With NXT TakeOver taking place later today it was important to see how this week’s edition of NXT UK contributed to its build. Here is the NXT UK American Assessment for April 3rd, 2019.
Kenny Williams and Amir Jordan vs. Marcel Barthel and Fabian Aichner
Barthel works on the arm of Jordan early on, digging his knuckles and forearm across the side of the head. Jordan escapes with two dropkicks and taunts his larger opponent, only to be shoved down by Barthel. Aicher is tagged in. Jordan makes the blind tag to Williams, who executes a hurricanrana, sending Aichner to the outside. Williams and Jordan are blindsided by Aichner, who double clotheslines them. Jordan is sent into the opposite corner. Barthel takes control of the smaller opponent. They tie up Jordan in the ropes and hit a simultaneous running dropkick, taunting to the crowd after.
They continue to attack Jordan in the corner, but he fights back against Barthel, only to be brought back down again. Williams is tagged back in again and hits a springboard back elbow on Barthel! He follows up with a running elbow to the corner. Williams hits a springboard kick to Aichner on the apron. Williams hits a headlock driver and goes for the cover, 1… 2… Barthel kicks out! Williams hits a springboard back elbow and a baseball slide on Aichner to the outside. Jordan goes for a cross body to the outside on Aichner, only to be slammed against the ring apron.
Aichner hits a spinebuster on Williams, and Barthel follows up with a penalty kick. Williams escapes a stalling suplex attempt and rolls up Aichner! 1… 2… 3!
Winners: Kenny Williams and Amir Jordan
We cut to a backstage interview with Rhea Ripley, who is just entering the arena. She says that she will make NXT UK Piper Niven’s worst nightmare. Niven will make her NXT UK in-ring debut next week!
NXT UK General Manager Johnny Saint and assistant Sid Scala are interviewed, only to be interrupted by Jordan Devlin. He asks them how Walter can simply walk into the brand, slap around some people, and earn a United Kingdom Championship match at TakeOver: New York, while Devlin doesn’t have that opportunity. Scala says that while he understands Devlin’s complaints, the contract for the match between Walter and UK Champion Pete Dunne has been signed. Devlin tells them that he will be watching that match closely.
Isla Dawn vs. Kay Lee Ray
The two exchange holds to begin, with Dawn getting the better of the exchange. She rolls up Ray, but it’s only good for a one-count. From there, the two exchange pin attempts. Ray powers out of a backslide attempt and tosses Dawn into the corner, targeting the arm. Ray rolls through with a rolling armbar, taunting Dawn with a sit-up. Ray pins Dawn, but she kicks out at two. Dawn nips up, but Ray takes control again. Ray hits Dawn with a forearm to the head from the outside.
The action spills to the outside, with Dawn taking control again. However, Ray quickly takes advantage with a dive through the ropes! Back in the ring, Ray goes for the cover, but Dawn kicks out at two. Dawn catches Ray with a back suplex and goes for the pin, 1… 2… Ray kicks out! Ray catches Dawn with an overhand chop, a superkick, and then finally a Gory Bomb! 1… 2… 3!
Winner: Kay Lee Ray
Following the NXT UK women’s match, NXT UK Women’s Champion Toni Storm is interviewed. Suddenly, Jinny rushes in and the two of them brawl. Jinny sends Storm into a nearby crate, laying out the champion!
Travis Banks cuts a promo backstage, saying that he once looked up to Kassius Ohno. Now, due to Ohno’s actions on NXT UK as of late, he’s challenging the veteran to a match.
We cut back to the arena, where the NXT UK Tag Team Champions, Grizzled Young Veterans, make their way down the aisle. In true Grizzled Young Veterans fashion, the fans are less than warmly receptive. Zack Gibson says that they are not there to compete, with Gibson stating that his eardrum had been ruptured as a result of Oney Lorcan. He goes on to talk about how he, as well as James Drake, have been often overlooked. Gibson focuses on Williams and Jordan, who secured a victory at the start of the show. In regard to rumors that the young duo may become NXT UK Tag Team Champions in the future, Gibson dismisses them, saying that they aren’t deserving of the opportunity. The promo ends with Gibson saying that, soon, they will be recognized as the most important champions anywhere.
After the break, it’s confirmed that Banks and Ohno will square off in one-on-one action next week! NXT UK Women’s Champion Toni Storm will put her title on the line against Jinny that same night, so stay tuned for that, too!
Trent Seven vs. Joe Coffey
The two men start things off by exchanging clubbing blows and body shots. Seven comes off the corner with a running strike, followed up by several chops and a DDT! Seven goes for the cover early, but Coffey kicks out. Seven hits a running leg drop, but Coffey kicks out quickly once more. On the outside, Coffey evades a full nelson attempt and backdrops Seven on the ring barricade. Coffey sends Seven back into the ring and kicks him when he’s down. On the outside, Coffey bends Seven across the bottom of the ring post, targeting the lower back.
Coffey chops Seven across the chest and goes for the cover, 1… 2… Seven kicks out! Coffey cinches in a shoulder lock, but Seven slowly powers out of the move, but collapses to the mat due to exhaustion. Coffey hoists Seven up for a bearhug, once again focusing on the lower back. He then throws Seven with a belly-to-belly overhead suplex! Coffey charges at Seven in the corner, but is able to quickly regain control, stomping and attacking the fallen member of Moustache Mountain.
Seven starts to pick up momentum once again, hitting a dragon suplex followed by a suicide dive! Seven attempted to follow up with a plancha, but Coffey evaded the maneuver, causing Seven to crash on the mat back first. Coffey hits a German suplex followed by a pounce. Coffey goes for a powerbomb, transitioning into a pin. 1… 2… Seven kicks out! Coffey goes back to the well with another powerbomb, but Seven escapes, cinching in a figure four leg lock! Coffey eventually makes his way to the ropes.
The action spills to the outside. Seven and Coffey make it back to the ring before the 10
Winner: Joe Coffey
Along with the United Kingdom Championship match between challenger Walter and champion Pete Dunne at TakeOver: New York, the end of the show hypes next week’s NXT UK event, including the aforementioned UK Women’s Championship match. Stay tuned for next week’s edition of American Assessment!
