So now we have all that mainstream wedding nonsense out of the way, it’s time to shift focus onto the UK Championship Tournament taking place in just over a month’s time. As of yesterday, eight names have been confirmed to appear accompanying Pete Dunne, Moustache Mountain and The Undisputed Era over the two nights, however there’s still plenty of room for speculation as to who could make it to the finals against the UK Champion.
Here lies a shortlist of five potential BritWres superstars who could be key players at The Royal Albert Hall, throwing in a few names that could still be announced for the next batch of UK strong style bois.
1. Travis Banks
“The Kiwi Buzzsaw” has become one of the hottest products on the independent scene. Banks has won countless championships across continents and seems to be catching the attention of the WWE.
I can confirm that Banks was at The 02 Arena for the Raw and SmackDown tapings, alongside other rising stars and current headliners of the WWE UK division. Although he wasn’t competing as part of the night’s action, one can only assume that his presence means that he could be on his way to capturing the WWE UK Title.
Pete Dunne has been an incredible champion, garnering ridiculous momentum in the space of a year. It will take someone as big as Travis Banks to dethrone him.
2. Flash Morgan Webster
“The Modfather of Professional Wrestling” made his WWE debut as part of the 205 Live taping at the 02 arena. It was a huge shock and made for a great moment for the fans in attendance. Morgan definitely made the most of his time in a WWE ring, getting the less clued-in fans to care about him and appreciate his style in a hurry.
Flash is certainly a prominent name in the British indies, a real catch if he were to be confirmed to be a part of the upcoming tournament. Webster has been a former champion in several promotions, and has the credibility to be a contender for “The Bruiserweight’s” title.
Keeps your eyes peeled for his name to be popping up more often, especially if he becomes a regular addition to the 205 Live roster.
3. Jack Gallagher
Gallagher has been one of the breakout stars of the Cruiserweight division, putting on some excellent performances within the CWC and coming close on several occasions to capturing the Cruiserweight Championship. Since turning heel and forming an alliance with The Brian Kendrick, Gallagher seems to have faded into the background, with very little momentum to his name. However, it seems that WWE see potential in him as part of the UK division as well as the 205 Live roster, as he has been included as part of the first eight names in the tournament.
“The Extraordinary Gentlemen” is a well-respected name amongst the UK independents, in fact, he was originally scheduled to appear on a Progress Show last Summer for a UK Title match with Dunne, until Pete suffered an unfortunate injury which has since put that match on the back burner. Should Gallagher finally be given the opportunity to challenge Dunne for the title, it would make for an interesting opportunity for WWE to feature the championship on more than just the occasional NXT show. Having it, and the rest of the division as part of the Cruiserweight roster could elevate the show even more, bringing more attention to the product and giving the UK performers a platform to truly shine on.
Gallagher does need somewhat of a reboot, this could be a huge moment for him in his career and also provide that long-awaited clash between “The Gentleman” and “The Bruiserweight.”
4. Zack Gibson
Starting to make waves as a singles competitor, one half of the Progress Tag Team Champions is soon to be breaking into the UK division. The Scouser has already made his debut as part of the WrestleMania UK Title tournament, being eliminated by Mark Andrews in the second round, but I’d be putting him down as one of the favourites for his second attempt.
Gibson has a ridiculous amount of charisma and chemistry with pretty much everyone. Even if they utilise him as a member of the Grizzled Young Veterans with his partner Sam Drake, then they have a diamond in the rough on their hands.
Can also confirm his presence at the recent tapings.
5. Jordan Devlin
Bit of a cheat considering Devlin was part of the inaugural UK Championship Tournament, but I personally see so much potential in the budget Bálor.
Devlin proved himself to be a standout amongst the cohort, putting on stellar matches with Danny Burch and the eventual champion, Tyler Bate. His style and charisma lent itself well to the WWE style and at such an early stage in his career, he can only improve in this coming tournament.
The winner doesn’t necessarily have to defeat the champion. If this is to become an annual event, then being the bracket breaker could be a big enough achievement of its own. It could solidify Devlin as a big name.
Who do you think could steal the show in the second UK Championship Tournament? Drop some names in the comments below.
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