Fans finally got to witness who is the rightful WWE NXT Cruiserweight Champion as Santos Escobar vs. Jordan Devlin battled it out in a unification ladder match at the TakeOver: Stand & Deliver event.
The match opened the show. Early on, Devlin did an impressive springboard moonsault off the middle rope to take out Escobar on the floor. Later on, Devlin hit a moonsault off the top of a ladder. Towards the end, Legado Del Fantasma members ran out and pushed Devlin off a ladder before leaving. The finish featured Escobar pushing Devlin off a ladder and crashing him through another.
Devlin won the NXT Cruiserweight Championship at Worlds Collide in January of last year. However, the COVID-19 pandemic started in March, which forced Delvin from traveling and defending his title due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, WWE had to come up with a tournament to crown an interim champion, which was later dropped and a new champion was crowned.
Escobar won his version of the NXT Cruiserweight Championship by winning the tournament as he beat Drake Maverick in the tournament finals. Devlin retained his NXT Cruiserweight Championship by defeating Trent Seven in his previous title defense.
On the March 17th edition of NXT, WWE had Devlin return to confront Esobcar and told Escobar to take his “replica title” and throw it in the trash because he’s the real champion.
WWE confirmed on last night’s episode of NXT that there would be a two night Takeover event airing on television and on streaming services in April.
NXT General Manager William Regal confirmed NXT TakeOver: Stand And Deliver would take place over the course of two nights on April 7th and 8th. April 7th is a Wednesday, so the show will air on it’s usual timeslot on USA Network.
The next day’s show will be taking place on WWE Network. The event will air on Peacock for fans in the United States.
Jordan Devlin Returns To NXT
NXT Cruiserweight Champion Jordan Devlin was confirmed to return to the United States and join the NXT roster. Devlin appeared on camera and confirmed that he will be coming to the USA Network next week, he also mentioned the Takeover special and that the travel ban had been lifted and he could return to the US from Ireland.
Jordan Devlin initially won the NXT Cruiserweight Championship at World’s Collide, back in January 2020. Devlin was ‘stripped’ of the title a few months later as he could not defend it. The reasoning for this being that he could not leave Ireland due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic; this includes the the travel restrictions that were incurred due to the pandemic.
NXT Takeover – Unification Bout
Devlin referred to himself as the ‘real’ Cruiserweight Champion. The Irish Superstar also noted that he was heading to the United States to prove that he is as such.
It is currently being reported that Santos Escobar will face Devlin in a unification bout. Santos Escobar is of course the current Cruiserweight Champion on NXT programming; however Devlin has claimed that he has been the real Champion since January last year.
This bout is currently expected to take place at the upcoming NXT Takeover: Stand & Deliver.
WWE has released a statement regarding allegations lobbied against Jordan Devlin. Ligero from NXT UK has also been accused of sexual misconduct. The British wrestling scene is currently using the #SpeakingOut hashtag on Twitter to call-out wrestlers on allegations of sexual misconduct.
“We take any allegation of this nature very seriously and are looking into the matter,” WWE said to media regarding the allegations.
Natalie Sykes posted the following regarding Ligero:
i am so unbelievably scared but i guess i have nothing to lose. thank you to those who have encouraged me to come forward ? pic.twitter.com/P0AmpZWNp1
Very scary doing this. But I don’t want anyone else to have to go through what I did. Things need to change. #SpeakingOut Things didn’t end with Jake. I began training under Travis Banks. When I was 17, we had a secret one year relationship in which he wouldn’t speak to….
“This is scary. I’m really scared. Jordan Devlin did this to me. And this is I hate resharing these photos but, your boys club did this. Our industry allowed this to happen. I was let down by a promotion. But please see this, please believe this. Please put measures in place for this not to happen again, and listen to women when they come to you for help.”
David Starr has taken his social media private. Before he did so, he released the following statement:
“If this is the end of wrestling for me, that’s ok. I know I’m not a predator and I know the truth of this situation. I know that I’ve learned from my wrongdoings. There’s no sense in going on the offensive. No matter what I say, I’m the bad guy. No pity party. It is what it is.”
Devlin is unable to travel to the United States to defend his title due to the current coronavirus pandemic. WWE’s decision to crown an interim champion, however, has seemingly rankled Devlin.
Taking to Twitter, Jordan Devlin called WWE’s decision shocking and disrespectful. He then stressed how they can crown a new champion and give them a replica of his title, but the WWE Universe all know who the real champion is.
Devlin wrote: “First things first, absolutely shocking and disrespectful decision by @WWE management. Secondly, you can crown a fraud champion and give him a little replica of my title, but everyone around the world knows who the REAL NXT Cruiserweight Champion still is.”
First things first, absolutely shocking and disrespectful decision by @WWE management.
Secondly, you can crown a fraud champion and give him a little replica of my title, but everyone around the world knows who the REAL NXT Cruiserweight Champion still is. https://t.co/rIA7AJZwod
At the time of writing, there is no indication as to when this new tournament will take place. Regal shared that he would be revealing further details in the next few days.
He also intends to provide an update on the NXT Tag Team Championships, currently held by Matt Riddle and Pete Dunne. Much like Devlin, Dunne is presently stuck in the United Kingdom and is unable to travel due to worldwide travel bans.
Current NXT Cruiserweight Champion and Progress Tag Team Champion Jordan Devlin announced on Twitter recently that he is pulling out of Progress Chapter 103 due to elbow bursitis. He was replaced by Eddie Kingston.
Devlin, along with his tag team partner Scotty Davis were set to defend the tag titles against Anthony Henry and JD Drake but he announced that he will not be able to compete on the show as seen below:
Sorry to the @ThisIs_Progress fans and mgmt for missing #Chapter103 today. V.strenuous schedule lately and picked up a bit of elbow bursitis. It'll be fine in a week or so, I just didn't want to risk infection or aggravating it and prolonging my time out. See you guys soon. ?
As Jordan noted, he is not expected to stay out of action for very long and his removal was a precautionary measure to avoid the risk of aggravating the injury.
Big Show Reveals How Steve Austin Helped Him
Former World Champion The Big Show was the latest guest on Stone Cold Steve Austin’s WWE Network series dubbed Broken Skull Sessions and during his appearance, the Monster Sized Athlete talked about a number of things.
WWE recently posted a clip from the show on their YouTube channel in which, Big Show recalls how a WWE star taught him how to be a ‘giant’ in the ring.
The WWE star was none other than the Texas Rattle Snake himself and according to Big Show, Stone Cold taught this to him during a trip to Europe. You can check out the clip posted by WWE below:
The new WWE Cruiserweight Champion, Jordan Devlin, has spoken about his commitment to NXT UK, despite the fact he is allegedly primed for a major international push now that he is a reigning champion.
“NXT UK has made stars out of guys like the British Strong Style, Travis Banks and myself,” Devlin said to TV Insider. “For us to be able do independent dates in the UK as well and get people to come and see us. It’s really good for the UK scene. It has breathed life into us. To have the UK Performance Center as well and learn from the best minds in the business… NXT UK has grown so much in the last three years.”
He admitted that, three years ago, he couldn’t imagine the growth they’ve achieved. Devlin then stated how he’d like NXT UK to become a brand that tours all across Europe and not just within the United Kingdom. He highlighted how he’d love WWE to host an NXT UK TakeOver Dublin event before reiterating his interest in taking their show on the road.
Jordan Devlin And Finn Balor
Devlin also reflected on his long-time friendship with the black-and-gold brand’s Finn Balor. “The Irish Ace” actually trained with Balor years ago when Balor was 21-years-old, and Devlin was only 12. The two faced off against each other at the original NXT UK TakeOver: Blackpool event last year.
“He was the best wrestler in Ireland then and probably now,” Devlin shared.” He was the person I most aspired to be like. He was always the guy I wanted to measure up to and up with. He went from Ireland to Japan to train, as did I. He went to New Japan Pro Wrestling. I went to Zero-One. He went to the States and WWE. I was a couple of years behind him when WWE signed me. We’ve been running the same path for a long time.”
He shared how he’s always aspired to be like Balor, noting how the two share the same work ethic. Being such an inspiration to him, it’s unsurprising that Devlin looks back fondly on their match at TakeOver Blackpool.
Jordan Devlin has some significant supporters within WWE, and will reportedly defend his championship across all of WWE’s brands. He is currently scheduled to appear on this week’s episodes of NXT as well as 205 Live.
By going up against the odds, Angel Garza didn’t do enough to remain as the NXT Cruiserweight Champion as he was dethroned by Jordan Devlin.
Devlin beat Garza, Isaiah “Swerve” Scott, and Travis Banks in a Fatal 4-Way Match to win the title at the WWE Worlds Collide event from the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas on the WWE Network.
Back on the January 15th episode of NXT on the USA Network in Winter Park, Florida at Full Sail University, Scott took on Lio Rush and Tyler Breeze in NXT Cruiserweight Title Qualifying Triple Threat Match that advanced him to this contest.
WWE held NXT UK TV tapings later that week from York, UK at the York Barbican. This is where it was revealed that Devlin and Banks would be joining the contest.
Devlin defeated Ligero to qualify for the match. Banks then defeated Brian Kendrick to qualify.
Garza won the NXT Cruiserweight Title back on the December 11th episode of NXT when he beat Lio Rush to win the strap.
On April 18, 2019, it was announced that Garza signed a contract with WWE. This contest came less than a month ago when Rush and Garza had their first match.
What are your thoughts on Jordan Devlin winning the NXT Cruiserweight Title? Was this the right call by WWE officials? Sound off in the comment section.
WWE’s Executive Vice President of Talent, Live Events and Creative Triple H did an interview with The Irish Mirror and talked about one of the hottest NXT UK stars, Jordan Devlin. He heaped praises at the 29-year-old and complimented his growth on the brand.
Speaking about Devlin’s contributions to NXT UK, Triple H said, “His transformation and what he has done in the NXT UK brand with the guidance of the people around him has taken him to a whole new level. He is a different performer from the guy that I saw when we first started this was very good and had a lot of potential.”
Triple H said that he sees Devlin as a global star and it’s just the beginning: “The guy I see now is a global star on every level and he is really just getting started.”
Devlin, known as The “Ace” of Over The Top Wrestling, had a memorable feud with WALTER in the promotion, and put on some great matches that are considered one of the best matches in OTT’s history. Triple H said that he wants to bring that rivalry for WWE television.
“I want to see the best face the best. I believe styles make fights, it’s what makes them great.”
Triple H expanded on the fact that Devlin is now on a higher level and if the rivalry comes to fruition on WWE television, then it would be even better than before.
“The thing people also need to keep in mind is that as hot as that has been locally, Jordan is at a much higher standard to where he was a year ago and a year before that. When you see that rivalry on NXT UK, it’s going to be nothing like what you’ve seen before because we will take it to another level, as good as it was before, you’ve seen nothing yet!”
While Devlin is not scheduled for a match at NXT UK Takeover: Cardiff event which is streaming today, he will be paying attention on the WWE UK Championship Match between Tyler Bate and WALTER. Make sure to check back SEScoops.com for coverage of the event.
Over The Top Wrestling (OTT) held their biggest event of the year this past weekend from the National Stadium in Dublin, Ireland. The company recently announced that Jushin ‘Thunder’ Liger would be part of the upcoming ScrapperMania 5 event. The New Japan Pro Wrestling legend faced Scotty Davis at the event. The main event of the show saw WALTER defend his OTT World Championship against fellow NXT UK Superstar Jordan Devlin.
Here’s the full results for OTT ScrapperMania 5 (03/16):
Aussie Open (Kyle Fletcher & Mark Davis) b. Angelico & Rey Horus, Aidan Epic & Captain Sexsea and ‘The Besties In The World’ (Davey Vega & Mat Fitchett)
Darren Kearney, LJ Cleary & Nathan Martin b. Charlie Sterling, Sha Samuels & Zack Gibson
Shane “Hurricane” Helms, Angel Cruz & B. Cool b. Justy, Sammy D & ‘Team Prick’ (Peter & Rick)
David Starr b. Dan Barry
Meiko Satomura def. Martina
OTT Tag Team Championships Losers Leave Town Stipulation – British Strong Style (Pete Dunne, Trent Seven & Tyler Bate) b. Bonesaw, Damien Corvin & Dunkan Disorderly (c)
OTT Women’s Championship Match – Raven Creed (c) b. Debbie Keitel
Scotty Davis b. Jushin Thunder Liger
OTT World Championship Match – Jordan Devlin b. WALTER (c) – Devlin took the win to a rapturous reaction from the live crowd. You can check out the reaction via the tweet below:
Over The Top (OTT) Wrestling has released the final hype package for this Saturday’s ScrapperMania 5 event. The main event of the show will see WALTER defend his OTT World Championship against fellow NXT UK Superstar Jordan Devlin.
Over the past few months the independent company has been releasing some incredible video packages to hype their events. At the recent Homecoming event Devlin defeated David Starr to earn the Number 1 contendership and face WALTER at ScrapperMania. The video released for that show caught the attention of many in the industry. This latest package is just as breathtaking in scope.
WALTER is arguably the biggest star on the UK/European scene right now. Devlin has been rising through the ranks with his ‘Import Killer’ persona and is a firm favourite in his native country of Ireland.
The full card for ScrapperMania 5 is as follows:
OTT World Championship Match – WALTER (c) vs Jordan Devlin
Meiko Satomura vs ‘Session Moth’ Martina
Tag Team World Cup – Aussie Open (Kyle Fletcher and Mark Davis) vs Boys From The Flats vs Angelico and Rey Horus vs Besties In The World
Angel Cruzers and Hurricane Helms vs Team Prick, Dusty and Sammy D
More Than Hype vs The Rapture
Dan Barry vs David Starr
Jushin ‘Thunder’ Liger
Raven Creed vs Debbie Keitel
Kings of The North vs British Strong Style (Pete Dunne, Trent Seven and Tyler Bate)
WWE held the first ever NXT UK Takeover event last night. The WWE Network show featured some of the top Superstars of the brand giving their all to put the new brand on the wrestling map.
One of the biggest moments came when WWE RAW Superstar Finn Balor appeared to take on Jordan Devlin. Devlin had been scheduled to take on Travis Banks at the event, although a pre-taped segment was filmed showing Devlin attacking Banks’ knee. Banks still appeared for the bout but was quickly sidelined after Devlin launched another vicious attack using the ring steps.
The assistant ti the NXT UK General Manager Sid Scala confirmed that there was a replacement on hand…Finn Balor. The Irish Superstar appeared to a huge ovation from the Blackpool crowd and went on to have a great match with the younger Devlin.
Devlin was actually a student of Balor’s back in Ireland, a fact that was brought up on the broadcast. The ‘Irish Ace’ Devlin tweeted following the bout, saying “I’ve been chasing you across this planet for 16 years now. Tonight I finally caught you up, in a @WWE ring. Thanks for the scrap. Now you better start running again, I WILL get you next time. #NXTUKTakeOver#NXTUK“
NXT UK has appeared to have reneged on a previously confirmed deal. Wrestle Gate Pro is a new promotion in the UK and have their first event on January 26th. ‘Open Gate’ will be taking place from the Rushcliffe Arena in Nottingham, England.
The original main event for the card would’ve seen NXT UK Superstar Jordan Devlin face UK standout Chris Ridgeway. Wrestle Gate owner Gary Ward spoke to us exclusively back in December regarding this match stating: “Him (Devlin) being able to perform on January 26th following his signing is great news for us, but this will be 1 and done for him so we’re grateful to Jordan and WWE for this.”
Wrestle Gate has now confirmed that Jordan Devlin will not be appearing on the show. This comes as a surprise as although it wouldn’t have been permitted under the new NXT UK contracts this was a done deal. The company tweeted the following: “Due to circumstance beyond our control, Jordan Devlin has been withdrawn from Open Gate on Jan 26th by the WWE.”
This will likely not be the last time that this occurs on the UK scene. Whilst WWE do of course have the final say on their contracted talent it seems odd to pull someone from a guaranteed pay day this close to the event. NXT UK Takeover Blackpool of course takes place this Saturday.
Breaking-
Due to circumstance beyond our control, Jordan Devlin has been withdrawn from Open Gate on Jan 26th by the WWE.
Jake McCluskey will now be facing Hard As F*ck Chris Ridgeway in the Main Event Of the Evening.
PROGRESS has announced the 7th and potentially final bout for their upcoming 72nd Chapter event ‘Got Got Need’ which takes place this Sunday 24th from the Electric Ballroom in Camden, London.
Former IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion and the 1st ever British Born winner of the BOSJ tournament Will Ospreay will be facing NXT UK Superstar Jordan Devlin.
This announcement follows the news that PROGRESS World Champion Travis Banks will be defending his title against the ‘World Cup’ winner Chuck Mambo. Banks recently took part in the WWE United Kingdom Championship tournament and is scheduled to be part of the NXT UK roster going forward.
Devlin has also been announced for a bout against Naoki Tanizaki at the upcoming Fight Club: Pro ‘International Tekkers’ show. The Dragon Gate veteran (Tanizaki) will be taking part in a run across the UK shore sagainst the likes of Mark Haskins (Frontline Puro) and Chris Brookes (RIPTIDE) and this bout against Devlin should be dynamite.
RIPTIDE Wrestling has announced that WWE United Kingdom Superstar Jordan Devlin will be joining the ‘International Waters’ event on July 6th to take on the ‘Pansexual Phenomenon’ Jack Sexsmith.
Devlin took part in the inaugural WWE United Kingdom Championship tournament and he is set to take part in the Royal Albert Hall event on June 17th. Sexsmith is another performer who has been on WWE’s radar recently, he took part in a tryout session earlier this year and is being rumored as a name for the upcoming WWE United Kingdom roster reveal.
This is the third match confirmed for the show, following the already announced WALTER vs ‘Speedball’ Mike Bailey and Naoki Tanizaki vs CCK’s Chris Brookes.
Irish and UK based promotion Over The Top (OTT) Wrestling has announced the main event for their stacked Scrappermania IV card that takes place on May 12th from the National Stadium in Dublin, Ireland.
The OTT Heavyweight Champion and member of the WWE United Kingdom roster Jordan Devlin will be putting his title on the line against New Japan Pro Wrestling’s Zack Sabre Jr. Whilst ZSJ is predominately known for this appearances across the UK scene his recent run in NJPW and bout for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship has pushed him into another tier of superstar, garnering him worldwide acclaim. Devlin, who was trained in Ireland by mentor and former WWE Universal Champion Finn Balor was one of the featured stars in the WWE United Kingdom Championship tournament. He is expected to return to the roster when the WWE returns to the UK in December this year.
Here’s the announced matches for May 12th:
Jeff Cobb vs. Tomohiro Ishii
Keith Lee vs. Minoru Suzuki
Matt Riddle vs. Will Ospreay
Charlie Sterling & Zack Gibson (c) vs. The Angel Cruzers (Angel Cruz & B. Cool)
PROGRESS has announced the latest name for their upcoming Super Strong Style 16 tournament in May. WWE United Kingdom division star Jordan Devlin will be making his return to the company at Alexandra Palace on May 5th, this will be first time that the Irish native has set foot in a PROGRESS ring since January 2017.
Devlin will be joining the already announced WWE United Kingdom Champion Pete Dunne, David Starr and rumored WWE signee Keith Lee in Europe’s biggest tournament this May.
Jordan Devlin hails from Bray in County Wicklow Ireland, also home to WWE’s Finn Balor. The Irish superstar took part in WWE’s inaugural United Kingdom Championship tournament back in January of 2017, where he defeated Danny Burch in the first round but ultimately lost to eventual winner Tyler Bate.
UK promotion Insane Championship Wrestling (ICW) have released the latest episode of their weekly Fight Club show for free on YouTube.
The full show is usually only available on their ICW on Demand service and a free 30 minute condensed version is available through the FITE TV app.
This episode features appearances from WWE UK Division competitors Wolfgang, ICW World Heavyweight Champion Trent Seven, Pete Dunne and Jordan Devlin.
The feature match of this week’s episode for the ICW World Heavyweight Championship between Trent Seven and Jordan Devlin is certainly worth a watch although be forewarned that it is an extremely bloody affair. Check out the show below:
Irish based promotion Over The Top (OTT) Wrestling have announced the details of the first event after their biggest show of the year ‘Scrappermania.’
Sonic the Hedgehog inspired ‘Marble Zone Act 1’ will feature the OTT Champions Ryan Smile, ‘The Villain’ Marty Scurll, Matt Riddle, Jordan Devlin, Sha Samuels & ‘Session Moth’ Martina.
The event takes place on May 6th at the Tivoli in Dublin, Ireland and tickets are available to purchase via Eventbrite now: www.eventbrite.ie/e/over-the-top-wrestling-presents-marble-zone-act-1-tickets-32568129151
One of the biggest matches in PROGRESS history took place this past Sunday at Chapter 44 ‘Old Man Yells at Cloud’ as Jimmy Havoc became the Number 1 Contender to Pete Dunne’s PROGRESS Championship.
As part of a 6-man tag team bout fan favourite Havoc pinned Dunne (a member of the stable British Strong Style) to earn himself a title match with a stipulation of his choosing. Havoc opted to cash in his title opportunity against the ‘Bruiserweight’ at Chapter 45: ‘Galvanise.’
It has also been confirmed that the match will be contested under ‘No DQ’ rules, which will suit Deathmatch specialist Jimmy Havoc. This match looks set to be an extremely bloody affair.
The second bout announced for Chapter 45 is for the PROGRESS Tag Team Championships. WWE UK Champion Tyler Bate and his British Strong Style teammate Trent Seven will be taking on the South Pacific Power Trip (TK Cooper and Travis Banks).
Travis Banks made his singles debut for PROGRESS at Chapter 44 in an excellent showing against fellow debutant Jordan Devlin, chances are that this may well be the breakup of the SPPT team as Banks looks set to be one of the breakout stars for PROGRESS in 2017.
Here are the results from PROGRESS’ Chapter 44 event ‘Old Man Yells At Cloud.’ The show took place at a sold out Electric Ballroom in Camden, UK.
James Drake b. Damon Moser – This was a relatively shot match that saw WWE UK Tournament competitor James Drake won with the Mr Mayhem DDT. There are reports that Moser was injured during the bout thus the quick conclusion.
Dahlia Black (w/TK Cooper) b. Martina the Session Moth – This was a 1st round match in the Natural Progression Series to crown the first ever PROGRESS Women’s Champion as well as being Martina’s debut match for the company. Black took the win when TK Cooper interfered and cost Martina the bout
Travis Banks b. Jordan Devlin – Another PROGRESS debut here as WWE Tournament Competitor Jordan Devlin looked to beat tag team specialist Banks. Travis took the win after hitting a Buzzsaw Kick.
Pastor William Eaver b. Sebastian – Eaver took the win here after hitting the ‘Clothesline From Heaven’ in what was an extremely violent bout, definitely one worth watching on PROGRESS’ On Demand service.
Mark Andrews b. Shane Strickland – An absolutely fantastic match that saw Andrews win with the Shooting Star Press, after the match PROGRESS Co-Owner Jim Smallman asked Strickland to appear at the Orlando shows over Wrestlemania Weekend.
El Ligero b. Nathan Cruz – A hotly contested bout between two former Origin members saw Ligero take the win after reversing a Figure Four into an Inside Cradle. After the match Cruz removed Ligero’s mask.
Zack Gibson b. Jack Sexsmith – This match was all about Sexsmith proving himself as a viable championship contender for the company and it certainly felt like his ‘coming out party.’ Gibson hit the Helter Skelter for the pinfall win.
Jimmy Havoc, Mark Haskins & Morgan Webster b. British Strong Style (Pete Dunne, Trent Seven & Tyler Bate) – The stakes for this match were extremely high. If Havoc, Haskins or Webster got a pinfall or submission victory then they would receive a title shot, however if one of them took a pinfall, countout or submission loss then they would ineligible to ANY title shot for 6 months. Havoc ended up taking the victory and title shot following an Acid Rainmaker on PROGRESS Champion Pete Dunne.
PROGRESS have also announced more bouts for their Chapter 44 show: ‘Old Man Yells at Cloud.’ OTT star and WWE UK Championship tournament competitor Jordan Devlin will be making his company debut against UK Indie standout Travis Banks.
The other featured bouts currently announced are:
Mark Haskins, ‘Flash’ Morgan Webster & Jimmy Havoc vs British Strong Style