WWE Crown First NXT UK Women's Champion (SPOILERS)
Inaugural title holder named in Birmingham.
The tournament for the NXT UK Women's Championship concluded in Birmingham, England last night, and (as these things tend to go), we have a winner!
Australian Rhea Ripley was crowned the title's first holder, after besting pre-tournament favourite Toni Storm in the final. NXT UK General Manager and British wrestling legend Johnny Saint presented Ripley with the brand spanking new belt after her victory.
Ripley, 21, has been a regular on NXT TV for the past year, having made her WWE debut in last July's Mae Young Classic. Prior to alighting in Orlando, she was a star of the Australian independent scene, before spending a year in Japan, during which time she had the enormous honour of sharing a ring opposite Kyoko Inoue.
The second night of tapings at the Insomnia Festival saw Ripley dispatch Dakota Kai, to set up a final with Toni Storm, who herself prevailed against Jinny.
Perhaps it's a little strange that the first ever NXT UK Women's champion is not British; it rather leaves open what the actual point of the title is. With a TV deal for the show yet to be announced, that's a question which continues to mount.
The belt will, however, be on the line at the upcoming Evolution show in October. Stay tuned for more details as they emerge.