What happens when you put a 20 and 23 year old in a title match at an NXT live special? If the 20 and 23 year old’s are Tyler Bate and Pete Dunne, you get the match of the year. WWE held a UK tournament four months prior to this TakeOver to crown the first ever UK champion. The final match was between Bate and Pete Dunne, with Bate gaining the victory and becoming the champ. The rematch would take place last May at TakeOver Chicago.

Tyler Bate vs. Pete Dunne – NXT TakeOver Chicago

Unless you followed the UK scene or watched the UK tournament on the WWE Network, this match was an introduction to these two stars. Whatever expectations there were, they were thrown out the window from the get go. Everything Bate and Dunne do in this match has a purpose, and I specifically love Dunne’s limb work. He fancies himself a ‘Bruiserweight’, but his arm, hand and finger work are just as impressive. Bate is every bit Dunne’s equal, and they make even the most basic moves look and feel exciting.

While Chicago has always been a great wrestling crowd, they were super into everything Dunne and Bate did. The combination of two fresh faces who were also working their ass off delighted the Chicago crowd. They combined great mat wrestling and limb work with some high spots without ever relying too heavily on the spots. They were also sprinkled in throughout the match, which is always better than trying to jam them all together. Dunne’s flip suplex onto the apron was at the 2 minute mark. Bate peppered the match with suplexes and freakish displays of strength. The INSANE airplane spin 7 minutes in. My advice would be to take 15 minutes of out of your day and watch this match. You won’t be disappointed.

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-Ryan