By Matthew Klink (@klinkmatt)

October 19, 2018

NXT UK has been built up to, possibly, be one of the most exciting things we could watch in pro wrestling. Branded to be the same traditional setup we are used in NXT, NXT UK looks to provide the same type of thrills, lovable (and hatable) characters, and of course…top notch story telling to supplement the high caliber of talent and skill these pro wrestlers will be able to provide.

After only one episode…I’m hooked.

First of all…lets talk about the atmosphere in this arena. It is amazing. Granted, it comes with a ton of excitement (being the first show) as well as the inclusion of some big names we already know, thanks the domestic version of NXT, but I still think there is more to it.

The crowd never did slow down and the visual aspect of this show made it feel like I was watching my very own, special roster and program. That was me watching from home…in my sweat pants…In the middle of a Wednesday…Just imagine how these UK fans felt, being in attendance. Knowing this was going to be their talent’s chance to show how much better they are than everyone else? What I’m saying is, I’ve seen this type of loyalty before (patriotic fandom) and I think its a perfect backdrop for pro wrestling.

I start to think of how we all pretend to care about some of the Olympic sports for a few weeks, just because someone we’ve never heard of is wearing our country’s flag on their back. We get so into that sport, those events, and those athletes so passionately…you’d think we’d kill for them.

And for what? For the country we live in! For the pride of knowing that our country is better than everyone else’s country. Even though we all find the time to complain about our countries, their leaders, and the political governance…during these few weeks in the summer and winter…our country can do no wrong.

But that’s what we have the potential to witness with the ribbon cutting for NXT UK. We have the chance to build up rosters in opposing countries and allow these performers, from different backgrounds, whole new ways to represent and build their characters.

If a future Pro Wrestling Ryder Cup (a Europe vs USA golf tournament reference) wasn’t part of the thought process when this new brand was created, then they’re doing it wrong.

Beyond that, this show was a great way to be introduced and re-introduced to the new NXT UK talent. We know Mark Andrews already, from some NXT shows and 205 Live matches, but it was great to see the UK crowd so thoroughly behind him. We know hes a great talent, so the opportunity I spoke of before (of getting behind blind loyalty because of a wrestler’s country of origin) can give Mark that chance to continue to perform at a high level, but be given the applause and praise he deserves.

Following his match, Flash Morgan was introduced as a man of justice, for this UK roster, by coming to Mark Andrew’s defense after he was beat down by Mark and Joe Coffey. Flash’s ring gear was pretty wild, so I’m already excited and sold on whatever his next in-ring action is scheduled to be.

Throw in some great power performers, like Dave Mastiff, another exciting looking women’s roster, which demonstrated the talents of Toni Storm and Nina Samuels, and one hell of a main event…and you’ve got me… hook, line and sinker.

Oh…you want to hear more about that main event?

Pete Dunne vs Noam Dar

Yup…Noam Dar.

When you talk about re-introducing NXT and WWE talent through this roster, nothing could better describe that than Noam Dar and his performance at NXT UK. I recommend you give this match a look as Dar gave us a look at a guy willing to push himself to the limit, for the chance at knocking off the longest standing champion in the WWE right now.

Here’s a taste:

If this show is evidence of things to come…I think we’re all gonna have to re-think our work schedules, since the show is broadcast Wednesdays at 3pm.

That being said, write it down and put it on your schedules folks. NXT UK is here and will be great!
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