While the WWE roster is galavanting around Europe, they are also taping matches for their new program based around British wrestlers and the United Kingdom Championship.
The full results of the first day of tapings can be found here. At the end of the show a big match was announced for the upcoming NXT Takeover in Chicago the weekend of the Backlash PPV:
After the match, the ring announcer revealed that Pete Dunne will face Trent Seven at tomorrow’s tapings, with the winner challenging either Tyler Bate or Mark Andrews for the WWE United Kingdom Championship at NXT Takeover: Chicago on May 20th.
Marks Andrews is squaring off against Tyler Bate today for the UK Championship. Pete Dunne and Trent Seven will be competing to become the number 1 contender.
Who is getting the shot?
***UPDATE***
It is OFFICIAL! @PeteDunneYxB will take on @WWEUK Champion @Tyler_Bate for the @WWE #UKChampionship at #NXTTakeOver: Chicago! pic.twitter.com/RdLUQGhLJ3
— WWE (@WWE) May 7, 2017
My money is on Dunne getting the spot. Bate and Seven have already wrestled each other for the belt on NXT and are long-time friends and tag partners.
Dunne has been made to be the villain of the UK branch ever since he started a brawl during the UK Championship tournament.
After the match, Dunne stood toe-to-toe with both Triple H and William Regal.
In my mind, Dunne’s been given a bigger “push” by WWE management than the champion.
It is a huge sign of what the WWE intends to do with the UK brand that they’re putting a championship match on a major show. With competition in the UK and around the world heating up, WWE is stepping up and proving that they can produce some great wrestling that appeals to a more “independent crowd.”
As I’ve said here numerous times, competition in wrestling is always a good thing. Trying to win over wrestling fans and viewers makes everyone step their game up and produce a better product.
Next Steps
It would be great if the UK Championship and the success of its TV show would push WWE into other regional competitions. With WWE trying to gain a foothold in India and China, regional championship belts could be the way to grow local talent and fanbases. WWE has recently announced an Arab-language television show targeting the Middle East. Other markets such as Japan, Mexico, and continental Europe could also benefit from a WWE-branded regional title and television show.
Share your thoughts on the UK championship in the comments below.