WWE NXT Takeover UK Blackpool Match Ratings (Patreon)
Content
UK Championship: Dunne Defeated Coffey: 4.75/10- Anyone who watched Coffey knew this was coming. Pete Dunne is one of the greats today, but Coffey's style does not match up well with NXT main events, especially a first showing for NXT UK. There were several botches in this match that went well over 30 minutes. It was long, not great and really sloppy at times. Walter's debut at the conclusion of this match was the best thing that could have happened. It helped erase the memory of what just happened.
Toni Storm defeated Rhea Ripley: 5.75/1`0- Not a great match either, but both of these women are so young, their best days are ahead of them. Given all that Toni Storm has been through of late, it was good to see her pick up a win. Both of these women are going to be SPECIAL.
Finn Balor defeated Jordan Devlin 5.25/10- This was a pallet swap if I've ever seen one. TWINZ. Devlin attacked Travis Banks before their match and Balor replaced him to one of the most insane pops I've ever heard. Balor was the right guy to put in here. Devlin probably should have been in there with Dunne. Balor getting the win isn't ideal, but he's a big star and Devlin isn't exactly hurt by it.
No DQ: Dave Mastiff defeated Eddie Dennis 6/10: This was quick, didn't trudge on forever and used the stipulations really well. Dave Mastiff is unlike anyone else on the roster. He stands out, and him winning was a good call.
NXT UK Tag Team Title: Zack Gibson and James Drake defeated Moustache Mountain 5.75/10- This one didn't quite click for me. I know you can't have Bate in the main event picture because it was just him and Dunne forever, but he's a special in ring talent. For now, him in the tag team scene works just fine. This is another match that I thought took a little too long. Fortunately the crowd was behind it.
There was nothing I consider must watch on this show. It couldn't be much more different than an NXT Takeover show. Nigel McGuinness on commentary was great, and the crowd was incredible, which is a major positive.
Rating guide
10- Perfect, 9- MOTY Territory, 8- Excellent, 7- Great, 6- Good, 5- Average to above average, 4- Slightly below average, 3 or below: Poor
Each match starts at a 5 and slides up and down based on entertainment, execution, time, environment, reaction and stakes. The ratings are in no way an indication of a "star rating," which is a completely different system. A standard, non-offensive "TV match" lands at a 5.The gap between 5.75-6 is generally the largest, with anything reaching 6 being recommended viewing.