Who stands tall in NXT UK this week?

A-Kid defends the NXT UK Heritage Cup against Sha Samuels, and Joe Coffey goes a round with friendly rival, Rampage Brown!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• NXT UK Heritage Cup Championship: A-Kid VS Sha Samuels; A-Kid wins and retains the cup.
• Ben Carter VS Josh Morrell; Carter wins.
• Dani Luna VS Aleah James; Luna wins.
• Joe Coffey VS Rampage Brown; Rampage wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

NXT UK Heritage Cup Championship: A-Kid VS Sha Samuels!

The Spanish Ace returns to defend the cup against the Eastside Butcher! Will A-Kid remain the first and only man to hold up the cup? Or will Samuels win it for the EEEAST~!?

The introductions are made, the cup is on display, and this battle to represent begins!

Sha and AK circle as the clock starts ticking. They tie up, Samuels headlocks and grinds AK down but AK slips out the back to hammerlock. Samuels drags AK over but AK gets around to hammerlock. Samuels reaches back, drags AK over again to cover, ONE! The two reset and the BT Sports Studio audience cheers. Samuels and AK feel out the grapple, Samuels gives a testing kick, and the two tie up with knuckle locks. AK rolls to get a single leg takedown and a toehold, but Samuels gets the ropebreak as AK goes for a headlock. The ref counts, AK lets off, and he resets with Samuels. They tie up, Samuels gets a hard headlock takeover and he grinds AK down.

AK rolls to a cover, ONE, and Samuels holds on. Samuels pushes AK to a cover, ONE as AK bridges! Samuels gets frustrated but he cools off to circle with AK. AK gets an arm and wrenches with the double wristlock but Samuels gets the ropebreak. We’re under a minute and Samuels scoops AK to slam him hard! AK holds his arm, Samuels throws him into buckles! Samuels wants the arm, AK resists and gets the ropebreak! Samuels lets off but reels AK off the ropes to CLUB him! BUTCHER’S HOOK! AK TAPS!

Samuels: 1; A-Kid: 0

With 25 seconds to spare, Samuels gets the first point! Can AK use the remaining five rounds to defend his title?

Samuels refreshes in his corner and talks a lot of smack but AK just fires up for round two! The bell rings and AK runs in but Samuels deflects the dropkick! Samuels throws down big elbows, then talks more trash before he KICKS AK in the back! Cover, TWO! Samuels drags AK up, bumps him off buckles, and AK holds that arm. Samuels runs up to CLOBBER AK! The ref wants Samuels to let off, Samuels drags AK from ropes but AK trips Samuels up. Samuels kicks AK away, drops an elbow and rains down fists! Samuels drags AK up to scoop and SLAM again! AK holds the arm, Samuels covers, TWO! Samuels wants the count to be a little faster but he goes after AK again.

AK wrenches Samuels’ arm to CHOP him! AK forearms and CHOPS in the corner, but Samuels scoops and SLAMS AK again! Samuels rains down fists again and grinds forearms in AK’s face! Cover, TWO! AK is still in this but Samuels CLUBS him down! We’re in the last minute of this round and AK ROCKS Samuels! AK hops on with a sleeper and body scissors! Samuels fights up as AK squeezes tight and Samuels goes to ropes. AK lets off but is ready for the scoop this time! AK gets another sleeper! We’re under 30 seconds and Samuels gets another ropebreak.

AK KICKS Samuels in the leg, then whips him, but Samuels bails out! AK DIVES and hits Samuels into the barriers! Under 10, AK drags Samuels up but only gets him in before the round ends!

Samuels: 1; A-Kid: 0

Samuels rubs it in that he got through that round, and both men refresh in their corners. Round three begins and AK circles with Samuels again. Samuels talks more trash about AK struggling, but AK mule kicks a leg out! Samuels grins and eggs AK on but AK KICKS the leg! Samuels throws a body shot but AK gets around to a waistlock. O’Conner roll, TWO! AK school boy rolls Samuels, TWO! Samuels goes after AK with a rain of fists, then stands on him in a cocky cover. AK grabs that foot to twist it, and DRAGON SCREW! AK aims from a corner, PENALTY KICK! AK fires up and BT Sports is with him! DYNAMIC DROPKICK! Cover, AK ties it up!!

Samuels: 1; A-Kid: 1

We’re halfway through regulation and we’re back to square one! Samuels is pissed that the “mug” got the better of him there. Round four begins now, and AK has some confidence back. AK and Samuels approach, and AK blocks Samuels’ strikes by giving strikes! AK waistlocks, Samuels backs the roll off but AK kips up to NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO!! Samuels survives and AK grows frustrated, but AK runs in at the corner. Samuels ducks the gamangiri, runs in and SPLASHES AK! Samuels runs to LARIAT AK inside out! Cover, TWO!! AK is still in this and the clock keeps running! A standing count begins but Samuels is up at 4. He drags AK up but AK ENZIGURIS! Cover, TWO!?!

But to an ARMBAR! Samuels survives only to get caught! Samuels moves around, rolls over and gets free, but AK GAMANGIRIS! We’re at a minute as AK goes to the apron. Samuels slowly rises as AK climbs, and AK leaps to CROSSBODY, but into Samuels’ arms! MICHINOKU DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!! AK still lives and Samuels can’t believe it! Just 30 seconds left as both men are down and the audience rallies up. Samuels tries another cover, TWO! Samuels drags AK into the BUTCHER’S HOOK! But AK endures as the last 10 seconds tick away, he survives the round!! Samuels thinks he’s won but far from it!

Samuels: 1; A-Kid: 1

Samuels is furious that this isn’t over, and he drops the straps! AK is still able to go so we go into round five! Samuels snarls and runs right at AK, but into an ARMBAR TAKEDOWN! Samuels moves around to cover, ONE, and AK still has the arm! Samuels rolls again, CLUBS AK on the back over and over and then drags AK in! AK resists the hook, and hits an ELBOW BREAKER! And PELE! Samuels flounders, AK aims from a corner, DYNAMIC- SPINEBUSTER! Samuels counters and covers, TWO!! AK is still in this but Samuels drags him back in! AK fights the hook again to arm-drag then wrench Samuels to an OMOPLATA TAKEDOWN!

AK CLUBS the other arm, and even headbutts the shoulder! Rings of Saturn! JIM BREAKS ARMBAR!! Samuels verbally quits, AK wins!!

Winner: A-Kid, by submission (still NXT UK Heritage Cup Champion)

And a minute and 35 left to spare, A-Kid wins it in the fifth! Samuels put up a hell of a fight, but it just wasn’t enough to trump the Spanish Ace! How hard will a challenger have to fight to take the cup from the champion?

NXT UK looks closer at Joe Coffey and Rampage Brown.

The Iron King says, “You can see that myself and Rampage were the pillars of the Atlas Division in Progress Wrestling.” It was only a matter of time until they crossed paths again. Rampage says he and Coffey were side-by-side as the heavyweights in the UK for a long time. William Regal even says they both have this pride about representing the UK, and they’re both strong and tough, they will beat the granite out of each other. Drew McIntyre says you should expect the absolute pinnacle of UK wrestling. This is the opportunity they’ve been waiting for to showcase that on a larger stage.

Sheamus says Coffey and Rampage won’t just be fighting for pride, but for being the top dog. Rampage says he and Coffey are both hard hitting men, so he’ll do what he has to in order to win. Coffey says as much as he respects Rampage, that changes in the ring. People want to see collisions. McIntyre says both are willing to do what it takes to win. Regal says it’s going to be one hell of a match.

NXT UK hears from Walter.

“The biggest difference between men and everyone else in this sport is that I’m true to myself. I’m true to my roots, and I’m true to the sport I deeply respect.” He vows to always be NXT UK Champion, and he will restore the honor to this great sport. Walter is already the longest reigning UK Champion, and everyone knows what he is capable of. Will the Ring General reign now, then and forever?

Ben Carter VS Josh Morrell!

The British prodigy returns again, currently 1-1 in his record: A loss to the Cruiserweight Champion, Jordan Devlin, and a win over the Thunderstorm, Sam Gradwell. Which way will his match with #TurboTerry go?

The bell rings and Carter circles with Morrell. They tie up, Morrell wrenches to a hammerlock but Carter reaches back, drops down, and a la Johnny Saint, gets Morrell looking to roll him over! Carter has the hammerlock but Morrell moves around. Morrell rolls, kips up, wrenches back but Carter wrenches to hit an elbow breaker. Morrell rolls and handsprings to wring Carter but Carter handsprings through! Carter and Morrell reset and circle to tie up. Carter cording holds, Morrell facelocks, but Carter uses the cording to arm-drag Morrell down! Carter pulls on the elbow, Morrell gets up, and Morrell flips through to go for a keylock! Carter wrenches through to hit a headlock takeover!

BT Sports Studio cheers as Carter grinds Morrell down. Morrell headscissors free, Carter kips out and hits the headlock takeover again! Morrell moves around, gets to his feet, and throws body shots. Carter wrenches, whips, Morrell reverses but Carter reverses but Morrell goes up and around. Carter snapmares Morrell, Morrell stands right up, but Carter runs him right over! Carter runs, Morrell stays low, leaps up and RANAS to a cover! TWO and Carter is surprised he escaped! Morrell wrenches and whips corner to corner but Carter goes up and over and shows off with handsprings! Carter baits Morrell into a BUCKLE SHOT! Carter must’ve learned that from Seth Rollins!

Morrell staggers up, Carter gets him for a snap suplex! Cover, TWO! Carter keeps cool and keeps on Morrell with a waistlock. Morrell gets up but Carter SLAMS him back down! Carter floats to the facelock, Morrell rolls but Carter holds on! Carter drags Morrell up but Morrell trips him to get the legs. Morrell hooks the legs, goes after arms but Carter resists. Morrell CHOPS Carter on the back to get those arms back! ROMERO SPECIAL! Carter endures being up there, and he gets his arms free to then roll over! Carter gets Morrell’s legs now and wants to return the favor! Carter CHOPS Morrell to get the arms, and Carter pulls Morrell back into the ROMERO SPECIAL!

Morrell slips out like Carter, but Carter catches him to a cover! TWO!! Carter dropkicks Morrell down hard! Cover, TWO! Morrell survives and Carter is a bit surprised. Carter keeps on Morrell with a facelock but Morrell powers him to the corner! Morrell rams in, wrenches and whips but Carter reverses. Morrell goes up and over, has to steady himself, and he hip tosses Carter to a cover, TWO!! Morrell almost had Carter there but he keeps his focus. Morrell goes to a corner and up top, Carter stands and he manages to avoid Morrell’s leap! Carter comes back, Morrell gets a crucifix takedown to cover, TWO!! Carter escapes, swings around, ANARCHY SUPLEX!

Morrell is in a drop zone, Carter goes up top and FROG SPLASHES! Cover, Carter wins!

Winner: Ben Carter, by pinfall

The prodigy gets up to 2-1 and is showing why he’s a shining star in the new generation! Of course, Morrell showed just as much, will both of these superstars be ones to watch for in the coming years?

NXT UK holds a press conference for the NXT UK Women’s Championship.

Sid Scala presides as this is the first face-to-face of Meiko Satomura and Kay Lee Ray! The media asks some questions, and with help from a translator, they ask Meiko Satomura, “Kay Lee Ray said to ‘bring on the best wrestler in the world.’ Why did you accept this challenge?” Meiko explains that while KLR is a great wrestler, “there is a thing she hasn’t experienced yet. That is that she hasn’t had a title match against me.” For KLR to think she’s the best without facing Meiko, “that is a lightweight way of thinking.” Meiko vows to teach KLR “the real meaning of a true champion.”

Next question: How does it feel for Meiko Satomura to be in NXT UK? She is excited. Now, at this time, she feels like she has a mission here. Third question: KLR asked for the best in the world, but was Meiko Satomura who she expected? KLR says Meiko is EXACTLY who she expected. Many in the world consider Meiko the BEST in the world. So if KLR wants to be the best, she has to beat the best. Fourth question: “The title match is just around the corner. How are you feeling?” Meiko doesn’t want to say she’s strong for herself, but just look at her record. You can see it.

Fifth question: KLR asked for the best and she got the best. Will she really be able to beat the best? KLR answers in Japanese, “Watashi wa champion desu.” That is to say, she IS the champion. KLR says in English now that she is the longest reigning NXT UK Women’s Champion ever, and even the longest reigning women’s champion in the modern era! She is the first UK-born NXT UK Women’s Champion! She is the FOREVER champion! “So yes. Yes, I can beat her.”

Sid says that is enough for questions. In two weeks, we will see this title match. Now, for the photo op. KLR and Meiko stand face to face, KLR holding her title up high. But will the Scary Queen of Scots really be able to beat The Final Boss? Or is there a reason Meiko Satomura is still seen as the very best in women’s wrestling?

NXT UK Media catches up with Tyler Bate.

They’ve seen he’s been out here a lot lately. Why is that? He just likes to get outside, have some peace and quiet, smell some fresh air. Being outside, tuning in, is just as important as all of the training in the ring. This is what will make Bate the best him he can be. He is ready for new challenges. What will the Big Strong Boy be aiming for when he returns?

Dani Luna VS Aleah James!

Two bright young stars in the NXT UK Women’s Division battle it out, both looking to climb the mountain! Will the punk rock powerlifter push her pint-sized opponent out of her path?

The bell rings, Luna and James circle then tie up. Luna powers James to a corner, the ref counts and she lets off clean. James and Luna reset, tie up again, and Luna powers James right back to the corner. James goes up the buckles, pushes Luna under so she can leap over. Luna runs but James goes to roll her up, but Luna stays up to yank James off the mat! James wants the crucifix takedown but Luna stays up and flips James over. James runs, redirects, but Luna runs her over! Luna runs, James drops then leaps, but into Luna’s hands! Luna SLAMS James right down and scowls as she shakes out her arms. Luna gives kicks to James’ legs but James hits back.

Luna ROCKS James, but James kicks back. Luna drags James up to snap suplex her hard! James scrambles to a corner but Luna stalks her. Luna drags her up for a gut wrench suplex! James crawls, Luna drags her up for another gut wrench, but James manages to roll and back drop to a cover! TWO, and Luna CLOBBERS James! Luna grimaces as she checks her chin, and then she storms over to James. Luna drags James up, reels her in, and dead lift suplexes. James slips out, shoves and runs to springboard missile dropkick! Cover, TWO! James grows frustrated but she blocks Luna’s punch to counter punch! James fires off forearms but Luna DECKS her with one!

Luna drags James back up with a dead lift to the fireman’s carry! James fights and gets to the apron, to enziguri Luna down! James springboards, but into Luna’s arms! Luna pops James around to a fireman’s carry, to the POWERBOMB! Cover, Luna wins!

Winner: Dani Luna, by pinfall

Luna has strength to spare and she’s only getting stronger! Will the powerhouse be poised for a golden opportunity after KLR and the Final Boss battle?

Jinny and Joseph Conners speak.

“Hello, Piper. I heard you’ve been looking for me, sweetheart.” If Piper has a problem with her, she knows where to find her. Conners says he’s been in Piper’s shoes: blaming everyone and everything for his problems. But Conners faced reality and look at him now. Look at what Jinny has done for him. That’s because Jinny saw something in Conners that no one else does. Conners is a diamond in the rough. They are building a dynasty, and Piper needs to look at reality. Jinny will tear her apart piece by piece. Jinny vows to put Piper in her place, and time is almost up.

Joe Coffey VS Rampage Brown!

The Iron King was excited to have an old rival join the roster, and now he and Rampage get to go around one more time! From Progress Wrestling’s Atlas Division to the spotlights of NXT UK, who hits harder and who doesn’t get back up?

The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, go around in a deadlock, and then break. Rampage and Coffey smirk and go again. Coffey headlocks, grinds, but Rampage works on an escape. Rampage throws a body shot and powers out, but Coffey rams him! They tie up again, Rampage headlocks now, but Coffey powers out. Things speed up and Coffey leaps up but into Rampage’s POWERSLAM! Rampage stalks Coffey to a corner, CHOPS him then ROCKS him, then brings him out to CHOP again! Coffey headbutts low but Rampage CLUBS him to a corner. Rampage throws hands but Coffey dodges to throw hands back!

Rampage knees low, throws more forearms, then snapmares Coffey for a neck wrench. Rampage throws crossface forearms, but the ref reprimands. Rampage lets off and he BOOTS Coffey down! BT Sports Studio fires up as Coffey hits back, but Rampage CLUBS Coffey back down! Rampage reels Coffey in but Coffey holds off the gut wrench. Rampage CLUBS Coffey but Coffey SPINEBUSTERS Rampage! Coffey has the leg, Rampage kicks with the free leg but Coffey catches that leg, too! Coffey tries but can’t turn Rampage over so Coffey just grounds ‘n’ pounds! Rampage kicks Coffey away, but Coffey comes back to whip Rampage to a corner.

Coffey scoops Rampage for a BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Coffey drags Rampage up, CLUBS him, then throws haymakers! Coffey brings Rampage around in a half straitjacket stretch! Rampage endures, Coffey drives elbows in then pulls on the hold. Coffey digs his knee into Rampage’s back and even pulls on ears! Rampage endures, fights up, but Coffey reels him in to ram shoulders! Rampage throws a forearm, Coffey gives a shoulder but Rampage throws more forearms! Coffey wrenches to back suplex SLAM Rampage, then he drops an elbow! Cover, TWO! Coffey grows frustrated but he says Rampage bit off more than he can chew. This is Coffey’s Kingdom!

But Rampage throws forearms and headbutts! Rampage whips, Coffey reverses and Coffey shoulders Rampage down! Coffey runs and runs and hits a sliding clothesline! Cover, TWO! Coffey crossface forearms, clamps onto shoulders, then gets another half straitjacket. Coffey throws more clubbing shots and gets the full straitjacket! Rampage endures as Coffey thrashes him around! Coffey digs a knee in, Rampage fights up but Coffey knees low! Coffey ripcords and LARIATS, but Rampage stays up! Coffey throws more point-blank clotheslines, then spins, but into Rampage’s LARIAT! Both British heavyweights are down but are stirring.

Rampage sits up first to hit Coffey back down, but Coffey hits back! They brawl as they rise, and Rampage gets the edge to BOOT Coffey to a corner! Rampage runs in to BOOT Coffey again! Coffey staggers into the SAIDO! Cover, TWO! Rampage grows frustrated but he drags Coffey up. Coffey powers Rampage to a corner and throws hands! Coffey runs corner to corner, but leaps into BOOTS! Rampage goes up and leaps for a FLYING TACKLE! Rampage drags Coffey up, reels him in and suplexes for a BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO!? Coffey survives and Rampage can’t believe it! Coffey still talks trash as Rampage drags him up.

Rampage fireman’s carries, Coffey clubs free and shoves. Rampage runs back in, but into an OVERHEAD SUPLEX! Both men are down again, head for each other and stand up. Coffey throws body shots but Rampage kicks low! Rampage whips, Coffey counters the back drop with a whip to then back drop Rampage! Coffey crawls to a corner, Rampage goes to the other. Coffey rises, “MY! KINGDOM!” Coffey runs to corner splash, EuroUpper and GERMAN SUPLEX! Rampage flounders back up and Coffey aims again, for the GLASGOW SENDOFF! Rampage bounces off buckles, then flops out of the ring! Coffey is frustrated that Rampage got away, but he goes out to pursue.

Coffey takes aim and shouts, “NO MERCY!” Coffey runs in but Rampage sends the sendoff into steel steps!! Coffey clutches his arm and shouts in pain and the ref checks on him. Coffey manages to stand, and Rampage puts him in the ring. Coffey can’t even use that hand, but he elbows with the right arm! Coffey still goes up and up to CROSSBODY! But his left hand messes him up! Coffey has to crawl to the cover, TWO!! Coffey and Rampage glare at each other, Coffey spins but Rampage blocks All The Best with a BOOT! Gut wrench, DOCTOR BOMB!! Cover, RAMPAGE WINS!

Winner: Rampage Brown, by pinfall

The Iron King crumbles! Rampage survives this brutal battle with a familiar foe, and Coffey shows him respect with a handshake. Will these two go around again and again while they’re both still in NXT UK?

My Thoughts:

Another very good episode for NXT UK, with good set-up for a couple weeks from now. While I don’t know why we didn’t get a press conference promo segment with Gallus and Pretty Deadly, just a slideshow, I like that they’re at least consistent and they made one for the NXT UK Women’s Championship. Naturally both women are confident in their skills, and that match is going to be amazing. Opening with the Heritage Cup Championship match was a natural move, it really got this episode going. A-Kid retaining makes sense, his reign being the first, he’ll be setting a benchmark on reign length. And it was great to have a video for Walter making note that he is now the record holder for the United Kingdom Championship’s longest reign, and that will only get longer since there isn’t an obvious contender right now.

Carter VS Morrell was really good. That was like Carter’s match with Lee Johnson in AEW. I am very excited to see where Carter and Morrell go from here. Carter already had his shot at the Cruiserweight Championship, but I wonder what awesome stuff he and A-Kid could do in a British Rounds Heritage Cup match. Tyler Bate had a surprisingly short promo, and I’m confused as to where he even was for it, but clearly Tyler is soul-searching in a similar fashion to Seven. I know Moustache Mountain wanted to see what they could both do as singles wrestlers, but I feel it’d be amazing if they decided to reunite and take on some of the tag teams that are in NXT UK now, like Gallus, Pretty Deadly and South Wales Subculture.

Luna VS James was a good match, and given the video package we got for Luna last week, it makes a lot of sense that Luna wins. Luna, Aoife Valkyrie and Xia Brookside are definitely bringing up the midcard for the NXT UK Women’s Division, and maybe one day the plan will go as it was meant to and Aoife moves up into the title picture. We got a decent promo from Jinny and Conners, and we’ll of course get a great match out of Jinny VS Piper, but it just seems a shame that NXT UK didn’t pull the trigger at some point and then Jinny VS Piper could be for the title. Maybe KLR loses to Meiko, Meiko takes on a lot of challengers, and it’ll be Piper or Jinny that overcomes the Final Boss a year from now.

Coffey VS Rampage was very good for a heavyweight slug fest like it was, and really good overall. Rampage winning makes a lot of sense, he is the one being built up, and it makes more sense for Coffey to be the one who would ask for a rematch at some point. The only thing I didn’t like, and didn’t really bother with in the play by play, was them emphasizing that Rampage was the last man standing, when this wasn’t a Last Man Standing match. Is that only to emphasis that this is heading for a Last Man Standing match? Seems a little too on the nose, especially for NXT UK, i.e. NXT, and they’re usually a touch more subtle. But either way, a rematch of these two in LMS will be incredible.

My Score: 8.3/10