WWE Just Spoiled Its Own Title Tournament
A huge continuity botch from WWE following last night's NXT 2.0.
NXT UK wrestlers invading the Performance Center ahead of a rumoured UK vs. US Worlds Collide special was the big story coming out of last night's NXT 2.0, with Gallus, Blair Davenport, and Tyler Bate all showing up unexpectedly, generating buzz. This came following recent reports that several developmental wrestlers were on the verge of making the jump across the Atlantic.
Bate closed the show, confronting NXT Champion Bron Breakker while holding his own United Kingdom Championship aloft. This came following Breakker's successful defence over JD McDonagh - and caused a major continuity rift.
Although Bate was introduced as the NXT UK Champion (and came down carrying the belt), that strap, in kayfabe, is still vacant. Former champ Ilja Dragunov was forced to vacate the gold due to injury at WWE's NXT UK tapings on 7 July. The company then announced a tournament to crown the next title-holder, which is still ongoing.
The tournament only started last week, in fact, with Oliver Carter wrestling Charlie Dempsey. Bate's first-round match with Kenny Williams is yet to air.
Spoilers for this competition have been doing the rounds since WWE taped the shows in July. Those privy to them would not have had any surprises ruined by last night's showing. Nonetheless, the situation represents a significant continuity flub between the company's two developmental brands, with Bate clutching the NXT UK Championship weeks before winning it in kayfabe.