7 Ups & 2 Downs From Last Night's WWE NXT UK (Oct 24)

4. Dakota Kai Is Great

Dakota Kai and Some Guy
WWE.com

... and so is Killer Kelly.

Still, last night was all about establishing the New Zealander, not her Portuguese opponent, as a big deal in the NXT UK women's division. WWE did so effectively, as while their quickfire battle wasn't perfect, and had a couple of sloppy moments, they both worked their hides off to create a palpable sense of immediacy. There were no wasted moments, and the only thing laboured was Nigel McGuinness' Cristiano Ronaldo reference (and football/soccer argument).

Though Kai took a battering throughout, she scored the victory with her awesome finisher: a sunset flip/backstabber hybrid. Then, she got the post-match promo treatment. Breathless and hurting, but overcome with happiness, she sold the bout perfectly, complimented the fans, then set her sights on the UK Women's Title, claiming she'll kick anyone's head off to win it.

As a total package, this was extremely well done, and Kai now feels like a major player in the nascent scene. Let's hope her focus continues.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. 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.