WWE NXT UK Review - May 13, 2021

By Graham "GSM" Matthews

Noam Dar def. Nathan Frazer in a Heritage Cup Rules Match

Most of these Heritage Cup Rules matches tend to blend together, but Dar and Frazer found a way to make this fun and keep it interesting. They have quality chemistry together, and although it was slightly hindered by Sha Samuels interfering from ringside, it made sense to protect Frazer in defeat and give Dar a much-needed win. Frazer has been having standout performance after standout performance since coming to NXT UK and I'm glad he seems to have found his first feud.

Mark Andrews def. Levi Muir

Vignettes have been airing for weeks promoting Andrews, Flash Morgan Webster and Dani Luna as a new group, which is now called Subculture. Andrews had a new entrance theme and attire here as well. Andrews and Webster were already an established team, but adding Luna into their ranks at least gives her something to do. This was a fairly basic yet fun showcase for Andrews, who is always a treat to watch.

Meiko Satomura def. Jinny, Isla Dawn, Dani Luna and Emilia McKenzie in an NXT UK Women's Championship No. 1 Contender's Gauntlet Match

I honestly would have dedicated a majority of the show to this match instead of saving it for the second half. It went a while, but some of those eliminations were way too quick. For example, McKenzie getting bumped as quickly and as decisively as she did was surprising and disappointing. She just (re-)debuted on the brand and she already feels no more special than anyone else. I realize they're trying to rebuild Dawn with this new character change of hers, but I can't say I care. She eliminated Luna as well before getting beaten by Satomura. I wish Satomura vs. Jinny got more time, but it was solid while it lasted. Satomura winning sets her up to face Kay Lee Ray in a rematch for the NXT UK Women's Championship soon. I figured Satomura winning the first time was almost a guarantee, so I'm positive we're getting a title change in this rematch. Would it be possible to save it for some sort of a TakeOver special or is that still a ways off?

Overall Show

The focus on the women's division was refreshing and I was glad they got the main event spot (even though I had my issues with the layout of the match). Andrews got back on track with a win while Dar and Frazer had an entertaining opener. The build to A-Kid vs. Tyler Bate for the NXT UK Heritage Cup Championship next week has been excellent and the final hype for it on this show was well done. It was a solid show on the whole that set the stage for a few different things in the weeks ahead.