Fans will be in attendance for Ilja Dragunov’s first NXT UK title defense

Of WWE’s many brands/shows, NXT UK has been the one most impacted by pandemic protocols. The show went on hiatus for a time, and has been without fans since coming back last summer - long after Raw, SmackDown, NXT Prime, and the series taped with them welcomed audiences back to their live events and tapings.

That will change next week, and just in time for a big match.

The episode that will premiere next Thursday will be headlined by Ilja Dragunov’s first NXT UK title defense. He won the belt from WALTER in a match of the year candidate at TakeOver 36 in Orlando.

Dragunov’s match against A-Kid will actually tape this week as part of two days at BT Sport Studios. That was revealed in a message sent to prospective attendees; WWE isn’t selling tickets, instead choosing to invite a limited number of specific guests. One of those, Inside The Ropes Gary Cassidy, shared what he was sent. The note also makes it clear a National Health Service COVID Pass is required, which will show the holder is either fully vaccinated or has received a negative COVID-19 test. Masks are also be required.

Excited to hear some chanting and singing Brits on WWE Network?