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This week's NXT UK showcased a memorable tag team main event. We saw a cracker of a match as Kenny Williams and Amir Jordan faced off against the tag champs, Pretty Deadly. The two teams truly put on a show in a fight for the titles.
Fans were also treated to an appearance from the NXT UK Women's Champion Kay Lee Ray. While Ray cut a promo in the ring, we were given a glimpse of what the future holds with a surprise return to boot.
We also saw newer faces being strengthened with appearances by Teoman and Aoife Valkyrie. Various video packages furthered the feuds between Tyler Bate and Noam Dar, as well as Rampage Brown and WALTER. Both these matches will take place next week, but let's look at some of the highlights from this week's NXT UK.
NXT UK match: Aoife Valkyrie vs. Stevie Turner
The match was a competitive back and forth, which was quite surprising given the participants. Both Valkyrie and Turner put on a great television-worthy match.
Turner showcased her abilities early in the match with some interesting chains and vicious strikes. Turner spent the bulk of the match targeting Valkyrie's leg.
As impressive of a debut as this was for the Stevie Turner, it was all about Valkyrie. Aoife has been on a tear in recent weeks, and it didn't stop here.
After taking the brunt of Turner's offense, Valkyrie turned the tide in her favor. The dominant competitor used her brute force to overpower her opponent.
Valkyrie hulked up after taking a stiff kick from Turner during her comeback. She then turned the strikes around, landing some brutal head and body kicks. Aoife then climbed to the top rope to seal the deal with a leg-drop.
The match was more entertaining than expected. Some may have figured that Valkyrie would make quick work of Turner, but they allowed Stevie to shine in her own special way. If played right, both of these women can play key roles in the division. NXT UK clearly has big plans for both of them.
Winner: Aofie Valkyrie
Grade: B
NXT UK: Josh Morrell vs. Teoman
NXT UK continued to build up Teoman in one of the most vicious ways possible. This bout showed the man with the evil eye up against the high-flying Josh Morrell. Much like the Valkyrie and Turner match, it was a pretty good bout meant to put over one of the stars.
It was clear from the off who the brand was trying to get over. Morrell didn't receive a proper entrance, while the announcer put over Teoman in a big way. They emphasized his viciousness and savage behavior.
Morrell tried a sick and poke strategy to gain an advantage. This never lasted too long, however.
Teoman quickly cut off any offense Morrell would begin to mount. The man with the mad eye delivered some hard strikes throughout the bout. He was always one step ahead.
What this match did best was get over Teoman's character. He clearly enjoyed every bit of pain he inflicted on Morrell. Teoman clearly relished in his opponent's misery. NXT UK might have a new resident psychopath.
Winner: Teoman
Grade: C+
Kay Lee Ray shows up on NXT UK to be cut off by a returning Millie Mckenzie
There's quite a bit to unpack in this NXT UK segment. This was all seemingly done to set up a tag match next week that will see Kay Lee Ray and Isla Dawn take on Mckenzie and Meiko Satomura.
As Kay Lee stood in the ring gloating about her victory over Satomura, Millie made her triumphant return to the NXT UK brand. She staked her claim for Ray's title and made her intentions known. Mckenzie hasn't been seen for months, so the surprise factor was there.
The welcome wagon wouldn't come for Mckenzie as she was jumped by Isla Dawn when she made her way down to the ring. The two then assaulted Millie in tandem.
All looked lost for the returning Mckenzie until Satomura hit the ring. She made the save for Millie, and the duo beat Isla Dawn for a spell. Kay Lee managed to bail out of the ring before the team could get their hands on her. All this led to the tag match set up next week on NXT UK.
NXT UK sets the stage for next weeks matches
Two feuds are set to explode on NXT UK next week. Various video packages highlighted the feuds between Rampage Brown and WALTER as well as Noam Dar and Tyler Bate throughout the night. Both rivalries will come to a head next Thursday.
Bate and Dar's feud has been going on for a few weeks. Both men want a claim to the Heritage cup. The winner of the bout is set to face A-Kid for the cup. The presumed winner Heritage Cup will later get an NXT UK Championship shot.
This match will surely be hard-hitting and well worked. Both men have a lot to prove as they set themselves up for future title opportunities. Who will come out on top between the two men?
There's also the highly contested feud between Rampage Brown and WALTER. The champion is set to face the biggest challenge of his career.
They showed clips of a sit-down interview between the two throughout the night. The war of words has set the tone for their NXT UK Championship next week.
Pretty Deadly vs. Kenny Williams and Amir Jordan for the NXT UK Tag Team Championship
NXT UK Tag Champions Pretty Deadly managed to hang onto their titles following an insane main event match. The duo of Stoker and Howley was able to fend off Kenny Williams and Amir Jordan. The match was filled with back and forth action, and the ending left fans stunned.
The match told the story of high-flying offense and technique against power and tag team fundamentals. Pretty Deadly managed to isolate both Williams and Jordan at different stages of the bout. As the match progressed, it became more balanced as to who was on top.
Both teams went back and forth. Each traded near-falls, as it seemed like Jordan and Williams might actually pull out the win. Suddenly, the ref went down.
Noticing an opportunity, Williams introduced the title belts to the match. He pleaded with Jordan to finish off Stoker with the belt, but Jordan refused, opting to win the noble way. This turned out to be the end of the team as Williams delivered a blow to the back of Jordan's head with the belt.
One Spilt Milk later, Pretty Deadly retained the NXT UK Tag Team Championship.
Winners: Pretty Deadly
Grade: A-
