NXT UK are currently taking an off-season during the global pandemic, airing best-of episodes and highlight reels on the Network each week to maintain a presence in the wrestling world. We recently delved into how exactly the budding promotion can bounce back after these trying times, but one of the best ways to keep things fresh is to introduce some fresh blood into the mix.
The British independent scene has already been cherry-picked for the best talent during NXT UK’s initial run, forcing the promotions into building up new stars to use as their latest draws. Some have excelled, whereas others have floundered without the likes of Pete Dunne, WALTER and Moustache Mountain to help with bringing in the crowds with dream matches.
What this has done however is build a newer crop of wrestlers for NXT UK to start signing. Ultimately, the majority of wrestlers dream of appearing in a mainstream company like WWE at least once in their career. Even though the independent scene hasn’t ever been as lucrative as it is today, there’s no doubt that signing with NXT UK would benefit both sides after the worldwide situation passes.
With all this being said, lets take a look at 5 British indie stars that should be at least considered for the NXT UK roster in the near future.
1. Rampage Brown
There’s no debate that Rampage Brown is an institution of the British independent scene. A champion in pretty much every promotion he’s stepped into since BritWres was revived in the 2010s, Rampage has dominated over his opponents for years and ensures that wherever he ends up, he will be heard. Having battled with the likes of Samoa Joe, Dave Mastiff and Jimmy Havoc, there’s no doubt he’s still considered the cream of the crop across the UK.
Having had short stints in Impact Wrestling and World of Sport Wrestling, Rampage has yet to truly break out on a televised promotion. NXT UK could be a huge chance for him to finally live up to his star in the big time, reminding his former colleagues of his undeniable power and strength as he poses a threat to whoever might be holding onto the United Kingdom Championship when he debuts.
Rampage is currently one half of the RPW Tag Team champions but he can more than handle himself as a singles competitor. If he were to be confirmed to be trying out for the NXT UK roster anytime soon, I’m sure nobody would bat an eye.
2. Grado
Perhaps the greatest comedy-wrestler in BritWres history, Grado was a highlight on any show he competed on throughout the renaissance of wrestling in the UK. Grado was mostly kept to holiday camps during his rise to prominence but did manage to get himself noticed and featured on Impact Wrestling. Grado had a pretty good run, showing off his loveable character and undeniable Scottish charm.
Grado unfortunately found himself released from the company but he continued his rise to the top as part of WOS. Grado managed to walk away as their inaugural champion during their premiere show but the gap in production meant that Grado couldn’t live up to that status when it eventually hit TV for its first season.
Grado has since returned to his home-turf of ICW but has enough credibility to his name to finally break into the mainstream of NXT UK. Grado would be a welcome sight and a huge babyface attraction for the brand that’s looking for a star to build a brand around. You wouldn’t think it, but Grado could definitely be that guy.
3. The Anti-Fun Police
One of the hottest acts in BritWres history, The Anti-Fun Police have truly taken over the wrestling scene up and down the UK with their blend of comedy wrestling and genuine talent in between the ropes. Even though there’s been a little tension between Chief Deputy Dunne and Super Santos Jr on social media as of late, both performers could easily find themselves featured in the NXT UK Tag division sometime in the near future.
Damien Dunne has already been involved in NXT UK shows during their first few tapings, being used as enhancement talent in a match with Dave Mastiff, meaning there’s certainly a relationship growing between the AFP brand and NXT UK. Hopefully this will stem to Santos Jr. as well, who, like Grado, most definitely falls into the category of being one of the most beloved wrestlers on the scene.
The Anti-Fun Police would be on the prowl for any sports-entertainment happening in NXT UK, making sure that things are conducted in a serious and strictly professional manner in and around the Tag Title picture.
4. Dan Moloney
One performer that has made the most of the new era of British Wrestling is ‘Drilla’ Dan Moloney. Moloney has become a rising star across the nation, appearing for prominent promotions like PROGRESS and Revolution Pro, carving out a name for himself since failing to impress in the inaugural UK Title Tournament in 2017. ‘Drilla’ was obviously on the radar of NXT UK when they first sought to branch out into the BritWres scene, meaning there’s certainly a chance for him to make a comeback somewhere down the line.
Moloney has a perfect combination of wrestling talent, stiff-strikes and power behind his performances. ‘Drilla’ has been able to mix it up with some of the best, including the aforementioned Rampage Brown, former ECW headliner Rhino and NXT UK’s Moustache Mountain, he’s developed a pretty big resume since returning to the BritWres scene.
Moloney is ready to take over!
5. Schadenfreude
There’s nothing better than a band of renegades that genuinely don’t give a toss about whether they make it to WWE or not. The tandem known as Schadenfreude has grown to be one of the most unique acts across BritWres, bringing together the talents of CCK and Aussie Open in the core-group. Schadenfreude have even managed to break into booking their own promotion as of late, putting together shows that break the typical conventions of a pro-wrestling night-out, bringing their own flavour to the scene.
With Chris Brookes competing overseas for a year, Mark Davis out with injury and Kid Lykos passing the moniker over to budding star Joe Nelson, there’s a lot of change happening amongst Schadenfreude, but there’s definitely enough marquee attraction there to make them a big deal in NXT UK.
Perhaps they could even run with an invasion angle, making Schadenfreude the cool rebels for NXT UK fans to get behind in a similar way to nWo or D-Generation X back in the 90s. This is definitely the injection of life that NXT UK needs to help them re-emerge as a big deal after the pandemic.
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