{"id":64296,"date":"2018-06-05T15:00:24","date_gmt":"2018-06-05T14:00:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/?p=64296"},"modified":"2018-06-04T22:12:03","modified_gmt":"2018-06-04T21:12:03","slug":"festival-preview-wwe-nxt-download-festival-2018","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/festival-preview-wwe-nxt-download-festival-2018\/","title":{"rendered":"Festival Preview: WWE NXT @ Download Festival 2018"},"content":{"rendered":"<figure id=\"attachment_64407\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-64407\" style=\"width: 1024px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-64407\" src=\"https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/DownloadNXT-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/DownloadNXT-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/DownloadNXT-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/DownloadNXT-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/DownloadNXT-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/DownloadNXT-465x310.jpg 465w, https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/DownloadNXT-695x463.jpg 695w, https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/DownloadNXT.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-64407\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo credit: Ross Silcocks<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The following contest is scheduled for one-fall as wrestling once again returns to Donnington.<\/p>\n<p>For the third year on the trot, the black and yellow brand of <strong>WWE<\/strong> will be entertaining the masses of music fans which will descend on the race track for the <strong>Download<\/strong> weekend.<\/p>\n<p>Last year the interlinking between music and <strong>WWE NXT<\/strong> was a lot more obvious with a stage run in of WWE UK Champion Pete Dunne on Junior\u2019s Mark Andrews, while his band were playing.<\/p>\n<p>This year there is a more of a UK flavour as <strong>Download<\/strong> will play host to a number of qualifying matches for the upcoming UK tournament.\u00a0With many of us here at <strong>Already Heard<\/strong> having a passion for \u2018the graps,\u2019 we thought we would once again check out some of the names you need to check out at <strong>Download<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h2><strong><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-64398\" src=\"https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Aleister_Black_protitle-40051109702fc64674f77e91243b3131-300x212.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"212\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Aleister_Black_protitle-40051109702fc64674f77e91243b3131-300x212.png 300w, https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Aleister_Black_protitle-40051109702fc64674f77e91243b3131-600x424.png 600w, https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Aleister_Black_protitle-40051109702fc64674f77e91243b3131-768x543.png 768w, https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Aleister_Black_protitle-40051109702fc64674f77e91243b3131-465x329.png 465w, https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Aleister_Black_protitle-40051109702fc64674f77e91243b3131-695x491.png 695w, https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Aleister_Black_protitle-40051109702fc64674f77e91243b3131.png 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>Aleister Black<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>The current NXT champion was a relatively new face to the brand last time out at Download, but with his spinning-heel kick knocking out opponent after opponent he soon became a fan favourite and made a quick rise up the rankings.<\/p>\n<p>With total composure and masterful precision to his striking ability, blink and you will miss him taking someone\u2019s head off with his \u2018Black-mass\u2019 kick.<\/p>\n<p>A man who has a darker side to his persona, Black will be right at home among the metalheads of <strong>Download<\/strong>, and having the vocalist of hardcore band Incendiary barking him to the ring, as well as having Code Orange play him to the ring, Black will surely make more fans at the heavy metal weekender.<\/p>\n<p><iframe title=\"Code Orange and Incendiary play a headbanging rendition of Black\u2019s Entrance theme\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Go-aQxz1lJ4?feature=oembed&#038;enablejsapi=1&#038;origin=https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><strong><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-64397\" src=\"https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Adam_Cole_protitle-516c6da48a4de1738f5023604de5a1ae-300x212.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"212\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Adam_Cole_protitle-516c6da48a4de1738f5023604de5a1ae-300x212.png 300w, https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Adam_Cole_protitle-516c6da48a4de1738f5023604de5a1ae-600x424.png 600w, https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Adam_Cole_protitle-516c6da48a4de1738f5023604de5a1ae-768x543.png 768w, https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Adam_Cole_protitle-516c6da48a4de1738f5023604de5a1ae-465x329.png 465w, https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Adam_Cole_protitle-516c6da48a4de1738f5023604de5a1ae-695x491.png 695w, https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Adam_Cole_protitle-516c6da48a4de1738f5023604de5a1ae.png 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>Adam Cole<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Irreverent, opportunistic and undeniably skilled, <strong>Adam Cole<\/strong> (&#8220;Bay Bay&#8221;) is set to come to <strong>Download<\/strong>. The leader of the Undisputed Era, who have been running rough shot over NXT since they arrived, came into the company with a huge reputation.<\/p>\n<p>Having seen his stock rise wrestling for the likes of Ring of Honor, PWG and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Cole came to the WWE with star quality already attached to him.<\/p>\n<p>Making an unforgettable debut at TakeOver: Brooklyn III, Cole has hit the floor running putting on incredible matches with Black and being crowned the first-ever NXT North America Champion, Cole is renowned for his meticulous in-ring attack, not to mention his exclamatory (and infectious) means of introducing himself.<\/p>\n<p><iframe title=\"Adam Cole makes his NXT debut with a savage superkick on Drew McIntyre: NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn III\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/8YHtnh1Ow7k?feature=oembed&#038;enablejsapi=1&#038;origin=https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><strong><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-64396\" src=\"https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Shayna_Baszler_protitle-5b86c0374fa0edd71ac86ec5e5243ba4-300x212.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"212\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Shayna_Baszler_protitle-5b86c0374fa0edd71ac86ec5e5243ba4-300x212.png 300w, https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Shayna_Baszler_protitle-5b86c0374fa0edd71ac86ec5e5243ba4-600x424.png 600w, https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Shayna_Baszler_protitle-5b86c0374fa0edd71ac86ec5e5243ba4-768x543.png 768w, https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Shayna_Baszler_protitle-5b86c0374fa0edd71ac86ec5e5243ba4-465x329.png 465w, https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Shayna_Baszler_protitle-5b86c0374fa0edd71ac86ec5e5243ba4-695x491.png 695w, https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Shayna_Baszler_protitle-5b86c0374fa0edd71ac86ec5e5243ba4.png 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>Shayna Baszler<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>From the cage to the squared circle is a move many athletes have made, most noticeably as of late Ronda Rousey.\u00a0However, one of Rousey\u2019s MMA compatriots Baszler has been making a lot of noise in NXT since her arrival.<\/p>\n<p>The Queen of Spades brings a time-tested, hybrid form of grappling and hard-hitting strikes to her arsenal.<\/p>\n<p>After vanquishing many a foe inside the octagon, the Submission Magician chose to apply her martial craft to the squared circle. She made her auspicious WWE debut in the inaugural Mae Young Classic, dominating opponents with punishing strikes and suffocating submissions to advance all the way to the tournament final.<\/p>\n<p>However, it would not be until a brutal encounter with former women\u2019s champion Ember Moon that she would taste WWE gold for the first time.<\/p>\n<p><iframe title=\"Shayna Baszler unleashes a ruthless stomp on Ember Moon&#039;s left elbow: NXT TakeOver: Philadelphia\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/andzy72QIVQ?feature=oembed&#038;enablejsapi=1&#038;origin=https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><strong><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-64400\" src=\"https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Velveteen_Dream_Pro-0810cc9f46105edfda583bd6ce0b8cfa-300x212.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"212\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Velveteen_Dream_Pro-0810cc9f46105edfda583bd6ce0b8cfa-300x212.png 300w, https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Velveteen_Dream_Pro-0810cc9f46105edfda583bd6ce0b8cfa-600x424.png 600w, https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Velveteen_Dream_Pro-0810cc9f46105edfda583bd6ce0b8cfa-768x543.png 768w, https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Velveteen_Dream_Pro-0810cc9f46105edfda583bd6ce0b8cfa-465x329.png 465w, https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Velveteen_Dream_Pro-0810cc9f46105edfda583bd6ce0b8cfa-695x491.png 695w, https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Velveteen_Dream_Pro-0810cc9f46105edfda583bd6ce0b8cfa.png 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>Velveteen Dream<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>At just 22-years-old the Dream \u2013 real name Patrick Clark \u2013 has the charisma and ability of someone twice his age.\u00a0But don\u2019t be fooled by his flamboyant exterior, because once he steps into the ring he is ruthless.<\/p>\n<p>From coming to the ring in frilled trunks and sunglasses or having his own face on his tights there is a reason this young man has such an ego, he has the talent to back it up.\u00a0So, <strong>Download Festival<\/strong> keep your eyes on the sky as a Purple Rainmaker may be dropping on Donnington.<\/p>\n<p><iframe title=\"The Velveteen Dream Experience now includes an entourage: NXT TakeOver: Philadelphia\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/8XeNpCJ-tXo?feature=oembed&#038;enablejsapi=1&#038;origin=https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><strong><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-64401\" src=\"https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Kairi_Sane_pro-27cbd15dbf970a17d9769e24966b47a5-300x212.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"212\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Kairi_Sane_pro-27cbd15dbf970a17d9769e24966b47a5-300x212.png 300w, https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Kairi_Sane_pro-27cbd15dbf970a17d9769e24966b47a5-600x424.png 600w, https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Kairi_Sane_pro-27cbd15dbf970a17d9769e24966b47a5-768x543.png 768w, https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Kairi_Sane_pro-27cbd15dbf970a17d9769e24966b47a5-465x329.png 465w, https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Kairi_Sane_pro-27cbd15dbf970a17d9769e24966b47a5-695x491.png 695w, https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Kairi_Sane_pro-27cbd15dbf970a17d9769e24966b47a5.png 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>Kairi Sane<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>The inaugural winner of the Mae Young Classic is one of many exciting talents currently on the WWE books from the land of the rising sun.<\/p>\n<p>The pirate princess is a prolific athlete having a laundry list of championships procured in the Japanese women\u2019s promotion Stardom as well as being an Olympic hopeful in yachting.<\/p>\n<p>Sane burst onto the WWE scene during the Mae Young tournament with a career-defining victory against current NXT women\u2019s champion Shayna Baszler in the finale, having seen off 31 other competitors.<\/p>\n<p>As well as being a stiff striker, it is Sane\u2019s insane elbow which sees the pirate princess soar through the air which is a site to behold.<\/p>\n<p><iframe title=\"Kairi Sane is presented the Mae Young Classic trophy: Mae Young Classic Finale, Sept. 12, 2017\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/DMenMNdTYWQ?feature=oembed&#038;enablejsapi=1&#038;origin=https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><strong><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-64402\" src=\"https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Ricochet_Pro-807b711c7c2f222ab0651b2e4dde4ac3-300x212.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"212\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Ricochet_Pro-807b711c7c2f222ab0651b2e4dde4ac3-300x212.png 300w, https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Ricochet_Pro-807b711c7c2f222ab0651b2e4dde4ac3-600x424.png 600w, https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Ricochet_Pro-807b711c7c2f222ab0651b2e4dde4ac3-768x543.png 768w, https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Ricochet_Pro-807b711c7c2f222ab0651b2e4dde4ac3-465x329.png 465w, https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Ricochet_Pro-807b711c7c2f222ab0651b2e4dde4ac3-695x491.png 695w, https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Ricochet_Pro-807b711c7c2f222ab0651b2e4dde4ac3.png 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>Ricochet<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Known as the One and Only, <a href=\"https:\/\/giphy.com\/gifs\/youDJnS4SEvg4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Ricochet<\/strong> is a human gif<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>If you have ever seen any wrestling gifs of something which is more akin to ballet, then it is more than likely to be <strong>Ricochet<\/strong> that you are watching.\u00a0Like Adam Cole, the high-flyer has had an extensive career on the independent circuit and it was this his reputation that led him to land in NXT.<\/p>\n<p>In his short tenure with the WWE brand, he has already displayed why he is the One and Only doing things which look like they are not humanly possible.<\/p>\n<p><iframe title=\"Ricochet vs. Velveteen Dream: WWE NXT, May 16, 2018\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/hfx1w1LpZHQ?feature=oembed&#038;enablejsapi=1&#038;origin=https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><strong><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-64399\" src=\"https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Pete-Dunne-300x212.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"212\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Pete-Dunne-300x212.png 300w, https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Pete-Dunne-600x424.png 600w, https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Pete-Dunne-768x543.png 768w, https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Pete-Dunne-465x329.png 465w, https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Pete-Dunne-695x491.png 695w, https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Pete-Dunne.png 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>Pete Dunne <\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>For more than a year the man from the Midlands has held the WWE UK title \u2013 the second longest title reign behind Brock Lesnar.<\/p>\n<p>In the past two year\u2019s Dunne has gone from UK indie start to household name and the chants of &#8220;Briuserweight&#8221; can be heard worldwide. Dunne along with his British Stong Style stablemate, Tyler Bate, put on NXT\u2019s match of the year last year, which is a testament to the duo and how hot the UK scene is.<\/p>\n<p>Dunne\u2019s stock has risen even more so in the last six months being embroiled in a storyline with the Undisputed Era, with will culminate when WWE comes to the Royal Albert Hall.\u00a0One thing is for certain, Dunne will make sure it is a bitter end for his opponent.<\/p>\n<p><iframe title=\"Pete Dunne vs. Adam Cole - WWE United Kingdom Championship Match: WWE NXT, March 14, 2018\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/KQpkBGWKzkg?feature=oembed&#038;enablejsapi=1&#038;origin=https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><strong><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-64404\" src=\"https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Ligero-300x169.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"169\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Ligero-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Ligero-600x338.jpg 600w, https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Ligero-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Ligero-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Ligero-465x262.jpg 465w, https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Ligero-695x391.jpg 695w, https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Ligero.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>El Ligero <\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Don\u2019t be fooled by the horns, the English-based luchador is one of the hardest working wrestlers in the UK right now.\u00a0Having clocked up more than 2,000 matches in his career the man from Mexico via Leeds is one of the most loved by not just fans but his peers as well.<\/p>\n<p>As part of the second WWE UK tournament, Ligero may be a relative unknown to many spectators, but his hybrid style of luchador and British-catch wrestling means he is a man not to be underestimated at all and he is by no means there just to make up the numbers.<\/p>\n<p>https:\/\/youtu.be\/8LC88YYX4Q4<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><strong><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-64403\" src=\"https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/travisbanks-300x169.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"169\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/travisbanks-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/travisbanks-600x338.jpg 600w, https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/travisbanks-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/travisbanks-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/travisbanks-465x262.jpg 465w, https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/travisbanks-695x391.jpg 695w, https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/travisbanks.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>Travis Banks <\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>The current PROGRESS Wrestling World Champion is maybe one of the most intense competitors set to take part in this year\u2019s UK tournament.<\/p>\n<p>The &#8220;Kiwi Buzzsaw&#8221; may seem like an odd inclusion for a tournament which celebrates UK talent, however, the British Ilse has become his second home and he has very much become one of our own.<\/p>\n<p>Known as &#8220;terminator Trav&#8221;, Banks has built a reputation of pulling out wins when it seems like he is down and out.\u00a0Having claimed victory over Pete Dunne to be crowned the PROGRESS champion, many a predicting the two to face off once more but this time for WWE gold.<\/p>\n<p>https:\/\/youtu.be\/FTHIsg97Jfs<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><strong><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-64406\" src=\"https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/20180516_UK_ZackGibson-525621ebecacfebf4deabe968868659a-300x169.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"169\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/20180516_UK_ZackGibson-525621ebecacfebf4deabe968868659a-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/20180516_UK_ZackGibson-525621ebecacfebf4deabe968868659a-600x338.jpg 600w, https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/20180516_UK_ZackGibson-525621ebecacfebf4deabe968868659a-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/20180516_UK_ZackGibson-525621ebecacfebf4deabe968868659a-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/20180516_UK_ZackGibson-525621ebecacfebf4deabe968868659a-465x262.jpg 465w, https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/20180516_UK_ZackGibson-525621ebecacfebf4deabe968868659a-695x391.jpg 695w, https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/20180516_UK_ZackGibson-525621ebecacfebf4deabe968868659a.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>Zack Gibson<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>If the fans at Download want to have their weekend of fun ruined look no further than Liverpool\u2019s Number One &#8211; <strong>Zack Gibson<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>One-half of the PROGRESS tag-team champions with James Drake, Gibson\u2019s presence alone can change the atmosphere of a room.\u00a0And if he isn\u2019t happy about something you are guaranteed that he will tell you about it whether you want to hear about it or not.<\/p>\n<p><iframe title=\"Zack Gibson cares about recognition, not &quot;internet dweebs&quot;\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/SrbKE1S0slw?feature=oembed&#038;enablejsapi=1&#038;origin=https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>Words by Tim Birkbeck (<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/tim_birkbeck\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">@tim_birkbeck<\/a>). Photo Credit: WWE.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>WWE NXT @ Download Festival 2018 Schedule:<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Friday 9th June<br \/>\n<\/strong>Early show: 1:30pm \u2013 3:00pm (90mins)<br \/>\nLate signing: 4:00pm \u2013 5:00pm (60mins)<br \/>\nLate show: 5:30pm \u2013 7:00pm (90mins)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Saturday 10th June<br \/>\n<\/strong>Early signing: 12:00pm \u2013 13:00pm (60mins)<br \/>\nEarly show: 1:30pm \u2013 3:00pm (90mins)<br \/>\nLate signing: 4:00pm \u2013 5:00pm (60mins)<br \/>\nLate show: 5:30pm \u2013 7:00pm (90mins)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Sunday 11th June<br \/>\n<\/strong>Early signing: 12:00pm \u2013 13:00pm (60mins)<br \/>\nEarly show: 1:30pm \u2013 3:00pm (90mins)<br \/>\nLate signing: 4:00pm \u2013 5:00pm (60mins)<br \/>\nLate show: 5:30pm \u2013 7:00pm (90mins)<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-59880\" src=\"https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/DL18_4408_Web_Poster_1000px-900x1260-731x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"731\" height=\"1024\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/DL18_4408_Web_Poster_1000px-900x1260-731x1024.jpg 731w, https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/DL18_4408_Web_Poster_1000px-900x1260-600x840.jpg 600w, https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/DL18_4408_Web_Poster_1000px-900x1260-214x300.jpg 214w, https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/DL18_4408_Web_Poster_1000px-900x1260-768x1075.jpg 768w, https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/DL18_4408_Web_Poster_1000px-900x1260-393x550.jpg 393w, https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/DL18_4408_Web_Poster_1000px-900x1260-357x500.jpg 357w, https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/DL18_4408_Web_Poster_1000px-900x1260.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 731px) 100vw, 731px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Download Festival<\/strong>\u00a02018\u00a0takes place at Donington Park from 8th \u2013 10th June.<\/p>\n<p>Tickets are available\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/downloadfestival.co.uk\/tickets\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><i>View more of <strong>Already Heard<\/strong>\u2019s <strong>Download Festival<\/strong> 2018 coverage\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/download-festival-2018\/\">here<\/a>.<\/i><\/p>\n<p><strong>Download Festival<\/strong>\u00a0links:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/downloadfestival.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Website<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/downloadfest\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Facebook<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/DownloadFest\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Twitter<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/downloadfest\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Instagram<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/user\/downloadfestivaluk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">YouTube<\/a><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><em>If you have enjoyed reading this article and would like to help us produce more content and promote more great new music, please consider donating to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.patreon.com\/alreadyheard\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">our Patreon page<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As the black and yellow brand of WWE returns to Donington for a third time, we check out some of names you need to know from NXT!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16,"featured_media":64407,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[15420,2329],"tags":[15441,1601,15172,15446,15444,1596,15445,15442,15023,15447,15443,1592,3435,15448],"class_list":["post-64296","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-download-festival-2018","category-features","tag-adam-cole","tag-aleister-black","tag-download-festival-2018","tag-el-ligero","tag-kairi-sane","tag-pete-dunne","tag-ricochet","tag-shayna-baszler","tag-tim-birkbeck","tag-travis-banks","tag-velveteen-dream","tag-wwe","tag-wwe-nxt","tag-zack-gibson"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.7 - 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