WWE United Kingdom Championship Tournament Review: Part One
By Tim Sherry
Saxon Huxley vs Sam Gradwell
Result: Sam Gradwell wins
Rating: 1.0 out of 5 stars
The two big men started off with a slow grappling transition game before trading heavy strikes. Huxley landed a beautiful butterfly backbreaker before grounding Gradwell again. It was a slow match with the crowd basically bringing the entertainment with their chants. Something finally happened when Gradwell landed a flying headbutt for the 3 count.
ONE-TWO-THREEEEEEE! @sam_gradwell hits the #DivingHeadbutt to seal the deal as he defeats #SaxonHuxley (@MuscleCatJesus)! #WWEUKCT pic.twitter.com/q3gRA0nGzy
— WWE UK Championship (@WWEUKCT) January 14, 2017
Not much to say here. The two basically slow-danced for a few minutes before the finish. Don’t expect Gradwell to get out of the quarters.
Pete Dunne vs Roy Johnson
Result: Pete Dunne
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Another favorite, Dunne went to work next. He immediately smothered Johnson on the mat but Roy had the size and speed to counter. Dunne dug into his dirty tactics, stomping his foe’s fingers on the steps and then neutralized that same arm with a nasty looking hammerlock. Dunne took the next few minutes twisting Johnson in knots.
Doing whatever he has to do to HURT @RoyJohnsonYeah is the #Bruiserweight @PeteDunneYxB! #WWEUKCT pic.twitter.com/EdQroltGZy
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) January 14, 2017
Johnson had some hope with a diving tackle and Samoan drop but was short lived. The Bruiserweight took control back over and landed his Bitter End finisher for the win.
It’s an absolute pleasure watching Dunne work. Cole and McGuinness compared him to Dave Taylor, Fit Finlay, and William Regal. He’s all of those guys in one. Look for a long run by the Bruiserweight.