WWE NXT UK Review - May 1, 2019

By Graham "GSM" Matthews

Travis Banks def. Mansoor

WWE signed Mansoor a developmental deal last year and I believe I've seen him make only one appearance on NXT TV since then. He actually held his own very well here and had a nice little match with Banks. The crowd being into the action definitely helped as well. More importantly, Banks maintains momentum with another victory. This was a good choice to kick off the show.

Piper Niven def. Reina Gonzalez

Gonzalez competed in the Mae Young Classic both in 2017 and 2018, so if she looks familiar, that's why. She has definitely improved since the last time we saw her and I'm digging this badass cowgirl gimmick she seems to be doing. She had a solid showing here, but this really should have been all about Niven, considering how new she still is to NXT UK. It was a decent match, but it should have been more one-sided in Niven's favor.

WWE United Kingdom Champion WALTER def. Jordan Devlin (Non-title)

WALTER and Devlin have a ton of history from outside of WWE. In fact, I remember reading rave reviews about their latest one-on-one meeting, which was won by Devlin. It's a shame they couldn't show footage of those matches here, though. I wish they would have held off on having these two clash, and it certainly was not as exceptional as their other encounters, but it was a hell of a main event, nonetheless. I was especially happy that Devlin looked as credible as he did in defeat. Afterward, Pete Dunne emerged to demand WALTER for a U.K. title rematch, and WALTER accepted. I'm not sure if that'll be taking place next week or some other time, but I'm very much looking forward to it.

Overall Show

Here's hoping this was the last show taped from WrestleMania Axxess, because although the crowds have been energetic, I'm ready for the fresh batch of tapings to begin. That said, this was an enjoyable edition of NXT UK. It was a bit shoter than usual, but the first two matches served as effective showcases and the main event was an absolute blast. Whether WALTER vs. Dunne for the WWE United Kingdom Championship will be happening next week is unknown, but I do know that The Grizzled Young Veterans vs. Kenny Williams and Amir Jordan has been officially announced for the episode.