wins both in singles and tag team action, he and Webster make for a good mid-card tag team. Wolfgang and The Coffey Brothers are also continuing to wreak havoc, but I’m surprised we didn’t get some kind of response promo from Pete Dunne about things. I wonder if NXT America will this week, since it’ll just be their post-TakeOver episode.

Speaking of Pete Dunne, episode 11 is going to be great with another UK Championship match. Devlin is looking strong, such as in his win against Ligero. Dunne VS Devlin should hopefully end clean before the Scottish trio decides to go after Dunne. And as such, I’m expecting Dunne to win but with Devlin looking as strong as any of Dunne’s recent challengers. Then Dunne can spend some time on NXT UK as British Strong Style goes up against Wolfgang & The Coffey Brothers.

My Score(s): Episode 9 – 8.5/10; Episode 10 – 8.7/10

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