NXT UK TakeOver: Dublin announcement reveals a lot about WWE’s strategy

During TakeOver: Portland last night (Feb. 16), WWE announced the next NXT UK TakeOver event.

TakeOver: Dublin on April 26 will be the fourth such show for the brand. After holding two of them in 2019, this will be their second of 2020. That could be a sign they’re moving toward the 4 - 5 per year model the main NXT runs.

Putting on the event in the Republic of Ireland will also be NXT UK’s first TakeOver outside the United Kingdom. Given what we’ve heard about Triple H’s plans for global expansion, it probably won’t be the last.

April 26 is also a Sunday, making this the third straight TakeOver event across both NXT brands to take place on the day of the week traditionally reserved for “main roster” PPVs. The WrestleMania week TakeOver: Tampa will be on a Saturday at the beginning of April, the day big NXT cards have usually been held throughout its history. But that’s looking like it might be the exception going forward.

One thing this doesn’t shed much light on is the future of WWE Network. With NXT’s move to USA Network and talk of rights to Raw/SmackDown PPVs being sold to other outlets, this could be a sign WWE sees the UK brand as a content generator for the streaming service. But NXT UK finally just got a TV deal of their own thanks to the BT Sport partnership. Could TakeOver’s head to that pay channel, too?

Time will tell. In the meantime, here’s the show announcement:

The stage has been set for another epic event across the pond as NXT UK TakeOver: Dublin is slated for April 26 at 3Arena and on the award-winning WWE Network.

The first NXT UK TakeOver of 2020 was a memorable night on the black-and-gold brand, highlighted by NXT United Kingdom Champion WALTER’s brutal victory over Joe Coffey and the subsequent invasion by Undisputed ERA against Imperium.

Stay tuned to WWE digital platforms for ticket and show information in the coming months.