This week a top NXT UK star has made history by breaking an incredible championship record.
Today (February 19, 2021) marks NXT UK star WALTER’s 686th day as the reigning NXT United Kingdom Champion. This means that the Austrian has broken the record for the longest UK Championship reign, previously held by Pete Dunne at 685 days.
Walter won the championship from Dunne at NXT TakeOver New York in April 2019. The duo put on an incredible match, before WALTER ended Dunne’s reign with a giant splash from the top rope.
WALTER and Dunne would have a rematch on the May 5 edition of NXT UK. Towards the end of the bout, Marcel Barthel and Fabian Aichner interfered, costing The Bruiserweight the rematch. This was the day that the formidable faction Imperium was born.
WALTER has taken on all comers in his title reign, with the likes of Ilja Dragunov, Dave Mastiff and Trent Seven challenging for the UK Championship in the last 686 days.
A stand-out defence was against Tyler Bate at NXT TakeOver: Cardiff in 2019, a match that many consider the best in NXT UK history.
The UK Championship is arguably one of the most prestigious titles in NXT. Since it’s introduction in January 2017, only three men have held the championship, with almost everyone who’s challenged for the prize coming up short.
Given WWE’s track record with top champions, Pete Dunne’s 685-day reign seemed insane at the time. With WALTER still reigning supreme at 686 days, it seems unthinkable that one day, somebody will dethrone him.
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