Stu Bennett: NXT UK Has Not Been Beneficial To The UK Wrestling Scene

Many, including Stu Bennett, have plenty of opinions on NXT UK’s impact in the UK wrestling scene.

Bennett, who wrestled in WWE as Wade Barrett, is one of many that did not think highly of the additional NXT brand in the United Kingdom. In an interview with 411 Mania, Bennett said NXT UK has not helped the wrestling scene in the region, saying that certain wrestlers benefited from it, but several promotions did not.

“I wouldn’t say it’s helped the UK scene. I would say it’s helped the wrestlers who have been signed, but outside of that, I don’t think it’s been beneficial. You’d have to look at the affect it’s had on some of the companies or some of the independents, the independent companies, who were thriving prior that versus now. So, I don’t think it’s been beneficial to the scene at all. I understand why WWE have done it. They want to have a stake hold there. It was not coincidental that NXT UK was brought out at the same time that WOS [World of Sport], which at the same time, was seen as a threat to WWE over in the UK. It wasn’t coincidental, however, it’s been portrayed by them, and I think we all know the truth behind that. Again, that’s business. I understand why they did it. I’m not casting them for doing that, but to portray it as beneficial to the UK as something benevolent is ludicrous. And as good as the product might, it’s certainly not something that’s helped the UK independent scene,” Bennett said.

Ever since Bennett had his last match in 2016, Bennett has appeared on a number of promotions in a non-wrestling role, including working as a commentator with the NWA.

The full interview can be seen at this link.