Empty arena stipulation set for Dragunov vs. Devlin NXT UK title match

There will be no fans in attendance for Ilja Dragunov and Jordan Devlin’s NXT United Kingdom Championship match.

During a video package that aired on NXT UK today, it was announced that Dragunov vs. Devlin will be an empty arena match. The title match will headline next Thursday’s episode of NXT UK.

In storyline, Devlin proposed the stipulation to take away the advantage that Dragunov gets from the support of the crowd. Devlin said he’s risen to the top in spite of the fans in the building, but Dragunov depends on the crowd cheering him on. Devlin said there could never be an even playing field for a match between him and Dragunov — unless it was an empty arena match. Devlin challenged Dragunov to face him in an environment where it’s truly one-on-one.

Dragunov accepted the challenge, saying that he doesn’t have to rely on external factors to be champion.

Dragunov won the NXT UK Championship from WALTER at NXT TakeOver 36 last August. He’s defended the title twice since then, retaining against A-Kid and Rampage Brown.

Dragunov and Devlin’s feud began with a confrontation on NXT UK last month. Devlin called out Dragunov and wanted a shot at his title. After Devlin mentioned Dragunov’s wife and son, Dragunov attacked him and they had to be separated by officials.

Next Thursday’s NXT UK will also feature a six-man tag match with Die Familie (Teoman, Rohan Raja & Charlie Dempsey) facing Gallus (Joe Coffey, Mark Coffey & Wolfgang).