6 Ups And 2 Downs From NXT UK TakeOver: Blackpool
British-based brand's maiden voyage a rousing success.
We really shouldn’t have doubted whether WWE could pull off a TakeOver across the pond.
Despite being the new kid in WWE’s family of brands, NXT UK put on its first special event Saturday night and delivered a solid show that gave fans good action throughout the night, a classic main event, and a colossal surprise at the end.
We saw the first NXT UK tag champs christened, and two other title matches, as well as two grudge matches. One of those bouts got upended due to injury, but fans were certainly happy with the replacement shipped over from Raw to pinch-hit.
Watching this event after only catching brief glimpses of the UK TV show, it’s clear that there are talented wrestlers capable of shining on the big stage, but it will be interesting to see how the brand grows and develops over time. Superstars like Pete Dunne, Tyler Bate, Rhea Ripley and Toni Storm can’t stay on the UK brand forever – the main roster is going to be calling for them at some point.
Still, this was a perfectly enjoyable show, with clean finishes, some great surprises and solid action throughout. With that said, let’s break it all down. Let’s get to it…