7 Ups & 3 Downs From WWE UK Championship Tournament (Night 1)

4. Pete Dunne's Big Night

Pete Dunne Sam Gradwell
WWE.com

Last night was built around Pete Dunne. Widely regarded as one of the hottest young prospects in wrestling, Dunne emerged as an early favourite as soon as the line-ups were announced. An outstanding natural heel and one of the best technical wrestlers in the country, The Bruiserweight has "star" written all over him, and seems destined for WWE success sooner or later.

He soundly defeated the charismatic Roy Johnson in their first round match, but the real talking point came later on. As William Regal and Nigel McGuinness presented the following night's second round matches, Dunne fkew across the stage to attack Sam Gradwell, his next opponent, and leave him lying on the ramp. Regal quickly helped separate the duo and admonished Dunne at the side of the stage, and as the UK Title Tournament went off the air, Dunne felt very much like the man to beat.

Dunne has a tough route to the finals. Gradwell will be out for blood after last night, and if Pete puts him away, Joseph Conners or Mark Andrews await. Still, after last night's antics, it's tough to bet against him at this point. Regal might not like it, but Dunne made a big name for himself last night, and he remains the tournament's alpha competitor.

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Channel Manager
Channel Manager

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.