Wednesday is a busy day for first-run programming on the WWE Network.
Following the two-night 2019 WWE Superstar Shake-up on the special editions of RAW and SmackDown Live (Complete List Of Trades Here), three new shows premiere today on the WWE digital subscription service.
Not only will there be this week’s new episodes of NXT TV (Preview Here) and NXT U.K. TV (Preview Here), but another WWE Worlds Collide special from WrestleMania Axxess is scheduled for today.
WWE.com released the following preview for tonight’s show:
WWE Worlds Collide preview, April 17, 2019: Cruiserweights from 205 Live, NXT and NXT UK collide
WWE’s Cruiserweight division will be in the spotlight when the top Superstars weighing 205 pounds or less face off in inter-brand matches, including Akira Tozawa vs. Jordan Devlin, Tyler Bate vs. The Brian Kendrick and much more.
205 Live’s Akira Tozawa tangles with NXT UK’s Jordan Devlin
Word to the wise: Don’t blink this Wednesday when Akira Tozawa and Jordan Devlin square off on Worlds Collide. Tozawa and Devlin may represent different brands — The Stamina Monster calls 205 Live home, whereas The Irish Ace is a proud member of the NXT UK roster — but they’re both speed demons who embody the fast-paced action of WWE’s Cruiserweight division and dare others to keep up. Which Superstar will leave the other in his dust? Find out when WWE Worlds Collide streams this Wednesday, immediately after NXT.
Will The Brian Kendrick’s experience give him the edge against Tyler Bate?
Tyler Bate is nothing short of a sports-entertainment prodigy, but what will happen when NXT UK’s wunderkind finds himself in the ring with steely veteran The Brian Kendrick?
It’s a fair question considering the immense experience gap that exists between the two. For example, by the time Kendrick began training for the ring under WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels in 1999, Bate was celebrating his second birthday. And as he’s repeatedly shown since returning to WWE in 2016, Kendrick is a crafty competitor; there are few tricks of the game that he hasn’t employed en route to becoming one of WWE’s premier Cruiserweights.
None of that means that Bate should be counted out, of course. Textbook Tyler has demonstrated a preternatural grappling ability since day one. Combining cutting-edge moves with an exquisite and traditional English technique, Bate is poised beyond his years. Regardless of who wins, this human game of chess will be fascinating to watch play out.
Mark Andrews returns to team with Flash Morgan Webster against Ariya Daivari & Mike Kanellis
When the WWE Universe last saw Mark Andrews, he was being stretchered out of the ring after going down with a leg injury last month on NXT UK. Thankfully, Andrews is now back at full health and ready to make a statement this Wednesday when he teams with Flash Morgan Webster to take on the bold alliance of Ariya Daivari & Mike Kanellis. Andrews & Webster are undoubtedly one of NXT UK’s most exciting pairings, but can they find success against competition as ruthless and opportunistic as Daivari & Kanellis?
Ligero, Gran Metalik and Albert Hardie Jr. to take to the skies
An air traffic controller might need to be called into action this Wednesday when Ligero, Gran Metalik and the debuting Albert Hardie Jr. meet in a Triple Threat Match on WWE Network.
All three Superstars rank among sports-entertainment’s biggest risktakers and most fearless highflyers. Dubbed “The King of the Ropes,” Gran Metalik seems to relish every chance he gets to wow the WWE Universe with his awe-inspiring aerial offense. Similarly, Ligero has no reservations about soaring through the air to take down opponents, as NXT UK Superstars know all too well.
The wild card in this match might just be Hardie. While Gran Metalik and Ligero are known entities to the WWE Universe, Hardie is looking to make a lasting first impression in his WWE Network debut. Expect the acclaimed high-flyer to go all out when Worlds Collide streams this Wednesday at 9/8 C, exclusively on the award-winning WWE Network.
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