Since the WWE United Kingdom Championship was introduced, it’s served as a sort of secondary championship on WWE NXT. The NXT North American Championship may change that, and be an indication of movement behind the scenes.
A little while back, I penned a piece about the WWE United Kingdom Championship. It seemed that the title was basically the Intercontinental Championship of WWE NXT. Though not quite as “important” (man, I hate using that word) as the NXT Championship, it was regularly on the line in terrific matches. Much like the Intercontinental Title was the “workhorse” title in the late 80s and early 90s, so too was the UK Title the main goal for the most exceptional workers.
But this week on NXT, a major announcement for TakeOver: New Orleans put the UK Title on notice. William Regal announced the creation of a brand new championship – the NXT North American Championship – that would be decided in a six-man ladder match during WrestleMania weekend.
Normally, a new title wouldn’t be enough to get me to think the UK Title was being “replaced.” But looking at the six superstars vying for that title, it’s clear that they are the “workhorses” of this current incarnation of NXT. Studs like Adam Cole and Killian Dane, future megastars like Velveteen Dream and Lars Sullivan, and the debuting EC3 and Ricochet are going to kill it at TakeOver.
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With this new championship about to officially be implemented, where does that leave the UK Title? Obviously, Pete Dunne, Tyler Bate, Mark Andrews, Trent Seven, Wolfgang, and the rest are here to stay. Per Wrestling Inc, sources have also said plans are – once again – kicking into high gear for the often-delayed UK WWE show.
If the UK show is once again a go, there’s no reason for the United Kingdom Championship to be on NXT with any regularity. An occasional feature match here or there would be great, but – as much as it may disappoint – the title should head across the pond. You just don’t want to see the title disappear off the face of the earth.
No, I think WWE is finally making some real headway on the UK show, and come WrestleMania time next year, it’ll be a full go. So the company is being prudent – creating a new championship to fill the void that will be left when the UK Title goes home. While guys like EC3 and Ricochet go to battle over the North American Championship, Dunne and Andrews can continue to go all out for the UK Title – in jolly ol’ England and elsewhere.
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Do you think the UK Show is getting closer to a reality? And is the North American Championship a good idea?
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