As announced on Monday, the first 8 UK Title tournament participants were revealed today. If two names are already well-known of the WWE Universe, the 6 others are true Superstars on the British wrestling scene. We can also notice WWE is “stealing” to World of Sports Wrestling 5 of the talents that were involved in the 2016 reboot show.
They will take part in the first round matches of the WWE United Kingdom Championship Tournament that will take place at Download Festival, during NXT live events from June 8 to 10. The following rounds will continue on June 18, at Royal Albert Hall in London. The winner of the tournament will receive a title match against current WWE UK Champion Pete Dunne the following night in the same Royal Albert Hall.
Here are the first 8 participants:
“Gentleman” Jake Gallagher
After a successful career in UK, Jack Gallagher Gallagher earned a place in the WWE Cruiserweight Classic by defeating Pete Dunne in a qualifier match at Progress Wrestling’s Chapter 29 in April 2016. Even if he lost in the second round, WWE signed him to become a member of 205 Live roster a few months later. Ever since “Jacky Boy” has become a fan favourite and been able to show his great in-ring talent. Even if he has never won the Cruiserweight title, winning the UK Championship would be a nice acknowledgement for Gallagher.
Joseph Conners
Joseph Conners already took part of the inaugural UK tournament. He came up short the first time but WWE is giving him a second chance. The former WCPW Champion has been in the wrestling business for more than 10 years and worked for many British promotions. He appeared on 205 Live last November whan the show was programmed from Manchester.
Zack Gibson
Rumours have been running rampant over the last few weeks about Zack Gibson potentially signing with WWE. We can at least say he signed to be a part of the UK tournament. The “Diamond” has shined in almost every promotion in UK and Ireland and is the current PROGRESS Tag Team Champion. He appeared at 2018 WrestleMania Axxess, participating in the first round of the WWE United Kingdom Championship Invitational where he was eliminated by fellow UK wrestler Mark Andrews.
Joe Coffey
The “Iron King” has been one of the pillars of ICW since 2011. The current Scottish Heavyweight Championship has also worked for DEFIANT, WCPW, and Pro Wrestling Zero1 in Japan. With his brother Mark, they’ve been one of the most striking tag team of the British wrestling scene.
Dave Mastiff
Since 2002, Dave Mastiff has made his brutal and hard presence felt in the UK scene and in Europe. In 2014, he took part of Impact Wrestling British Boot Camp. His wrestling persona and style, like his 300-pound stature, could be a devastating experience for all the other participants of the tournament.
Kenny Williams
Those who watched 205 Live yesterday night had the chance to see Kenny Williams make his WWE debut in a Fatal 4-Way match against TJP, Tyler Bate and Kalisto. In just 5 years, the Scottish high-flyer has worked for ICW, BCW and so many other promotions. He is a former 3-time ICW Zero-G Championship, BCW Openweight Championship and the 2014 and 2015 PBW King of Cruisers.
El Ligero
Since 2001, El Ligero, with his Mexican Luchador in-ring persona, has wrestled for 100 companies in UK, Europe, but also in the USA and in Japan. His resumé is impressive, like the number of titles he has won in his career. El Ligero has also worked as a referee for Revolution British Wrestling, a ring announcer for Real Deal Wrestling, as well as a commentator for several other promotions in 2008 when he was out of action for nine months due to a serious shoulder injury. This man can do everything, even becoming the next WWE UK Champion.
Amir Jordan
The Bhangra Bad Boy was trained by Lance Storm in Canada and PROGRESS Wrestling school in UK. The British wrestler, with Pakistani roots, made his debut in late 2015 at first in Canada, then in UK working for IPW:UK, DEFIANT, PROGRESS. He’s the current 3CW North East Champion.
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