WWE United Kingdom Championship Tournament Review: Part One

Show Opener

Triple H kicked off the show on the microphone and got a massive ovation from the crowd in Blackpool.  He got the fans charged up with the “Are you ready?” routine.  Michael Cole started off the broadcast by introducing Nigel McGuinness and the two broke down the bracket before previewing the first match.

Trent Seven vs HC Dyer

Result: Trent Seven wins

Rating: 3.0 out of 5 stars

After video packages and entrances, the tournament officially kicked off.  Seven, a massive favorite, got a huge pop from the fans.  Much like the CWC the combatants started off with a handshake.  Seven was vicious in his employment of chops to Dyer’s chest but the latter showcased crazy athleticism before getting a very close two count after a stiff right hand.  Another close two from Dyer after a modified Blue Thunder Bomb.

After a missed frog splash from his opponent, Seven landed his patented Seven Stars clothesline for the 3 count.

Sure it was quick.  Sure it was academic as Seven is one of the clear favorites.  But it was effective and indicative of what the first round of a tournament is all about.  Seven looked good and Dyer looked like a legit young prospect.  Plus the crowd electric.  Great way to start things off.

Jordan Devlin vs Danny Burch

Result: Jordan Devlin wins

Rating: 3.0 out of 5 stars

The second match was between Irishman and Finn Balor protege Devlin and former NXT star Burch.  Early on it was all Burch, the tactician, but Devlin was very game with his athleticism.  Devlin then slowed things down engineering a chin lock.

Devlin, clearly the heel taunted the crowd as he dominated the mat.  Burch fought back with a chin breaker and missile dropkick.  After delivering some strikes, Burch landed a clothesline that turned Devlin inside out.  Burch came very close to getting a tap with a cross face but Devlin got the ropes before mounting his own comeback.  During the comeback, Devlin landed a kick to the back of Burch’s head that busted him open.  Devlin then got a controversial 3 count.

Post match Burch offered Devlin a handshake only for Devlin to cheap shot him and then cut a seething promo.

Well that was different.  Clearly, an accidental blood pouring caused the ref to count to 3.  Whether it was legit or not everyone involved did a nice job selling the incident.  The match itself was ok but what stood out was Devlin’s performance.  Clearly an underdog, he took out a seasoned vet with some WWE experience and then worked a nicely cut heel promo.  Keep an eye on him.