WWE United Kingdom Championship Tournament Review: Part One

Mark Andrews vs Dan Moloney

Result: Mark Andrews wins

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

The 159 pound Andrews, TNA product and only Welshman in the tourney took on the ultra-tough Moloney in the second to last match of the night.  Andrews was frustrated his opponent early with his diverse aerial arsenal.  He’s really one of the best high-flyers in Europe.  But Moloney didn’t go easy as he used his power to match Mark.  He even landed his running knee finisher only to get a close 2 count.  And in the best finish of the night, Andrews countered a duplex into a stunner and then landed a vintage Shooting Star Press.

It’s hard to get more than 3 stars when the matches are so short but there is something so fun and infectious about Andrews.  He’s a 160 pounds soaking wet and brings a style to the ring that engages fans.  The crowd was molten hot for him.  Moloney played his part well but Andrews is a star in the making.  His match next round against Joseph Conners should be outstanding.

Tucker vs Tyler Bate

Result: Tyler Bate

Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars

In the night’s final contest, it was Finn Balor trained Tucker versus the 19-year-old Bate.  Bate grounded the bout early, applying various techniques to the neck of his opponent.  Tucker revved up the pace to get Bate out of his game and almost ended things with a slingshot downward spiral for 2.  The match almost ended in a double count-out as the fight spilled outside and both men were winded after a beautiful running hurricanrana.

Tucker landed one of the most devastating super kicks I’ve ever seen for another 2 count.  The two brawls in the center of the ring before Bate nailed a wheel kick and then the Tyler Driver 1997 for a  3 count.  Great match.

Well, they certainly saved the best for last.  It’s stunning that Bate is only 19.  He’s years ahead of himself and he may be the future of British Pro Wrestling.  What a war he put on in short time with Tucker, who should be commended also.  He was up to the task of hanging with such a young, powerhouse and he won’t soon be forgotten.  It was a perfectly balane=ced match as the two slowly built up the pressure until the final explosive ending.  Great stuff.