8 Predictions For WWE's UK Tournament Finals Night 2

Who will become the first ever WWE United Kingdom Champion?

pete dunne
WWE.com

With the first round of WWE's United Kingdom Championship Tournament in the books, it's time to start looking towards tonight's finals.

WWE will crown their first ever United Kingdom Championship later this evening, and there's much to look forward to after last night's eventful show.

The big talking point is Pete Dunne's attack on Sam Gradwell (and subsequent admonishment from William Regal), but it wasn't the night's only story. From Jordan Devlin's turn to the darkside against Danny Burch to Tyler Bate and Tucker's exciting main event, night one was worth two hours of any wrestling fan's time, and there are a number of mouth-watering matches on the table tonight.

The first round produced few surprises in terms of results, and each of the tournament's biggest names pulled through. From PROGRESS standouts Tyler Bate, Trent Seven, and Pete Dunne, to former WCPW Champion Joseph Conners and current ICW Champion Wolfgang, only the best of the best remain. Dunne remains the favourite, but his success is far from guaranteed, and each of the tournament's eight remaining competitors walks into the Empress Ballroom with a chance of winning.

Tonight should be all about escalation. Can someone like Dunne or Seven pull it off, or will they be stopped in their tracks by Mark Andrews, the tournament's best-known superstar, or an underdog like Gradwell? Let's take a look.

Here are 8 predictions for the WWE UK Championship Tournament finals.

8. Jordan Devlin's Antics Fall Short Against Tyler Bate

pete dunne
WWE.com

Tyler Bate and Jordan Devlin both made huge impressions last night, but for completely different reasons. Bate was already one of the tournament’s biggest stars from the moment he walked in, and justified his reputation with a sublime performance full of strength, skill, and showmanship. His main event with Tucker was comfortably the night’s best match, and after sealing the win with a huge Tiger Driver, Bate sent the fans home happy.

Devlin, on the other hand, emerged as one of the night’s biggest villains. If it wasn’t for Pete Dunne’s actions later in the evening, Devlin’s nefarious antics during (and after) his match with Danny Burch would be the talk of tonight’s show. After seemingly turning heel mid-match, Devlin capitalised on a sloppy “missed kickout” finish, attack Burch post-match, and hailed his “clean and decisive” win immediately after.

We’re looking at a clash not only between two of the tournament’s most exciting wrestlers, but a classic face vs. heel showdown. Devlin’s shenanigans and Bate’s performance on the first night add an extra layer of intrigue to what was already an excellent match, which makes it a tough one to call. Bate already feels like a superstar-in-waiting, however, and the 19-year-old’s sublime skills should see him overcome Finn Balor’s tearaway protege.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.