As predicted, the first of seemingly two UK specials has appeared on the WWE Network’s schedule for next week. To be precise, “UK Championship Special” (as it’s so eloquently titled) is set to air on Thursday, May 18th at 8 PM EST. While you’ll find no specific spoilers here, stars from the cruiserweight division are set to star alongside the homegrown British talent.

Also of note is the return of Jim Ross to the commentary table, who will be recording his lines at WWE Studios alongside Nigel McGuinness.

Of course, the fact that this special is set to air so close to NXT TakeOver: Chicago, where a UK Championship match is set to take place, raises the question of what WWE have planned. The main focus of the two Norwich shows was to set up that same Championship match, so WWE would obviously want to get the important matches aired before the NXT event. Does that mean we’re going to get an amalgamation of the two events? Considering the wording on the schedule, things seem to be leaning that way. After all, it’s not like this special has a “Night One” suffix.

Finally, the fact that this show is categorised as a “special” effectively confirms that the much hyped weekly series isn’t quite ready to get off the ground just yet and the reported monthly tapings don’t seem to be locked in. WWE seem to be being very cautious with this project. Almost certainly due to the increased cost involved.

What do you think? Are you excited for this special? Are you frustrated at the lack of progress on a weekly show or do you see this as a solid next step towards that goal? Let us know in the comment section below!