King: Tyler Bate vs WALTER Suspends Belief

Chris King gives his reaction to Tyler Bate vs. WALTER at NXT UK TakeOver: Cardiff, calling it one of the greatest wrestling matches of all time.

The story and build-up for this match began two years ago when a young nineteen-year-old Tyler Bate won the inaugural WWE United Kingdom Championship. At NXT TakeOver: Chicago, Bate would lose his UK Title to Pete Dunne in a five-star classic that had the WWE Universe on their feet.

Fast forward to NXT TakeOver: New York, where Pete Dunne’s incredible 680-day reign as the WWE United Kingdom Champion came to a shocking end at the hands of the monstrous WALTER. Afterward, WALTER would gain some allies in the form of Fabian Aichner, Marcel Barthel, and Alexander Wolfe and the four would be dubbed Imperium. Throughout the summer, the dangerous faction would systematically dissect and destroy British Strong Style the trio of Pete Dunne, Trent Seven, and Bate.

WHAT JUST HAPPENED?! #NXTUK pic.twitter.com/5Evo9B3cKe

— NXT UK (@NXTUK) July 3, 2019

On August 21st episode of NXT UK, Bate returned after being taken out by the quartet and the match was set for TakeOver: Cardiff. On paper, this would appear to be a squash match, as the monstrous WALTER is billed at 297 pounds and Bate only at 175 pounds.

Folks, this match blew my FREAKIN mind! The “Big Strong Boi” Bate was willing to die trying to bring the coveted UK Title back into good graces.

This was David VS. Goliath and then some…I’ve heard the WWE Universe dub Daniel Bryan vs. “The Beast Incarnate” as that but, there is absolutely no comparison. WALTER sold hard for Bate, and vice versa for the challenger. The entire NXT UK Universe was cheering and rooting for Bate throughout the entire match.

The Big Strong Boy did things that would astonish anyone such as executing a hurricanrana, an exploder suplex, and even a damn SUPLEX!!!! It was unreal! Towards the middle of the match, after several attempts for his Tiger Driver 97 Bate managed to roll through WALTER  and hit a Sunset Driver for nearly a three-count!

"THIS IS WRESTING!"
Cardiff knows.#WeAreNXTUK #WWEUKTitle #NXTUKTakeOver @Tyler_Bate @Walter_AUT pic.twitter.com/gSUBIiBokO

— NXT UK (@NXTUK) August 31, 2019

WALTER took control, after hitting a nasty-looking Powerbomb on the ring apron that tore Bate in half. It didn’t matter how dominant the UK Champion was, the crowd was fully in support of their hero Bate. There was even a “F*** You WALTER” chant that broke out.

By the end of the match, the entire crowd was on their feet in disbelief at Bate’s fortitude and ridiculous feet of strength. Right before WALTER took his head off with a FEROCIOUS Clothesline, Bate completely blew everyone’s mind including the announcers Vic Joseph and Nigel McGuinness when he kicked out at ONE!!!

Bate didn’t win the United Kingdom Championship but, what he did win was the support of the NXT UK Universe. Bate delivered a show-stealing performance at TakeOver: Cardiff, and if Triple H the head-honcho of NXT was paying attention Bate will definitely get another title shot down the road!

b i g s t r o n g b o i 4 l i f e#NXTUKTakeOver #WWEUKTitle @Tyler_Bate @trentseven @PeteDunneYxB pic.twitter.com/mAowt3gMT3

— NXT UK (@NXTUK) August 31, 2019

Bate made me and the NXT UK Universe believe that he very well could have walked out of Wales with the gold on Saturday, and WALTER came within seconds of losing his WWE United Kingdom Championship

I can only recall three matches in WWE history that suspended belief even close to this one, Shawn Michaels VS. The Undertaker at WrestleMania 26, and both HHH VS. The Undertaker matches at WrestleMania 27& 28 where The Deadman’s undefeated streak was on the line. If you’re like me and haven’t followed the NXT UK brand, do yourself a favor and GO WATCH THIS MATCH!