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Pete Dunne: WWE good for independent scene

Pete Dunne, known as the 'Bruiserweight' by fans, is determined to fly the flag for British wrestlers in WWE.
Image: Pete Dunne, known as the 'Bruiserweight' by fans, is determined to fly the flag for British wrestlers in WWE.

Pete Dunne has defended WWE's increasing partnerships with independent promotions despite criticism from some fans.

Speaking to Sky Sports, the WWE UK Champion insists it is a 'good thing' for domestic events to have the backing of sports entertainment's largest company as it boosts UK talent around the world.

"It's best for WWE", Dunne told us as he prepares to defend his title in a non-WWE event at ICW's "Shug's Hoose Party 4" tonight in Glasgow.

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Wolfgang and BT Gunn face Dunne and his ally Trent Seven tonight after the battle to become the No.1 contender became complicated.

"It's not an attempt to destroy the independent scene, it's a great feeder system for WWE. Opportunities like this aren't just great for us, they're great for everyone. It's only natural to see more of this in the future."

Dunne takes on Trent Seven, Wolfgang and BT Gunn in a Fatal 4-Way match after what has been a stellar rise for the 23-year old from Birmingham.

He was spotted at an event in Mansfield by NXT general manager William Regal a year ago and since then has gone on to star in the inaugural WWE UK Championship Tournament, finishing runner-up to close friend Tyler Bate.

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The highlight, however, was winning the title at NXT Takeover: Chicago in a classic match against Bate that has topped WWE's match of the year rankings.

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"It's been mental. I've ticked off a lot of goals already, there are too many to mention. In a few months I've taped shows, been on tours, held a WWE title and now it's full circle and I get to show what the independents can do.

"At Takeover we felt a lot of pressure to show what the UK scene is capable of. We assumed we were unknown, went to kill it and our goal was to be so good it increases the pressure for a UK show. We want it, fans want it and we feel we helped with that."

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Dunne made headlines for attacking rival Mark Andrews while he was performing at Download Festival back in June.

Dunne is clearly passionate about helping more British talent get recognition and wants to help create a pathway from independent wrestling to the big leagues.

"I'm taking it every day as it comes but I want to build a real UK scene. I'll continue to develop and have storylines in Progress Wrestling and others like ICW.

"But of course, eventually I'd like to be a WWE main roster talent, be on NXT, get to a Wrestlemania and compete for the world titles while representing the UK scene."

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A new weekly show is being discussed by WWE, which could see the likes of Dunne and his fellow West Midlanders Seven, who's from Wolverhampton, and Bate, born in Dudley, get a chance to fulfil their dream.

But at the moment Dunne's just pleased to be making such an impression with people he's known for so long.

"I do get a sense of pride from the West Midlands, it's great to come through with Trent and Tyler who are also from the area.

"We're really proud of British wrestling, now everyone can be proud too. We're pleased we've created such a buzz about a UK show."

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