The January transfer window was once one of football’s most entertaining aspects.
In recent years, deadline day drama has decreased BUT FEAR NOT as WWE are making sure there is plenty of excitement taking place in 2020’s premiere month, having made not one but FIVE new signings to their British developmental brand NXT UK.
These signings are a strong signal of NXT UK’s future intentions. To my recollection, this is the first time they’ve made a round of signings that aren’t all established talent. Instead, the youthfulness of these signees indicates NXT UK are thinking of the future (and the future is now.)
But who exactly are these new names and what should you be looking out for? Wonder no more as we run you through NXT UK’s newest superstars.
At just 20 years old, Candy Floss is the sugary sweet superstar that has proved hugely popular in both the UK and Japan, competing in promotions such as Progress, Stardom, and Eve. Floss should have no trouble building rapport with her new colleagues, having already faced off against NXT superstars such as Mercedes Martinez, Kay Lee Ray, Jinny, and Rhea Ripley.
Having debuted in late 2016, little was known about Dani Luna prior to the start of last year. A huge breakout year in 2019 saw her become an overnight sensation, debuting in promotions across the nation including Attack!, IPW: UK, Chaos, Fight Club Pro, RevPro, Resurgence, and the infamous Schadenfreude & Friends.
Hailing from Camden in London, it was only a matter of time before Luna would debut at the Electric Ballroom for Progress Wrestling. Luna recently challenged Jinny for the Progress Championship at Chapter 102, unsuccessful on that occasion.
Luna has previously appeared on NXT UK TV and has already faced off against the likes of NXT UK Superstars Jinny, Toni Storm, and new signing Aoife Valkyrie. Trained by fellow NXT UK Superstars Mark Andrews, Flash Morgan Webster, and ‘Wild Boar’ Mike Hitchman at Cardiff based Dragon Pro Wrestling, she will have no shortage of mentors guiding her backstage.
At just 21 years of age, she boasts wrestling wisdom beyond her years, listing Dean Malenko, Meiko Satumora, and Razor Ramon as her wrestling inspirations. Watch out for her devastating 450 Splash.
Perhaps a shock signing to many due to how little is known about Levi Muir. The former British powerlifting champion was trained in Knucklelocks Gym in London by fellow NXT UK Superstar Eddie Dennis, who was quick to congratulate Muir on the news.
He entered the 2015 WWE Tough Enough series, it is clear to see from his audition video that this guy can talk. Muir is the only one in this round of signings that has not previously been used in NXT UK as enhancement talent; could this mean that there are big plans for him?
“Pretty handsome if you ask me” – Nigel McGuinness, 2019. They may be pretty in appearance, but don’t let that fool you. They are deadly.
Sam Stoker and Lewis Howley, collectively known as Pretty Deadly will be great additions to the NXT UK tag team division. Known for their hard-hitting style and slick tag team manoeuvres, everything they do in the ring is well thought out. Think The Revival, but prettier.
The duo are no strangers to NXT UK competition having already appeared on shows in matches against The Hunt, Gallus, Kenny Williams & Amir Jordan, and Imperium. The pair have also appeared on some of the biggest shows on the British Independent scene including RevPro, and Progress, where they are currently part of Spike Trivet’s villainous ‘DnR’ faction. Previously competing under the name ‘Greased Lightning’, it remains to be seen whether Pretty Deadly will retain their team name once signed to NXT UK, although they have previously been billed under this name on the show.
If their future looks half as good as they do, then WWE is onto a winner here.
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