From 2018 to 2022, NXT UK was one of the best pure wrestling shows on TV.
It marked the return to TV wrestling in the UK, following the failed reboot of World of Sport the year prior. Featuring top talent like Gunther, Pete Dunne and Toni Storm, the show was a must-watch for fans of the British style of wrestling.
While it did not get the ratings it deserved, the 20,000 (or less) fans who did tune in were always treated to some top-notch wrestling. Yes, the WWE on started it because they wanted to kill British wrestling, but if you can look past that fact, you’re in for a good show.
With such top talents in the ring, there was an inevitability that NXT UK would produce a number of five-star matches for the fans to enjoy – and they did not disappoint. Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer is the man whose ratings are taken most seriously by the fans. When he gives a match five stars, you know you need to see it.
It is the five-star NXT matches as reviewed by Dave Meltzer that we will be looking at in this article. These will be among the best matches in NXT history. Let us know in the comments section below what you think about his ratings, once you’ve finished reading this article about the NXT five-star matches.
This list does not contain matches from the NXT brand. That is a completely separate promotion, and one that does not operated in the United Kingdom.
Tyler Bate vs WALTER – NXT UK Takeover Cardiff
The epic 45-minute clash from NXT Takeover Cardiff was the first NXT UK match to get a five-star rating from Dave Meltzer.
Dominant champion WALTER (now Gunther) defended his belt against the plucky underdog Tyler Bate. The “Big Strong Boy” dazzled the crowd with his epic feats of strength, and his willingness never to give up.
He even kicked out at one after a gruelling match and a huge powerbomb. While WALTER eventually put him away with a clothesline, but it was a star-making performance.
Dave Meltzer Star Rating – 5.25 Stars
Cagematch Rating – 9.57
Ilja Dragunov vs WALTER – NXT UK 29/10/22
The first clash between WALTER and Ilja Dragunov was five-star match, despite taking place in tough times during the pandemic.
The match took place on the October 29th, 2020 episode of NXT UK. There were no fans in the arena, which does take away from the bout. However, the pair managed to work an amazing match without the usual feedback.
While Ilja Dragunov failed in this endeavour, it was the first inkling that he could be something really special. While their second clash was the better of the two, Dave Meltzer still awarded this match from NXT UK the five-star match rating.
Dave Meltzer Star Rating – 5 Stars
Cagematch Rating – 9.65
