There has been a storied rivalry in NXT UK, that being between Jordan Devlin & Travis Banks. They have clashed on numerous occasions, including in a Falls Count Anywhere match, but this time there is gold on the line. Jordan Devlin is the NXT Cruiserweight Champion, and for the first time he will defend it in NXT UK, and if that isn’t a main event match, what is?
Jordan Devlin Sneaks To Retain
The action started quick in this match, with neither man being able to get clear control over the other. Banks would grab a few near falls using various pinning solutions, which prompted the Irish Ace to flee to the outside. When Banks would attempt to pull Devlin back in, he would find his neck meeting the top rope. Once he was back in the ring, Devlin would go for a huge Uranage, only for Banks to throw him back out of the ring. Banks went for a running dive, but Devlin had this scouted. Devlin moved and used Banks momentum to send him hard into the barricades shoulder-first.
Devlin would hit a high angle backdrop right onto the newly hurt shoulder, following up with a shoulder bar to wear it down even more. Once he broke free from the submission, he would rally back only to be shut down with a standing Spanish Fly for a near fall. Devlin would continue to maintain control, until Banks came back with the strikes that come with Kiwi Strong Style. Devlin would stop him with a jawbreaker, then would grab the arm of Banks and deliver kicks that bring memories of Toshiaki Kawada to the ring. This fired up Banks who wanted more, so Devlin would hit the Uranage but when he went to follow up with a moonsault, he found two knees in his gut.
Banks would take advantage, hitting Devlin with a flurry of offense, hitting some clotheslines in the corner, a cannonball splash and a huge German Suplex for a near fall. They would exchange some strikes, with Banks hitting a huge running knee and a pump kick which sent Devlin to the outside. Banks would connection with his dive at this time, hitting a fever pitch in this match. Once he got Devlin back in the ring, Banks attempted his Slice Of Heaven kick, with Devlin evading and going for his Devlin Side Suplex. They exchanged heavy strikes as the crowd came unglued with NXT chants.
Devlin worked his way back to his feet and would climb the turnbuckle, with Banks cutting him down. Banks would climb up and hit a double stomp on a hanging Devlin for a near fall. Banks climbed the turnbuckle again only to be hit with a kick to the head. With him perched on the second rope, Devlin slung himself over the top rope to hit a twisting cutter for a near fall. Banks would connect with the Slice of Heaven, and try to finish with the Kiwi Crusher but Devlin rolled him up and used the ropes for extra leverage and to get the win in a phenomenal match.
Who Will Defeat Devlin?
With this defense under his belt, and the circumstances of his victory being a bit iffy, we could expect Banks to get revenge in a rematch but the Kiwi Buzzsaw is unlikely to unseat Devlin as champion. The WWE Cruiserweight Division is stacked with talent, and people like Jack Gallagher & KUSHIDA are going to be knocking down the door of the Irish Ace soon. Do you think anyone can stop Devlin and take his title? Let us know what you think in the comment section down below.
SUBSCRIBE NOW: Get The Overtimer’s Hottest Stories, Breaking News and Special Features in your email, CLICK HERE!
