It’s a big day for British Wrestling, with WWE’s newest project NXT UK officially kicking off with their first tapings in Cambridge. For those staying indoors from the abysmal weather, we were treated to the first episode of the new series of World of Sport. Without further ado, let’s have a look at what the Scottish names got up to on ITV!
Grado
Current WOS Champion Grado was involved in the opening segment with executive Stu Bennett, where he found out he would be defending the championship in the evening’s main event against the winner of a #1 contenders elimination match. His opponents ended up being the winner Justin Sysum and Rampage, who Stu entered in to the match after referee Steve Lynskey messed up according to him. Following some interference from Rampage’s new allies Sha Samuels and CJ Banks, a new champion was crowned as Grado was pinned following an Impaler DDT.
The opening segment wasn’t all the best in my opinion but it was mostly used to introduce some new characters, which is something you need to do when starting a new series. The main event was really good. Sha and CJ did extremely well in their ringside roles, with Grado and Sysum teaming up on Rampage for the majority of time. Classic underdog story with Grado trying to overcome Rampage and his new alliance, as well as Stu Bennett who was sat at commentary. Will be interesting to see if Grado remains in the championship picture or if they build up some new names.
Joe Hendry
So this was a surprise. Joe Hendry was entered in to the Tag Team Championships Tournament alongside current Defiant Wrestling adversary Martin Kirby, a rather prestigious team if you will. They faced Kip Sabian and Iestyn Rees in the opening round, another team that I didn’t know I needed until seeing them. Joe accidentally knocked Kirby off the apron midway through the match, leading to Kirby eventually walking out on The Prestigious One. This caused Hendry to be out of a chance at winning the Tag Team Championships, succumbing to a unique powerbomb/top rope neckbreaker combination.
There was never going to be much for me to hate about this match, considering I’m a huge fan of all four competitors involved. Everyone showcased what they can do to perfection. Despite this being the first time they had teamed, Kip and Iestyn had tremendous chemistry together, while Hendry and Kirby were a bit iffy at times but managed to work as a cohesive unit. I assume this will lead to some sort of program with Joe and Martin, which should be excellent if you’ve seen their stuff from last year in Defiant.
Overall, this was a really enjoyable debut episode, much better than the New Year’s Eve special a while back. I had my doubts going in to it, but they’re completely gone now that I’ve seen what the show has to offer. A tremendous roster of established and lesser known talents, can’t wait to see what the next few episodes have to offer!
Next week will see a Ladder Match, the continuation of the Tag Team Championships Tournament, and a Triple Threat Match between Viper, Kay Lee Ray, and Bea Priestley to crown the inaugural WOS Women’s Champion. Tune in at 5pm next week as the new era of British wrestling continues!
Full Results
#1 Contenders Fatal Five Way Elimination Match – Justin Sysum def. Rampage, Sha Samuels, Adam Maxted and Crater
British Bulldog Jr. def. Will Ospreay by Pinfall
WOS Tag Team Championships Tournament Quarterfinals – AlphaBad (Kip Sabian & Iestyn Rees) def. Joe Hendry & Martin Kirby by Pinfall
Triple Threat Match for the WOS Championship – Rampage w/Sha Samuels & CJ Banks def. Grado (c) and Justin Sysum by Pinfall
SCOTTISH WRESTLING NETWORK | SWN 