This week on NXT UK, joshi legend Meiko Satomura finally debuts on the brand, but other than that, it's another wheel-spinning episode that moves a few things forward.
It's Meiko time
They don't waste any time at all this week as Meiko Satomura starts us off. Isla Dawn is the perfect first opponent for the legend as they work the exact same strike-heavy style (also, incidentally, my favorite wrestling style). For those who forgot, Meiko came back and reminded everyone why she's a big deal in a little under 10 minutes. Given everything that went down on this week's episode, I felt like the match could've used five more minutes, too. Giveth me more!
They also don't waste any time in establishing Satomura's pursuit of the NXT UK Women's Championship, kind of giving away the fact that KLR's beaten everyone, and the really long title reign has made the division stale. Meiko has to be the one to beat her, right? In any case, it just feels right. Given Meiko's status, this should've been this week's main event.
NXT UK 2/11/21 Grade: B
Bits and pieces
- Tying in Sha Samuels's reputation as a Britwres vet into a Heritage Cup Championship match is the next best thing they could do with this story. I still think the rebellion against the "WWE name" should've been explored more, but they addressed it here again and I guess that's enough.
- Holy shit, a Johnny Saint appearance? I really thought they phased him out and just kept his name on the show, but good news—he's still on the payroll. It's apparently not to phase out Sid Scala, either.
- I apologize for this very bodyshamey comment, but Eddie Dennis just has no business trying to be ripped. He's an ectomorph and without a shirt on, he ended up looking like a draugr out there. Put the weight on, my man. It's okay. (Unless you're physically unable to, in which case I take back my comments.)
- A lot of character-building video packages tonight, which I appreciate. But where's WALTER?
*****
Romeo Moran (@roiswar) is the Editor-in-Chief of Smark Henry and one of the three hosts of the Wrestling-Wrestling Podcast. He gets by in this hard knock life through working in advertising. Smark Henry was his and Stan Sy's original vision of a watering hole for local wrestling fans. He roots for the undersized guys who hit hard, and he likes taking your wrestling questions over on his Curiouscat account.
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