Written by: Kevin Berge (All Images Courtesy of: WWE.com)
It is rare I discuss NXT UK as the big focus of WWE. The brand has been stuck in a pretaped loop with double shows airing every week just to catch up, but now the brand has done just that, which led to its biggest show to date: NXT UK TakeOver Blackpool.
This event had almost no hype behind it, but a stellar card is good enough for me. When you've got Pete Dunne, Toni Storm, and Moustache Mountain in highly featured roles, how can I say no?
This was mostly a filler week otherwise, continuing the development toward Royal Rumble though the surprising amount of strong wrestling matches was certainly notable.
This event had almost no hype behind it, but a stellar card is good enough for me. When you've got Pete Dunne, Toni Storm, and Moustache Mountain in highly featured roles, how can I say no?
This was mostly a filler week otherwise, continuing the development toward Royal Rumble though the surprising amount of strong wrestling matches was certainly notable.
She could be Raw or SmackDown Women's Champion right now, but she chose to be NXT Women's Champion because somebody's got to get people to watch the show.
NXT UK TakeOver: Blackpool
Pete Dunne Should Just Remain Champion Until He's Finally Called Up
Overview: The physical bruiser Joe Coffey pushed Pete Dunne to be better as he stayed standing after the NXT UK Champion's best shots. The two brutalized each other to be crowned the best in the division with Dunne clearly affected by how resilient and dominant Coffey could be.
Just as Coffey seemed to be ready for the victory, The Bruiserweight connected with the Bitter End. Both were completely spent at this point, but Dunne hit one more Bitter End and, after a surprise kickout, quickly locked in a submission for the victory. Walter debuted afterward and wiped out Coffey with a big boot.
Analysis: Tighten up this main event by just about 10 minutes, and it is the match of the year frontrunner. However, Dunne and Coffey went just a bit too long here with a ridiculous 43 minute match length. The two are fantastic together, but few men can make a singles match this long work.
I have no idea why other stars could not be given some of this time. This card would have been just fine with a 10 minute fifth match while forcing Dunne and Coffey to be a bit more concise. Still, this was another showcase of Dunne's greatness. He put on a show and proved he can define this division every time he competes.
This includes not having Walter be the one to topple The Bruiserweight even though he's the only one who could be believable in that spot.
Toni Storm Should Be Champion for the Rest of 2019
Overview: Rhea Ripley taunted Toni Storm from the start, but the wily babyface refused to give in. After both kicked out of the other women's finisher, the female face of NXT UK caught the champion with Storm Zero again to take the win and capture her title.
Analysis: Dunne's reign of dominance has been a big deal for NXT UK, giving a real focus to the brand. Everyone wants to be able to beat the best, and the women's division can have the same by relying on Storm. Much like Dunne, she lost her first title match but came back to arrive as the true star of the brand.
While I still think Ripley makes more sense to last longer on this smaller brand and define its image, Storm is the star. NXT UK should rely on her and let her be the champion no one can topple.
Conclusion
TakeOver: Blackpool kept it simple. The wrestlers wrestled, and they did so with flair. While only the tag match and the main event were true standouts, nothing was weak on this card. Finn Balor made a special appearance and worked well with Jordan Devlin. Even the simple hoss fight between Dave Mastiff and Eddie Dennis worked.
It wasn't quite the absolute knockout I was hoping it could be. Beyond Storm's victory and Walter's arrival, the show suffered from being potentially forgettable. With so little hype behind the event, it needed to be so much bigger, but it was certainly a good show, better than what WWE's main roster usually puts on.
I look forward to what is next for the NXT UK brand. There's so much talent, and the championships are now on the right stars. It will be up to the rest of the brand to step up.
Overview: The physical bruiser Joe Coffey pushed Pete Dunne to be better as he stayed standing after the NXT UK Champion's best shots. The two brutalized each other to be crowned the best in the division with Dunne clearly affected by how resilient and dominant Coffey could be.
Just as Coffey seemed to be ready for the victory, The Bruiserweight connected with the Bitter End. Both were completely spent at this point, but Dunne hit one more Bitter End and, after a surprise kickout, quickly locked in a submission for the victory. Walter debuted afterward and wiped out Coffey with a big boot.
Analysis: Tighten up this main event by just about 10 minutes, and it is the match of the year frontrunner. However, Dunne and Coffey went just a bit too long here with a ridiculous 43 minute match length. The two are fantastic together, but few men can make a singles match this long work.
I have no idea why other stars could not be given some of this time. This card would have been just fine with a 10 minute fifth match while forcing Dunne and Coffey to be a bit more concise. Still, this was another showcase of Dunne's greatness. He put on a show and proved he can define this division every time he competes.
This includes not having Walter be the one to topple The Bruiserweight even though he's the only one who could be believable in that spot.
Toni Storm Should Be Champion for the Rest of 2019
Overview: Rhea Ripley taunted Toni Storm from the start, but the wily babyface refused to give in. After both kicked out of the other women's finisher, the female face of NXT UK caught the champion with Storm Zero again to take the win and capture her title.
Analysis: Dunne's reign of dominance has been a big deal for NXT UK, giving a real focus to the brand. Everyone wants to be able to beat the best, and the women's division can have the same by relying on Storm. Much like Dunne, she lost her first title match but came back to arrive as the true star of the brand.
While I still think Ripley makes more sense to last longer on this smaller brand and define its image, Storm is the star. NXT UK should rely on her and let her be the champion no one can topple.
Conclusion
TakeOver: Blackpool kept it simple. The wrestlers wrestled, and they did so with flair. While only the tag match and the main event were true standouts, nothing was weak on this card. Finn Balor made a special appearance and worked well with Jordan Devlin. Even the simple hoss fight between Dave Mastiff and Eddie Dennis worked.
It wasn't quite the absolute knockout I was hoping it could be. Beyond Storm's victory and Walter's arrival, the show suffered from being potentially forgettable. With so little hype behind the event, it needed to be so much bigger, but it was certainly a good show, better than what WWE's main roster usually puts on.
I look forward to what is next for the NXT UK brand. There's so much talent, and the championships are now on the right stars. It will be up to the rest of the brand to step up.
Grade: B+
In his time away, did Cena go to Ireland and find a great appreciation for the culture? He seems to only be putting over the nation's countrymen.
Monday Night Raw January 14, 2019
Finn Balor Has Earned This Opportunity in the Spotlight
Overview: Braun Strowman was tricked by Baron Corbin into ripping the door off of Vince McMahon's limousine, and The Chairman fined him for it before also stripping him of his title match against Brock Lesnar. This left an opening with John Cena, Drew McIntyre, Corbin, and Finn Balor all asking for the opportunity.
Mr. McMahon put them in a fatal 4-way with The Extraordinary Man forced to defend his spot by first defeating Jinder Mahal. Balor then won the main event by taking down Cena with a Coup De Grace. Afterward, The Champ raised Balor's hand and put him over.
Analysis: Lesnar vs. Strowman was always the least interesting match at Royal Rumble, and the decision to replace him with Balor changed that completely. No offense to The Monster Among Men, but we've all seen what he does with The Beast Incarnate. We haven't seen what Lesnar and Balor can do.
The Irishman has waited years for this shot after an injury ruined his Universal Championship match at the moment it started. As proven recently by Daniel Bryan and AJ Styles, Balor's size will not get in the way of telling a compelling story in the ring, and this will be a great chance to see if Balor deserves a spotlight in 2019.
Bobby Lashley Has Not Really Earned His Championship
Overview: Due to last week's main event, Dean Ambrose was forced to defend his Intercontinental Championship against both Seth Rollins and Bobby Lashley. In the chaos of the closing minutes, Lio Rush tripped The Architect to allowed The All Mighty to hit a Spear on The Lunatic Fringe to win.
Analysis: Lashley finally has a spotlight, but it's hard to say he earned this spot. While Rush has been getting better working as his manager, The Dominator just feels too generic right now. While Ambrose has not done much in his heel role so far, he's been more interesting than Lashley.
I can't get excited about this potential run unless the new champion actually steps up his game. He's been much better than this before.
Conclusion
This was a surprisingly captivating episode of the red brand. It was as good as Raw has been in months. The matches were strong. The segments were stronger. The main feud developed quickly, and there was so much here to enjoy with multiple surprises along the way.
I am still waiting for the radical change promised by The McMahons, but Nikki Cross debuting certainly helps (even if she should end up on SmackDown). The big angles were Balor and Lashley's wins, and they both bring promise for bigger stories on the horizon.
I just don't know if this is a sustainable pacesetter. Big moments are great, but they can't happen every week. It's likely next week will pale in comparison even though it is supposed to be the go-home show.
Overview: Braun Strowman was tricked by Baron Corbin into ripping the door off of Vince McMahon's limousine, and The Chairman fined him for it before also stripping him of his title match against Brock Lesnar. This left an opening with John Cena, Drew McIntyre, Corbin, and Finn Balor all asking for the opportunity.
Mr. McMahon put them in a fatal 4-way with The Extraordinary Man forced to defend his spot by first defeating Jinder Mahal. Balor then won the main event by taking down Cena with a Coup De Grace. Afterward, The Champ raised Balor's hand and put him over.
Analysis: Lesnar vs. Strowman was always the least interesting match at Royal Rumble, and the decision to replace him with Balor changed that completely. No offense to The Monster Among Men, but we've all seen what he does with The Beast Incarnate. We haven't seen what Lesnar and Balor can do.
The Irishman has waited years for this shot after an injury ruined his Universal Championship match at the moment it started. As proven recently by Daniel Bryan and AJ Styles, Balor's size will not get in the way of telling a compelling story in the ring, and this will be a great chance to see if Balor deserves a spotlight in 2019.
Bobby Lashley Has Not Really Earned His Championship
Overview: Due to last week's main event, Dean Ambrose was forced to defend his Intercontinental Championship against both Seth Rollins and Bobby Lashley. In the chaos of the closing minutes, Lio Rush tripped The Architect to allowed The All Mighty to hit a Spear on The Lunatic Fringe to win.
Analysis: Lashley finally has a spotlight, but it's hard to say he earned this spot. While Rush has been getting better working as his manager, The Dominator just feels too generic right now. While Ambrose has not done much in his heel role so far, he's been more interesting than Lashley.
I can't get excited about this potential run unless the new champion actually steps up his game. He's been much better than this before.
Conclusion
This was a surprisingly captivating episode of the red brand. It was as good as Raw has been in months. The matches were strong. The segments were stronger. The main feud developed quickly, and there was so much here to enjoy with multiple surprises along the way.
I am still waiting for the radical change promised by The McMahons, but Nikki Cross debuting certainly helps (even if she should end up on SmackDown). The big angles were Balor and Lashley's wins, and they both bring promise for bigger stories on the horizon.
I just don't know if this is a sustainable pacesetter. Big moments are great, but they can't happen every week. It's likely next week will pale in comparison even though it is supposed to be the go-home show.
Grade: A-
Can't wait for this whole story to end with Miz revealing he was playing Shane the whole time. He is, right? There's no way he thinks he actually needs old man Shane.
SmackDown Live January 15, 2019
The Miz and Shane McMahon as a Pairing is Kind of Working But Not as Much as WWE Would Like
Overview: The Miz held a birthday bash for Shane McMahon, giving him new shoes and a special video package. The Bar interrupted to insult both of their No. 1 contenders before Shane made Miz vs. Sheamus. The A-Lister won after Boy Wonder sent Cesaro through a cake to distract The Celtic Warrior for a roll up.
Analysis: This was a fine segment though far from worthy of the main event. It felt more like an opening with few stakes and more promise of what could come. Shane and Miz are starting to click with Miz working more as a rugged face in the ring, but I still don't believe in them.
This still feels like a flat waste of Miz, and Shane's not going to prove that wrong when he's making SmackDown's top tag team look stupid.
Count Me In for Samoa Joe vs. Mustafa Ali on the Road to WrestleMania
Overview: Before a scheduled match between Samoa Joe and Mustafa Ali, The Samoan Submission Machine assaulted his opponent. He threw him out of the ring and bashed him into the steel post and barricade until officials finally pulled him off.
Analysis: The one way Joe is going to stand out these days is working with guys that make him look like a killer. Ali is perfect for that role. These two could be great together. It's a shame that it will likely get overshadowed on the Road to WrestleMania, but their matches should be top notch.
Conclusion
This was a fine show, under the high bar set by recent events, but SmackDown still brought its A-game. The main problem was front-loading the angles that matter. Becky Lynch and Asuka opened the show followed quickly by AJ Styles and Daniel Bryan fighting in the arena.
While there was one more segment that matched up, the incredible match between Andrade and Rey Mysterio, it was not enough to make the second two thirds feel anything more than underwhelming. There's great talent here, but they need stories that have more weight.
I still find myself always glued to the screen with the blue brand thanks to the talent involved and the main stories building.
Overview: The Miz held a birthday bash for Shane McMahon, giving him new shoes and a special video package. The Bar interrupted to insult both of their No. 1 contenders before Shane made Miz vs. Sheamus. The A-Lister won after Boy Wonder sent Cesaro through a cake to distract The Celtic Warrior for a roll up.
Analysis: This was a fine segment though far from worthy of the main event. It felt more like an opening with few stakes and more promise of what could come. Shane and Miz are starting to click with Miz working more as a rugged face in the ring, but I still don't believe in them.
This still feels like a flat waste of Miz, and Shane's not going to prove that wrong when he's making SmackDown's top tag team look stupid.
Count Me In for Samoa Joe vs. Mustafa Ali on the Road to WrestleMania
Overview: Before a scheduled match between Samoa Joe and Mustafa Ali, The Samoan Submission Machine assaulted his opponent. He threw him out of the ring and bashed him into the steel post and barricade until officials finally pulled him off.
Analysis: The one way Joe is going to stand out these days is working with guys that make him look like a killer. Ali is perfect for that role. These two could be great together. It's a shame that it will likely get overshadowed on the Road to WrestleMania, but their matches should be top notch.
Conclusion
This was a fine show, under the high bar set by recent events, but SmackDown still brought its A-game. The main problem was front-loading the angles that matter. Becky Lynch and Asuka opened the show followed quickly by AJ Styles and Daniel Bryan fighting in the arena.
While there was one more segment that matched up, the incredible match between Andrade and Rey Mysterio, it was not enough to make the second two thirds feel anything more than underwhelming. There's great talent here, but they need stories that have more weight.
I still find myself always glued to the screen with the blue brand thanks to the talent involved and the main stories building.
Grade: B-
So many guys change their name in WWE, but Humerto Carrillo was considered a good wrestling name?
205 Live January 15, 2019
Humberto Carrillo's Chance to Succeed Feels Low Despite His Clear Talent
Overview: Buddy Murphy's open challenge was answered by 205 Liv's newest star, Humberto Carrillo. Fired up by this opportunity, the newcomer had the champion of his game throughout. Murphy faked a knee injury to try and get his challenger off his game, but Carrillo only got more energized.
It wasn't enough though as he dived into a high knee then Murphy's Law to give the champion the pinfall victory.
Analysis: Ultimo Ninja came to WWE with little hype and has almost done nothing with what excitement may have surrounded him. On a card dominated by luchadors, at least he didn't keep the mask and get pigeonholed into Lucha House Party. It's still hard to really see him succeeding.
Talent is nice, but talented stars fail in WWE all the time. The biggest important factor is star power. I don't see it at all in Carrillo. His WWE name is garbage. He looks fairly generic. His athleticism was only somewhat showcased here. He won't get anywhere unless he differentiates himself quickly.
I will admit though he looked more impressive with Johnny Gargano in NXT and came off more as a fascinating prospect.
Overview: Buddy Murphy's open challenge was answered by 205 Liv's newest star, Humberto Carrillo. Fired up by this opportunity, the newcomer had the champion of his game throughout. Murphy faked a knee injury to try and get his challenger off his game, but Carrillo only got more energized.
It wasn't enough though as he dived into a high knee then Murphy's Law to give the champion the pinfall victory.
Analysis: Ultimo Ninja came to WWE with little hype and has almost done nothing with what excitement may have surrounded him. On a card dominated by luchadors, at least he didn't keep the mask and get pigeonholed into Lucha House Party. It's still hard to really see him succeeding.
Talent is nice, but talented stars fail in WWE all the time. The biggest important factor is star power. I don't see it at all in Carrillo. His WWE name is garbage. He looks fairly generic. His athleticism was only somewhat showcased here. He won't get anywhere unless he differentiates himself quickly.
I will admit though he looked more impressive with Johnny Gargano in NXT and came off more as a fascinating prospect.
NXT and NXT UK January 16, 2019
Shayna Baszler vs. Bianca Belair is the Weakest Match Going Into an NXT TakeOver in Years But Could Shock Everyone
Overview: Bianca Belair talked up her opportunity at the NXT Women's Championship until Shayna Baszler interrupted with Jessamyn Duke and Marina Shafir. The champion taunted her challenger until the EST of NXT slapped Baszler and escaped before heels could gang up on her.
Analysis: NXT TakeOver has always put so much into its NXT TakeOver cards that it feels like they never take chances. Baszler vs. Belair is a clear chance, betting on the undefeated star to step up her game in her first real big match of her career.
I still don't really know how good Belair is. She's clearly ridiculously athletic and has had a few solid matches. She still feels raw though. TakeOver will be make or break for her in a way that WWE could have delayed. Someone backstage believes in her enough to give her this shot.
The European Union May Be NXT UK's Ace Tag Team
Overview: Fabian Aichner and Martel Bartel took over this contest early with Flash Morgan Webster isolated. Mark Andrews got the hot tag and looked unstoppable the heel used a few cheap shots to take over. The babyfaces refused to stay down though until the heels hit a spinning powerbomb/diving European uppercut combo.
Analysis: Aichner and Bartel have always been better than their billing, and the introduction of NXT UK has showcased just that quickly. The team has been impressive to say the least, maximizing their minutes and showcasing a combination of power and ferocity.
It was showcased here clearly in an excellent TV tag match. It started slow, but the match built to an awesome home stretch that was among the best work of the entire week. Aichner and Bartel are just such a great combo with so many fascinating combination moves.
Overview: Bianca Belair talked up her opportunity at the NXT Women's Championship until Shayna Baszler interrupted with Jessamyn Duke and Marina Shafir. The champion taunted her challenger until the EST of NXT slapped Baszler and escaped before heels could gang up on her.
Analysis: NXT TakeOver has always put so much into its NXT TakeOver cards that it feels like they never take chances. Baszler vs. Belair is a clear chance, betting on the undefeated star to step up her game in her first real big match of her career.
I still don't really know how good Belair is. She's clearly ridiculously athletic and has had a few solid matches. She still feels raw though. TakeOver will be make or break for her in a way that WWE could have delayed. Someone backstage believes in her enough to give her this shot.
The European Union May Be NXT UK's Ace Tag Team
Overview: Fabian Aichner and Martel Bartel took over this contest early with Flash Morgan Webster isolated. Mark Andrews got the hot tag and looked unstoppable the heel used a few cheap shots to take over. The babyfaces refused to stay down though until the heels hit a spinning powerbomb/diving European uppercut combo.
Analysis: Aichner and Bartel have always been better than their billing, and the introduction of NXT UK has showcased just that quickly. The team has been impressive to say the least, maximizing their minutes and showcasing a combination of power and ferocity.
It was showcased here clearly in an excellent TV tag match. It started slow, but the match built to an awesome home stretch that was among the best work of the entire week. Aichner and Bartel are just such a great combo with so many fascinating combination moves.
Match of the Week
Rey Mysterio vs. Andrade, SmackDown January 15, 2019 (Rating: 9.25/10)
I didn't expect any match from later in the week to outshine NXT UK TakeOver: Blackpool, but Mysterio and Almas were not going to be denied. This was absurdly good. Take out the commercial breaks, and this would be a match of the year contender. Honestly, it still is.
This is just about the best TV match I've seen from WWE in years. The spots throughout were absurd, and it was so much more than that. The two told a strong story as Almas refused to be overwhelmed by Mysterio only for the veteran to keep innovating.
The homestretch was absurd, but there were so many moments in this match that should not be forgotten. If only it hadn't also been the death of Andrade's other two names.
Honorable Mention: Moustache Mountain vs. Zack Gibson and James Drake, NXT UK TakeOver: Blackpool (Rating: 9.25/10)
This was as good as expected. Moustache Mountain as the resilient babyfaces stayed in this throughout and refused to let up. However, they were repeatedly outmatched in terms of pure strategy. Both heels showed their intelligence and wherewithal and did not need to cheat to emerge victorious.
It was a great way to established the Grizzly Young Veterans as legitimate champions. They defeated the duo most expected to hold the NXT UK Tag Team Championships first, and they put on a show along the way.
I didn't expect any match from later in the week to outshine NXT UK TakeOver: Blackpool, but Mysterio and Almas were not going to be denied. This was absurdly good. Take out the commercial breaks, and this would be a match of the year contender. Honestly, it still is.
This is just about the best TV match I've seen from WWE in years. The spots throughout were absurd, and it was so much more than that. The two told a strong story as Almas refused to be overwhelmed by Mysterio only for the veteran to keep innovating.
The homestretch was absurd, but there were so many moments in this match that should not be forgotten. If only it hadn't also been the death of Andrade's other two names.
Honorable Mention: Moustache Mountain vs. Zack Gibson and James Drake, NXT UK TakeOver: Blackpool (Rating: 9.25/10)
This was as good as expected. Moustache Mountain as the resilient babyfaces stayed in this throughout and refused to let up. However, they were repeatedly outmatched in terms of pure strategy. Both heels showed their intelligence and wherewithal and did not need to cheat to emerge victorious.
It was a great way to established the Grizzly Young Veterans as legitimate champions. They defeated the duo most expected to hold the NXT UK Tag Team Championships first, and they put on a show along the way.
