As NXT UK Takeover Blackpool II enters their rear view mirror, NXT UK will already have it’s next destination in sight. This is Worlds Collide, which is set to take place on the night before the Royal Rumble this year, taking the place of an NXT Takeover event. With this being a direct competition between NXT & NXT UK, there are some fantastic potential matches. Undisputed Era vs. Imperium has already been teased, but two matches have been confirmed for the event. These are Finn Balor vs. Ilja Dragonauv, and Rhea Ripley vs. Toni Storm.
Finn Balor vs. Ilja Dragonauv
In what could very well be one of the best matches we see all year, we will see ‘The Mad Russian’ Ilja Dragonauv face Finn Balor. These two have never crossed paths in wrestling until now, with Balor having left the UK years before Dragonauv started to make a name for himself in companies like Progress Wrestling & Westside Xtreme Wrestling (wXw). Many didn’t even consider this as a match we would ever be able to see, so this match alone makes this entire event worthwhile for some.
Finn Balor is a well known talent as far as WWE fans go, being a former NXT, Universal, and two time Intercontinental Champion. He’s competed at Wrestlemania, and only recently returned to NXT. Ilja on the other hand, has gone overlooked much like most of NXT UK. He had a fantastic showing against Cesaro at NXT UK Takeover Cardiff, and has been taking the fight to Imperium as they try to add him to their ranks. This will be an unpredictable match, and one to pay close attention too.
Toni Storm vs. Rhea Ripley
One of the biggest feuds in NXT UK will be revived as old rivals clash once again. NXT Womens Champion Rhea Ripley and Toni Storm have faced off over the NXT UK Womens Championship in the past, with Ripley beating out Storm to become inaugural champion. Storm would eventually overcome Ripley to become champion, but their rivalry never truly ended. Depending on the results of NXT UK Takeover Blackpool II, this could even be a battle of Womens Champions, if Storm is able to capture the NXT UK Womens Championship for the second time as she faced Kay Lee Rae & Piper Niven in a triple threat. This match doesn’t scream show-stealer like Dragonauv & Balor, but you’d be hard pressed to find a better match for a battle of NXT & NXT UK as far as the womens division is concerned.
Worlds Collide is shaping up to be a fantastic event, and one WWE fans won’t want to miss out on. It will be a much needed showcase for NXT UK, and further show why NXT is one of the hottest brands in professional wrestling.
Will you be watching Worlds Collide later this month? Let us know what you think of these two matches in the comment section down below. Stay tuned for more WWE news & coverage right here on The Overtimer.
