5 NXT UK Superstars That Should Challenge For The UK Championship

It’s safe to say that ‘The Bruiserweight’ is moving on from NXT UK after making a splash on US NXT in time for their transition onto USA Network. Pete Dunne will be leaving behind some pretty big shoes for someone to fill, but with such a depth to the NXT UK roster, it’s easy to pick out a few names that are ready to step up into the WWE UK title scene.

With Tyler Bate already smashing expectations in his recent main event title match with WALTER, it’s the perfect opportunity for a re-shuffle on the card, bringing new names up onto the top so they can showcase their extraordinary abilities on the big stage. NXT UK is even starting to draw names from the main roster, those that have had experience wrestling on the UK indies from even before the renaissance of BritWres.

We’ve lined up 5 NXT UK superstars that should step up to the insurmountable challenge of WALTER.

 

1. Trent Seven

‘The Don’ of Moustache Mountain and a long-standing member of the British wrestling scene, Trent Seven has been one of the foundations of NXT UK. Appearing in the very first broadcasted UK tournament match and securing the first victory, Seven has been a go-to guy when it comes to establishing new faces and new ideas on the budding brand. Having captured the NXT Tag Team Championships and competing to become one half of the inaugural NXT UK Tag Champions, it’s hard not to justify Seven’s place in the upper echelon of the card.

Despite all of this, he has yet to have an opportunity at the prestigious WWE UK Title. Considering that both of his British Strong Style compatriots have had lengthy championship reigns, it’s a shame to see Trent being left out of the picture. A lot of arguments point towards Seven being used primarily to put younger talent over, which is crazy when you think of just how amazing he can be in the ring.

Trent is nowhere near his career twilight, so should definitely find himself near the front of the line when it comes to UK title challengers. Plus I’d love to see him and WALTER go the distance in a ‘who can make the loudest knife-edge’ contest.

 

2. Kassius Ohno

Kassius Ohno has landed himself in the veterans spot once again, but this time on the UK branch of NXT. Ohno’s re-debut in US NXT was met with mostly disappointments, having fallen so far from the NXT title scene in such a short time. But now that he’s re-established as one of the baddest hard-hitters in NXT UK, it’s definitely time for him to start pulling in some big wins and a championship opportunity to boot.

Ohno has already stepped in the ring with WALTER on NXT UK programming and it was a great match. I’d love to see these two hosses meet once again with the title on the line. Ohno has been a key figure in creating the British independent scene during his time as Chris Hero, he’s fought with some of the best and should feel right at home when wrestling under the British/European style. There’s nothing stopping him from becoming a figurehead of NXT UK.

 

3. Jack Gallagher

‘The Extraordinary Gentlemen’ Jack Gallagher has recently been transferred over from 205 Live alongside Noam Dar. Both former Cruiseweights have been cornerstones of the BritWres scene prior to their WWE careers. Gallagher has been finding his feet on the NXT UK roster and has had a few matches here and there, but none have really established him as someone who’s going to find themselves at the top of the card anytime soon.

Hopefully things will start to turn around for Jack as he progresses in NXT UK. A big win over someone like a Tyler Bate or a Travis Banks could elevate him onto the pedestal he should be on. He’s without a doubt one of the most talented mat/submission wrestlers of this generation, but hasn’t really had much of a chance to showcase that outside of his work in the CWC.

It wouldn’t take much for Gallagher to get over with the crowd again, he’s already won over the majority with his eccentric characteristics and his underdog nature. Who knows who we might see step up to the plate in the next year?

 

4. Ilja Dragunov

Dragunov has been a breakout star on the British and European scenes. Prior to signing to NXT UK, he headlined Wembley Arena against Pete Dunne and against WALTER during his run in WXW. Dragunov is a self-made superstar and would be a natural fit in the WWE UK title scene. Seeing Ilja and WALTER match up once more in a WWE ring could lead to a golden main event title fight.

Ilja made his Takeover debut against Cesaro in Wales, putting together one of the most exciting matches on the card outside of the main event. If anything, this has proven to the booking team that Dragunov is an incredible talent and should be taken seriously going forward.

Ilja is still polishing himself under the WWE umbrella, so perhaps once a few more stars have lived out their time in NXT UK, then it could be his time.

 

5. Dave Mastiff

‘Bomber’ Dave Mastiff has found himself regularly featured on NXT UK’s biggest shows, recently in a barn-burner of a Last Man Standing match against fellow powerhouse Joe Coffey in Cardiff. Mastiff has been another one of those guys that has fought for the rebirth of the British wrestling scene for years now and it’s about time that it pays off for him on the big stage.

Mastiff has the look and the ability to be taken seriously as a potential WWE UK Champion. Even if he isn’t the guy to dethrone WALTER, then just the sight of these two giants standing toe-to-toe would be a sight to behold. Mastiff is a really likable wrestler, he brings a presence with him to the ring that shouldn’t be left to fester in the mid-card scene.

Here’s hoping that ‘Big Dave’ gets his win back over Coffey, then goes on to bigger things against the UK champ sometime soon.