Lash Legend was dominant in her debut. Legend (real name Anriel Howard) is a former basketball player who played for Mississippi State and Texas A&M in college and was drafted by the WNBA’s Seattle Storm. She’s hosted her “Lashing Out With Legend” talk show on NXT but had her first match here.
I think this was the tenth 75/25 squash this month on 205 Live.
Legend opened the match with dominance, hitting Miller with uncontested moves before trying for mocking pinfalls. Even in dire straits, Miller taunted Legend. Miller finally sidestepped Legend late in the match and connected with an offensive… thing. Legend didn’t let this last, however, as she grabbed Miller, slamming her into the ropes before dropping her.
Andre Chase defeated Guru Raaj
I don’t think I’ll ever rewatch this one. Not that it was insufferable, I just doubt I’ll remember it happened this time next week.
Andre Chase now has a “student of the week,” and he has a flag.
Guru Raaj and Chase proved to be on equal footing early in the match. Just as Raaj was gaining some leverage, Chase grabbed the hair of Raaj to drop him. Chase followed up by leading a “CHASE U” chant.
Raaj ducked a lariat to open Chase up for significant striking, and a bulldog left Raaj with a near fall.
Chase ducked a kick to work his way back into control. He then connected with a giant boot and hammerlock DDT to close the match.
Solo Sikoa defeated Malik Blade
This was a tedious watch. There was nothing substantive in this one to sink your teeth into.
Malik Blade took Solo Sikoa to the mat, working the arm, following the opening bell. Sikoa eventually overpowered Blade, only for Blade to gain a headlock moments later. Thankfully, Sikoa hit a shoulder tackle to begin his first offense. Sikoa then took Blade to the mat.
Late in the match, Blade started a rally with a series of dropkicks and a superkick. A dropkick from the top left Blade with a near fall. Blade climbed to the top again, but he was caught by a Sikoa kick this time. Sikoa then hit Blade with a spinning thumb strike to close the match.
This match was not great. Miller’s ring work was weak, both while she was on the offensive and while selling.
Seeing Sareee, now Sarray, brought a smile to my face. An A-List freelancer while in Japan, Sarray should be can’t miss for WWE. Now to figure out why she is on 205 Live.
The match started with Sarray taking control of the arm. Miller rolled around, trying to free herself from Sarray. Eventually she succeeded, connecting with a clothesline before taking the match to the mat. From this point on, Miller had a strong, if unsuspected, stint of offense.
Sarray connected with a kick, sending Miller into the ropes. A dropkick to Miller left her prone. Sarray succeeded in the following pin attempt, leaving her with a victory on her 205 Live debut.
The Creed Brothers (Julius & Brutus Creed) defeated Demetri Jackson & Andrew Longheart
The Creed Brothers, legitimate amateur wrestlers with stellar backgrounds who are part of Diamond Mine, put on a strong display. After crushing their opponents for a couple minutes, Brutus secured the pin.
Not a bad squash, but not an outstanding one either.
Malcolm Bivens cut a promo after the match hyping up the Creed Brothers and Diamond Mine. He challenged anyone on the WWE roster on their behalf.
Grayson Waller defeated Trey Baxter
This, just like everything else on tonight’s card, was fine at best. Almost inoffensive to a point of offense.
After a flip and roll filled opening sequence, a rana from Baxter opened up Waller for an offensive sequence. A backbreaker put a pause to Baxter’s early lead.
Waller’s offense was longer-lived than Baxter’s. After an elbow drop, Waller took the match to the mat.
Baxter rolled through what seemed like a piledriver attempt, landing a DDT. This, again, allowed Baxter to connect with a flurry of offense, punctuated with a pair of beautiful dives, one outside and one in. Waller kicked out of the pin attempt that followed. This marked the end of Baxter’s offense, however, as Waller connected with his finish following a moment of separation to abruptly close the match.
Before today, I don’t believe I’ve seen Miller or Jade wrestle. They had a fine enough match in typical 205 Live fashion. Will I remember it happening this time next week? Probably not.
The match opened with a back-and-forth exchange that lasted some time. As the match entered its midpoint, the trading continued with more impactful maneuvers. The match pacing changed as Miller connected with substantial offense for the first time. Jade escaped from the first actual stint of offense and began to rally.
The comeback lasted for a while, but came to an unexpected end after Miller freed herself from a fireman’s carry and delivered a devastating knee strike. The knee proved to be enough to close the match.
Joe Gacy defeated Josh Briggs
The cruiserweight brand’s heavyweight division carries on with a Briggs/Gacy rematch. As they did last time, both Biggs and Gacy let their size shine through. This match was very entertaining.
The match opened with Gacy forcing Briggs into the corner and unloading with heavy strikes. A forearm strike from Gacy seemingly left Briggs rocked, but Briggs responded with one of his own that left Gacy desperate. Now in control, Briggs landed big move after big move.
Briggs slowed the match by taking things to the mat with a chinlock. Gacy slowly fought to his feet, winning an old-school test of strength. Briggs stopped Gacy by flattening him with a shoulder tackle. After a whip into the ropes, Gacy hit a tackle of his own. Gacy connected with a belly-to-back suplex, followed by clubbing strikes against the ropes. A belly-to-belly from Gacy followed immediately by a crossface nearly left Gacy with victory.
Gacy grew frustrated after the crossface failed to win him the match. He stomped and clubbed at Briggs, only for Briggs to connect with a world-shaking boot after being gifted a second of space. Gacy kicked out.
Briggs sent Gacy back into the ropes; this time, Gacy came out with a ravishing handspring lariat. Gacy then pinned Briggs in full mount.
Xyon Quinn defeated Andre Chase
This match was all Quinn. He has an impressive look about him, no doubt. As for his future, only time will tell.
The match opened with a back and forth, but Quinn’s power left him with early control. The former pro rugby player tossed Chase around as if it was nothing. With a premature end in sight, Chase saved himself by sidestepping a spear, sending Quinn into the turnbuckle post.
Chase connected with a lot of quick moves over an extended period. Quinn’s power shined through once more as he won a strike exchange, closed with a Samoan drop.
Quinn hoisted Chase onto his shoulders and hit a neckbreaker to complete a quick match.
Mansoor and Ashante “Thee” Adonis defeated Samir Singh and Chase Parker
Bolly-Rise made their in-ring return, this time with the pairing of Samir Singh and Chase Parker.
Singh and Mansoor started the match in typical fashion. After some light offense favoring Mansoor, Parker and Adonis subbed in. Adonis and Parker traded some light offense of their own before Adonis was lured into the Bolly-Rise corner, allowing Singh to steal control. Parker and Singh traded tags, picking apart Adonis in the process.
Adonis fought for and eventually succeeded in tagging in Mansoor. Mansoor connected with multiple atomic drops on both of his opponents, but Parker and Singh proved to be too much in tandem. Singh landed an elbow drop for a near fall.
Parker and Singh set up for a double team maneuver before being interrupted by Adonis; this allowed Mansoor to connect with a falcon arrow. After a brief four-man brawl, Adonis hit a superkick and Singh and pinned him.
Mansoor remains undefeated as Bolly-Rises continues to be winless. This was an inoffensive match. Nothing special about it, but it wasn’t bad.
Jake Atlas defeated Tony Nese
Immediately following the opening bell, the music of Ariya Daivari played and out walked Daivari. Nese took advantage of this distraction, clubbing Atlas. Nese maintained his newfound control with a variety of strikes.
Time after time, Atlas gained some separation, only to lose it. Atlas finally fought Nese to the floor and connected with a moonsault. Back in the ring, Atlas connected with a lariat, which resulted in a near fall.
Nese stopped Atlas from following up by grabbing his hair. Nese used his fist full of locks to deliver a running hotshot followed by a moonsault. Atlas kicked out of the pin attempt that followed.
Atlas fought free from a suplex to buy separation. Atlas landed big move after big move before trying for pins resulting in near falls; this prompted Daivari to toss his chain into the ring behind the referee’s back. Before Nese could act, August Grey ran out from the back and grabbed the chain. In the chaos, Atlas rolled Nese up for the win.
There isn’t a lot to say about this match. Even with the interference, it felt by the numbers. Again, not bad per se, just plain.
Jack Gallagher proved to be an essential player in 205 Live.
Show Recap —
Captain’s Challenge match: Team NXT (Isaiah “Swerve” Scott, Tyler Breeze, Danny Burch, Oney Lorcan & Kushida) defeated 205 Live originals (Ariya Daivari, Brian Kendrick, Tony Nese, Mike Kanellis & Jack Gallagher w/ The Singh Brothers)
205 Live’s only match this week was held in the attendee-free WWE Performance Center. As the two teams entered the empty gym it became evident the unique setting would be an added element of intrigue for this long-built match.
After team 205 had already entered the ring, the four announced members of team NXT stood at the top of the entranceway. A brief note was made by the announce team reminding viewers that team 205’s Jack Gallagher had violently removed Lio Rush from team NXT’s leadership role during Gallagher’s return two weeks ago. Kushida’s music hit and he was revealed to be the replacement for Rush.
The match began with Kushida standing opposite of team 205’s captain, Tony Nese. The two entered an all too typical slow chain grappling opening sequence in what is intended to be a heated blow-off match.
After Nese was shown up in the opening moments of the match, he tagged in Mike Kanellis. Kushida maintained the advantage for his team and tagged Danny Burch, who with aid from Oney Lorcan double-teamed Kanellis. Kanellis was able to escape and make a tag back to Nese, making Nese the legal man now standing across from Burch.
Burch and Nese made their way to the outside for seemingly no reason. Once outside, the Singh brothers acted as a momentary distraction. Burch was not thrown off in the slightest by the Singhs and reentered the ring within seconds.
Burch gracefully transitioned an attempted move from Nese into a crossface in the center of the ring. The submission attempt was interrupted by Kanellis, which initiated a brawl.
The chaos created by the brawl distracted the referee. This gave the Singh brothers an opportunity to interfere, this time with actual repercussions. Both Singhs entered the ring and were laid out by Burch. Burch, with his back turned, was blindsided by Nese, who then immediately eliminated Burch to give team 205 the numbers advantage.
Tyler Breeze then entered the ring as a legal competitor for the first time. Nese proceeded to dominate Breeze. Gallagher tagged himself in to act as a sign of disorder in team 205.
Gallagher wasted no time. He attacked an already down Breeze, who showed a small amount of fight. Gallagher scored a quick pin, leaving team 205 with a two-man (not including the Singh Brothers) advantage.
Lorcan entered the ring to replace his eliminated teammate. Gallagher held the head of Lorcan and tempted Nese with a tag. Nese was not entertained by Gallagher’s games and tagged himself in — only to be immediately eliminated by Lorcan.
Gallagher and Kanellis both opted to replace their fallen team captain, which led to them arguing. Kanellis won out and Gallagher returned to the apron. This resulted in the eliminated Nese attacking Gallagher, his own teammate. Gallagher then superkicked Nese and punched an onlooking Kanellis. Lorcan rolled up Kanellis to even the numbers.
Brian Kendrick and Ariya Daivari double-teamed Lorcan in the ring. This slowed the match to a crawl and set up a hot tag. Isaiah Scott entered for the first time and sped the match up once again.
All three remaining members of team 205 tried their hand at hindering Scott’s momentum but failed. Scott rolled Daivari up and eliminated him. No more than two seconds later, he did the same to Kendrick.
An enraged Daivari and Kendrick brutalized Scott following their elimination from the match. The last remaining member of team 205, Gallagher, was left with three opponents to face. Even after the attack from Daivari and Kendrick, Scott was able to make the tag to Lorcan, who was then eliminated by Gallagher.
Gallagher followed this elimination by diving from the top rope to the outside, taking out Scott. Gallagher then drove Kushida into the barricade and rolled him into the ring. Kushida fought from his disadvantaged position and landed a devastating forearm to the face of Gallagher. Scott and Kushida then delivered a double enzuigiri. Kushida followed up with an armbar for the submission victory.
Final Thoughts —
Though the match started slow, it picked up in the final stretch. In hindsight, it felt less like a grudge match between rival brands and more like a showcase for Jack Gallagher. Even in defeat, Gallagher looked nearly superhuman as he took on both teams in the match and still lasted till the bitter end.
Gallagher is seemingly being set up for a match with Nese. It wouldn’t be a surprise if he has to go through Kanellis first, however.
After a recap of the issues between Oney Lorcan & Danny Burch and Brian Kendrick & Ariya Daivari, Joaquin Wilde came down to complete silence even with his air horn entrance. Raul Mendoza then entered and slapped hands with the kids to try and make at least some of the fans care about this match.
Wilde’s win over Mendoza from last month was shown, which would seem to indicate a reversal in that role tonight.
Raul Mendoza defeated Joaquin Wilde
They started things off with a knuckle lock flip exchange before Wilde got the better of Mendoza for a standoff. Wilde hit a run-up jumping back elbow from the corner for two. Mendoza recovered and hit a gorgeous springboard missile dropkick that sent Wilde out and resulted in Mendoza landing a somersault dive alongside it.
Wilde sent Mendoza out and hopped on the ring post for a flip dive. Wilde faked out a springboard to cause Mendoza to go for a phantom dropkick before a standing frog splash got two for Wilde. Mendoza sent him down and got two off a Lionsault.
Wilde hit a Codebreaker and went for his wacky pop-up double boot, but Mendoza blocked it and hit a jumping ushigoroshi mid-ring to win.
Mendoza and Wilde are now 50/50, so I’m sure their futures are bright on 205 Live. Mendoza is really good, but he isn’t gaining any traction. Wilde just isn’t working right now. As a worker, he seems worse than in Impact. As an act, he comes off as far less of a star without the flashy light-up gear.
A video from after Lio Rush’s loss to Cruiserweight Champion Jordan Devlin on this week’s NXT aired. Rush was asked if Devlin has the better of him, then Tyler Breeze told him it’s okay to lose and Rush got pissed. Breeze is barely recognizable in regular attire and wasn’t identified by name in the promo.
Breeze came out to face Samir Singh.
Tyler Breeze defeated Samir Singh
Breeze got tied up in the corner, but sent Singh out and hit an Asai moonsault. Singh got a long chinlock before Breeze escaped. Singh went up but ate a kick to the jaw before leaping into a Supermodel Kick for the win.
Breeze left and just pointed in the air like a generic babyface from 1986. He needs to get his post-match character work over just like his pre-match. There, he comes across as something like a star and not just a guy on the roster.
A Tony Nese tweet hyping up his team with Mike Kanellis was shown. A 10-man tag team elimination match between 205 originals and cruiserweights from NXT is set for next week. Nese and Lio Rush are the captains.
Oney Lorcan & Danny Burch defeated Ariya Daivari & Brian Kendrick in a no DQ match
As the heels came down, everyone brawled on the ramp and then around ringside. Daivari got chucked head-first into a chair. Burch hit a dropkick and went for a kip-up, but he slipped and then just threw his fingers up to save it a bit.
They grabbed tables and tried to send Daivari through, but Kendrick made the save and gave Burch a Death Valley Driver through the table off the apron. Daivari grabbed a ladder, but Burch chucked Daivari face-first into it. Kendrick gave Burch a Russian leg sweep off of the ladder and they were both down, so that was a pretty stupid thing to do.
Daivari set the ladder up in another corner, slowly climbed it, and got two off a splash due to Lorcan breaking up the pin. Lorcan fired up against Kendrick and man would Lorcan have been great in Memphis in the late ’80s. He has some great babyface fire, but Daivari put that out with a chair to the gut.
Kendrick and Daivari went for a double suplex on a chair, but Burch avoided it, set Kendrick up in the chair after a headbutt, and Lorcan hit a running blockbuster for two.
Lorcan hit a flip dive onto both opponents and then Lorcan and Burch duct taped Kendrick to the buckle. I really like the usage of duct tape as a weapon in WWE — it’s logical and makes more sense than having all manner of random stuff under the ring.
Lorcan and Burch hit a snapshot on Daivari on the announce table, but it didn’t break. That just had to suck. They then hit the move again mid-ring to pin Daivari right in front of Kendrick, who couldn’t break it up due to the duct tape.
This was a great brawl and felt like a fine way to close this rivalry. The episode was pretty fun, although the loss of the Cruiserweight Champion as a regular really hurts. It feels like there’s no end goal to the weekly matches, and that results in a weird latter-day Lucha Underground feeling of purgatory for the roster.
Lorcan and Burch feel like a complete mismatch for WWE right now as they’re pushed on this show, but nothing but enhancement guys elsewhere.
The NXT number one contender’s match from this week was recapped and showcased how good Lio Rush and Angel Garza are. Rush will challenge Jordan Devlin for the Cruiserweight Championship on NXT next week.
Hometown heroes The Singh Brothers entered to a huge reaction in Vancouver. Well, that doesn’t usually bode well on WWE shows. They danced and a giant Bollywood chant broke out. They talked about getting advice from Wayne Gretzky to enjoy this moment and get out of Vancouver and take Bollywood to Hollywood. They then revealed rival hockey jerseys to get heat.
Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch came down to stand up for hockey apparently.
Oney Lorcan & Danny Burch defeated The Singh Brothers
Things started off with a brawl until The Singhs got the advantage with some nice double-team action. They got two off a Russian leg sweep/superkick combo.
The Singhs worked over Lorcan until he fought back with elbows out of the corner and got a chance to make a hot tag. Samir Singh tried to block the tag, but he couldn’t and Burch came in and threw hands.
The Singhs recovered, hit a double superkick, and landed the Bollywood Blast for 2.9 when Lorcan dove in to save the match for his team. Lorcan and Burch hit the Snapshot for the win.
Brian Kendrick and Ariya Daivari distracted Lorcan and Burch after the match, allowing The Singhs to attack Lorcan and Burch from behind. Kendrick and Daivari attacked Lorcan and Burch with chairs and paraded around the ring.
A Joaquin Wilde video package showed off his high-flying offense and got across a bit of his charisma in about 20 seconds. Raul Mendoza also got a highlight video to set up a match between them for next week.
A Lio Rush interview from after NXT aired. Rush said he was signed at 21 because he’s the best cruiserweight in the world, so what Devlin says means nothing. He’s beaten every ace and he’s the king of the cruiserweights.
Kendrick cut a promo and said The Singhs proved him wrong. He assumed they were like any other Canadian and would run like cowards the first chance they got. Kendrick cut an anti-Canada promo before quoting the Mountie’s theme. He said the Singhs are brave and honorable and — as far as he’s concerned — they’re now honorary US citizens.
Daivari said that he and Kendrick are 205 OGs — and that reminds me of Jerry Lynn saying being an ex-ECW Champion and having a dollar was good for a coffee. Kendrick mentioned that he and Daivari are contractually obligated to wrestle tonight. He asked who WWE had lined up for them.
Tony Nese entered and pointed to his abs. I guess he’s a face by proxy here? Mike Kanellis then made his return to WWE television to team with Nese. Nese’s pec bounce to the tune of Kanellis’ theme was tremendous.
Tony Nese & Mike Kanellis defeated Ariya Daivari & Brian Kendrick
After a brawl between the teams at the start, Kendrick tripped up Nese. Daivari got the advantage and insulted Canada.
Kanellis worked over Daivari. Nese’s neck was snapped on the rope before Kendrick came in and slugged away at Nese while Daivari held his arms. Kanellis came in and chopped away at Kendrick before charging in and eating a boot. Kanellis hit a spinebuster for two.
Kendrick distracted the referee so Daivari could throw Kanellis into the barricade. Kendrick locked on a kneebar before Kendrick tagged Daivari in. Daivari prevented a tag by knocking Nese off the apron and then applied a long chinlock.
A double-down off a double lariat opened the door to fresh men coming in. Nese came in and ran into Daivari with a spin kick. Nese sent himself over the top to Kendrick and hit a moonsault to Daivari for two.
Nese and Kanellis hit a combo pumphandle slam/flying knee before Kendrick locked the Captain’s Hook on Kanellis. Daivari got the Million Dollar Dream, but Nese sent him into the pile to break both moves up.
Nese hit a 450 on Daivari, but Kendrick broke the pin up. Daivari hit a frog splash, but Nese kicked out at two.
Kendrick got a pair of chairs and they teased using them while the referee threatened a disqualification. Lorcan and Burch came down bandaged up to stop them — and Nese used the distraction to roll up Daivari. The way Nese & Kanellis won didn’t really help them out much at all.
Burch and Lorcan got retribution on Kendrick and Daivari and laid them out with chairs after the match. Lorcan and Burch celebrated with chairs overhead — and it was announced that they’ll face Kendrick & Daivari in a no DQ match next week.
The presentation of the new NXT Cruiserweight title belt from Saturday was shown, along with Jordan Devlin winning the championship in the fatal four-way match at Worlds Collide.
The capper of “For the first time ever, the NXT Cruiserweight title is in the hands of an NXT UK superstar” wasn’t exactly the “boyhood dream has come true!” of its era, but it was an attempt to make the moment seem important.
Jon Quasto and Aiden English were on commentary this week. Ariya Daivari helping Brian Kendrick defeat Danny Burch last week was shown to set up a rematch between Burch and Kendrick tonight. Tyler Breeze faces Angel Garza in the main event on the road to WrestleMania.
Even with his DJZ-esque air horn in his intro, Joaquin Wilde came out to dead silence.
Joaquin Wilde defeated Raul Mendoza
English talked about Wilde bringing unreal energy, and he did the air horn bit to no reaction. A long headlock by Mendoza led to them fighting over an Irish whip before trading one counts from leg trips.
Mendoza got a “Woo” from the crowd off some corner chops before locking up the arm for a bit. Wilde went up and ate a dropkick to the stomach before a spinning uranage got two. Wilde hit a poison rana, the recoil, and the Wilde Thing ended it.
Everything but the actual finish looked good — just popping a guy up into a pair of boots doesn’t look like it should do much damage.
Danny Burch defeated Brian Kendrick (w/ Ariya Daivari) by DQ
Kendrick stalled on the floor for a while before Burch fought him on the floor and threw him into the steps. He tossed Kendrick into the barricade before Kendrick threw Burch over the announce table, with Burch selling his left knee.
Kendrick worked away on the knee before attacking Burch’s throat on the rope. Daivari tried to get involved, but Burch fought him off and then landed a corner lariat and a high kick.
A missile dropkick got two for Burch. Daivari tried to help Kendrick get the win like last week, but the referee caught him this time. Burch hit a headbutt and locked on a crossface, but Daivari attacked for the disqualification. This actually got a chorus of boos, so that was impressive.
Kendrick ran a chair into the back of Burch’s left knee and went to Pillmanize him until Oney Lorcan returned and ran out with his own steel chair to make the save.
It was announced that NXT Cruiserweight Champion Jordan Devlin will make his 205 Live debut next week.
Angel Garza defeated Tyler Breeze
Garza entered with his right shoulder covered in kinesio tape, which may not be the best thing for him since his shoulder’s been an issue for years.
They fought over a lock-up for a bit before Garza got tackled and Breeze posed. Garza stopped on an Irish whip and teased taking off his tear-away pants, but Breeze hit an enzuigiri to prevent it. Garza faked Breeze out mid-ring and they went back and forth until Garza faked him out on the fakeout, pulled him to the floor, and put the boots to him.
Garza put Breeze in the second rope and booted the stomach for two before hitting a shotgun dropkick. The pants were then off! That got the best reaction of the night, then Garza hit a PK in a tree-of-woe position for two.
Breeze hit a flying forearm and a dropkick from the side before a big corner forearm shot. The Supermodel Kick hit for 2.5. Breeze then went for a kick, but Garza landed a hard knee for two.
Garza hit a dropkick and went up for a moonsault, but Breeze rolled to the other side. They repeated it and Garza attacked before a springboard moonsault met the boots of Breeze. Breeze got a small package for two before the Wing Clipper gave Garza the win and handed Breeze his first loss on 205 Live.
The show opened with highlights from Wednesday’s NXT Cruiserweight title match between Lio Rush and Akira Tozawa.
Tom Phillips and Aiden English then welcomed us to the third anniversary of the 205 Live brand. What a time to be alive.
**********
ARYIYA DAIVARI DEFEATED RAUL MENDOZA
Daivari used a side headlock and hit some chops. Mendoza hit a cartwheel, a leapfrog, then sent Daivari outside, which led to nothing. Back inside, Mendoza hit a tijeras, then a springboard tijeras. Mendoza hit a suicide dive.
Mendoza tried another springboard attack, but Daivari shoved him off the ropes to the floor. Daivari sent Mendoza into the steps, then tossed him back inside. He hit an elbow drop for a near fall, then worked a chinlock.
Mendoza broke free of the chinlock, only to be hip tossed into the buckle. Daivari tried a top rope splash but missed. They exchanged strikes. Mendoza connected with a disaster kick, then a springboard missile dropkick for a near fall.
Daivari dodged a pump kick, then hit a uranage for a two count. Mendoza answered with another disaster kick, then hit a modified black hole slam. Daivari blocked another pump kick and hit a superkick.
The finish saw Mendoza hit two kicks. He tried a uranage, but Daivari blocked, then hit a hammerlock lariat for the pin.
This featured some good action, but if I were putting these matches together I would have suggested picking up the pace. The crowd was dead.
**********
Jack Gallagher cut a selfie promo backstage. He said it’s no secret that he’s been unlucky lately, but he’s here tonight to remind Angel Garza and himself that he’s great. He said if he loses, he doesn’t know what he’ll do.
Garza then cut a promo. He said he doesn’t care what happens to Jack, and that he wants to beat Jack again, “Because everybody knows what Garza gets, what Garza wants.” He said after he’s done with Jack, he wants Lio Rush to stop avoiding him and give him a rematch.
Both promos were actually quite good, but Garza’s verbiage was slightly off.
**********
DANNY BURCH DEFEATED GREG WILLIAMS
This was a squash. Williams was the perfect jobber and took a heck of a beating.
They locked up. Williams hit a slap to the face. Burch answered with a big right hand, then used a headlock takeover. Burch hit a shoulder block. Williams tried a leapfrog, but Burch turned it into a flapjack.
Burch hit a couple of European uppercuts, then a vertical suplex. Williams got a brief spurt of offense with a jaw breaker and some strikes, but Burch responded with a headbutt, a German suplex, then hit the Hangman’s DDT, a draping DDT from the top rope, for the pin.
**********
Tom and Aiden threw to a WWE.com video from Wednesday showing a pull-apart between Lio Rush and Angel Garza.
**********
ANGEL GARZA DEFEATED JACK GALLAGHER
This was good. Garza is super green but also super charismatic. Gallagher is good enough to carry a great match by himself, and worked to that end here.
Gallagher used a headlock takeover. Garza forced a rope break. Frustrated, Garza rolled outside. They repeated this spot twice. Garza offered a handshake. Gallagher refused. Garza punched Gallagher in the face.
Gallagher used a second rope handstand. Gallagher used a crucifix for a two count. Gallagher tried a monkey flip out of the corner, but Garza blocked. Garza hit an enziguri, then took his pants off.
Garza sat Gallagher on the top rope and hit some strikes. He tied Gallagher to the tree of woe, then hit a running knee for a two count. Garza hit a pop-up kick to the chest for another near fall. Garza hit a slingshot suplex, then hit a kick for a near fall. Garza applied a camel clutch, then transitioned to a chinlock.
Gallagher hit an up-kick, beginning a mini-comeback. He hit an Irish whip, a hip toss, then a crossbody for a two count. They traded strikes on the top rope. Garza teased a sunset bomb. Galagher tried a flying attack, but came off the top right into a dropkick.
Garza hit a knee to the ribs for a two count. Garza teased a double underhook suplex. Gallagher blocked, then hit a Gentleman’s Headbutt. Garza responded with a superkick, into a double down.
They traded strikes. Gallagher sold as though he snapped, hitting a flurry. He tried a Gentleman’s Dropkick, but Garza blocked. Garza tried a springboard moonsault, but Gallagher kicked him, catching Garza up in the ropes.
Gallagher hit a missile dropkick with Garza draped in the ropes, then hit a Gentleman’s Dropkick. Gallagher covered, but Garza got a foot on the bottom rope.
Gallagher used a guillotine choke. Garza forced a break by backing Gallagher into the corner. Garza then hit the Wing Clipper for the pin.
After the match, Gallagher took apart the announce table. He threw water at the ref, then threw two chairs at the ref. Two security guards ran down, but Gallagher snapped on them. He sent one into the barricade, then hit a series of strikes on the other.
Drake Maverick and three referees ran down. Maverick threatened to suspend Gallagher. Gallagher gave him a Gentleman’s Headbutt, then walked up the ramp, closing the show.
• Next week’s main event: Buddy Murphy & Tony Nese vs. Mustafa Ali & Cedric Alexander
• The program between Lucha House Party and TJP, Maria & Mike Kanellis will continue into next week after Mike Kanellis’ post-match chair shot angle.
Show Recap —
The episode kicked off with a video package of the Buddy Murphy vs. Mustafa Ali Cruiserweight title match from Survivor Series.
Back at the Staples Center, WWE Cruiserweight Champion Buddy Murphy stood on top of the entrance ramp and cut a promo on the crowd and said he doesn’t need any of their approval because this is “his” 205 Live.
Tony Nese followed Murphy out onto the ramp. Nese had the next match against Noam Dar.
Tony Nese defeated Noam Dar
They played a pre-taped “selfie” promo from Dar. He claimed he is going to “make some noise” in the cruiserweight division and the announce team repeated that, so it sounds like it could become a marketing term for Dar for now.
Nese bullied Dar for a bit. Nigel McGuinness made a Volk Han reference. After Dar did his own version of the Tetsuya Naito Tranquilo taunt, he did a spinning backslide.
Nese did a gutbuster on the floor. He got booed pretty loudly, and it followed with a smattering of cheers down in front for Dar.
Murphy yelled at the announce team and claimed that he and Nese “are the division.”
Nese missed a crossbody block and almost slid out of the ring. Dar made a comeback that consisted of forearms and a Northern Lights suplex.
Dar made a few attempts at using the guillotine choke, which leads me to question why his gimmick is the “Scottish Supernova” at all. Isn’t that, like, the opposite of that?
Murphy distracted Dar towards the end of the match. Nese took advantage and German suplexed Dar into the corner turnbuckle, then used the Running Nese for the win.
Murphy jumped into the ring to celebrate with Nese. He stomped on Dar and booted him from the apron to the floor.
Technically, there was nothing wrong with this match. It was fine. What I did notice from the announce team was that Murphy was the story tonight, and that the two in the ring were the backdrop.
Next up was another selfie promo from Mustafa Ali. He said he didn’t want to forget the pain Murphy gave him at Survivor Series and that he should really thank Murphy for the pain.
The next segment was with Drake Maverick and a referee. Maverick made it clear that he did not want any “shenanigans” during the main event of TJP vs. Gran Metallik, regardless of anything Maria Kanellis said the week prior.
Cedric Alexander swung by and he and Maverick shook hands. Maverick said he had always wanted to see a match between the team of Alexander & Ali against Murphy & Nese. They made it the main event for next week’s 205 Live.
Akira Tozawa & Brian Kendrick defeated an enhancement team
Drew Gulak and Jack Gallagher were interviewed backstage before the match. Gulak said if Kendrick and Tozawa had the gall to challenge them again, they’d tap out.
Tozawa did a Shining Wizard while howling, then he and Kendrick did a few double-team moves. Tozawa got the pin after a Sliced Bread Number Two from Kendrick followed by a diving senton.
The story between these guys is that Tozawa is happy-go-lucky and Kendrick is a stick in the mud, sort of like a diet Team Hell No.
Dasha Fuentes saw Murphy and Nese walking together backstage. She claimed she’d heard that next week’s tag match between Murphy & Nese vs. Ali & Alexander was “already being called the biggest tag team match in 205 Live history.” Murphy cut a promo and then walked away with Nese.
Gran Metalik defeated TJP
They showed a video from an episode three weeks ago where TJP attacked Metalik after the latter’s match.
TJP came out with Maria & Mike Kanellis. The guys wore Lucha House Party’s masks and taunted the group on the ramp, which moments later led to a pull-apart in the aisle. Maverick came out and cleared everyone out so that the match could start. No one was allowed at ringside for this match.
Metalik did a tope con giro and a springboard splash into the ring right after the bell.
TJP did an interesting variation on the sharpshooter, then did a plancha to Metalik onto the floor.
The crowd died in the middle of this. They were somewhat hot during the pull-apart beforehand, but didn’t react much when TJP was on the offensive, which lasted much of the match itself.
Metalik did an absolutely insane diving frankensteiner from the ring to the floor, Dragon Lee style, just more seamless looking. Compared to the rest of the submission wrestlers on the scene today, TJP’s submission offense looks haphazard and phony.
TJP stole a piñata from Lucha House Party and went to hit Metalik with it. TJP went for a standing frankensteiner, but Metalik rolled through into a sunset flip pin for the victory.
Gran Metalik was, like always, impressive. The match was fine, but with piñatas and extra masks as the stakes there wasn’t much urgency.
Maria Kanellis came out with a mic and was screaming “How could you?! I have a family!” at Maverick. It was a distraction so that Mike Kanellis could attack Lucha House Party from behind with a chair.
Maria’s screaming was notably intense. The show ended with the Lucha House Party in the ring, beaten, while the Kanellis’ and TJP celebrated their sneak attack.
Drake Maverick thanked Mustafa Ali and Hideo Itami for having a fantastic falls count anywhere match last week, with WWE showcasing Ali’s big win.
Brian Kendrick faces Jack Gallagher in tonight’s opener, and we got Saturday Night’s Main Event-esque promos from both before Maverick called them two cunning wrestlers. The main event features Mustafa Ali facing Tony Nese in a number one contender’s match.
Gallagher came out to face Kendrick, who showed no fear with Drew Gulak being out there on commentary.
Brian Kendrick defeated Jack Gallagher
Gallagher slapped Kendrick, who responded with a series of forearm shots. Kendrick landed a baseball slide and talked smack before the distraction allowed Gallagher to attack. Gallagher worked Kendrick over with a variety of strikes and holds before getting two off an elbow drop.
Gallagher thrust kicked Kendrick in the jaw before Kendrick demanded more. Kendrick responded with big forearms and a calf kick for two. Kendrick got the Captain’s Hook, but Gallagher made it to the ropes. Gallagher snapped Kendrick’s neck on the rope and got a rear naked choke on, but Kendrick made it to the ropes.
Gallagher avoided a Sliced Bread but ate a superkick. Gulak went to attack Kendrick, but Akira Tozawa made the save and Sliced Bread won it for Kendrick.
Maverick and Cedric Alexander met. After a 180-day reign as champion, Alexander wondered why he doesn’t get the first title shot against Buddy Murphy. Maverick told Alexander he will give him his rematch — but only when he feels he’s ready since he’s on a losing streak and needs to be at a championship level to make the most of the chance.
Maverick remains the best GM act in all of wrestling, and Alexander bought the argument and seemingly had no problem with it.
Gran Metalik defeated an enhancement wrestler
Metalik flipped around a bit to start before hitting a big overhand chop. He landed a rope-walk elbow to win quickly. After the match, TJP jumped Metalik and took his mask off.
Murphy hyped up Nese before he was asked about a meeting with Maverick. Murphy said that next week’s show will involve the United Kingdom division, and he wants to face Mark Andrews.
Ali got taped up backstage in the trainer’s room.
Backstage, Maria Kanellis told Dasha Fuentes to leave because she’s better at the job, and she asked Mike Kanellis what it’s like to be the best cruiserweight on the show. TJP interrupted and Maria said she can tell he’s begging for help — and that’s fine. They are open to negotiating business.
Mustafa Ali defeated Tony Nese in a number one contender’s match
Nese attacked Ali’s ribs to start and landed some quick kicks before Ali rebounded. Ali flew off the ropes and messed up a leapfrog in a way that thankfully didn’t damage the one leg he came down on before getting a running rana. Nese bailed and ate a dropkick and a plancha — however, Nese grabbed Ali and gave him a fallaway slam on the metal ramp.
Nese kicked away at Ali’s ribs and locked on a reverse bear hug and a knee to the gut. Ali got a desperation schoolboy for two, but Nese got a near fall off a Northern Lights suplex. Nese locked on a bodyscissors before drilling him with a spinning heel kick to the ribs.
Nese talked smack up top, but he got pulled down and hit his head on the buckle. Nese recovered and hit a Randy Savage neck snap before missing a moonsault. Ali mustered up whatever strength he had left and landed a sunset flip into a Liger Bomb. Ali sent him over the top with a lariat and dove onto him with a huge flip. A crossbody hit, but Ali couldn’t get the cover right away and only got two.
Ali landed a series of superkicks, including one to the back of the head for 2.5. Ali hit a huge DDT for two and went up top, but Nese hit a big uppercut. Nese landed the big Dean Malenko super gutbuster for two and stomped away on Ali’s ribs in the corner. He tore at the tape before punting the ribs in a blind rage. The referee told Nese to stop — and Ali cradled Nese to win.
Nese went to attack Ali, but Alexander came down and ran Nese off. Alexander held Ali in such a way that he could Lumbar Check him — but he didn’t and played it off like he was just here to support him. Whenever Alexander turns on Ali, it’s going to be fantastic — hopefully it’s after Ali wins the title.
Murphy came out and had a staredown with Ali and Alexander to close the show.
Drake Maverick narrated a video package showcasing the entire Mustafa Ali vs. Hideo Itami feud to set up their falls count anywhere match tonight.
Vic Joseph welcomed us to the 100th episode of 205 Live as Lince Dorado entered with the rest of the Lucha House Party to face Mike Kanellis. Kanellis has retained the entire presentation he had before, and so even on this show, it feels like his ceiling is very low.
Mike Kanellis defeated Lince Dorado
Dorado used his speed to get an early lead on Kanellis, who was consoled by Maria Kanellis on the outside. Dorado dominated until Maria acted as a distraction and Kanellis jumped him. Kanellis put on a long chinlock before going for a modified surfboard. Percy Watson talked about Maria having been in the ring with John Cena and a variety of other legends to put over her appearance in the battle royal at Evolution.
Dorado freed himself and landed a rana for two. Kanellis missed a stinger splash and hit a high kick before getting two off a super rana. The bronco buster hit, but Kanellis got a spinebuster for 2.9. Dorado sent Kanellis out, a pescado hit, and the Shooting Star Press landed solidly, but it only got two!
Kanellis attacked Kalisto and Gran Metalik before Dorado landed a rana. However, Kanellis snapped the rope into his face and won with Cross Rhodes.
Maverick sat down and thanked the fans for allowing 205 Live to get to 100 episodes. Maverick said that a match will be held next week to determine Murphy’s next opponent.
Brian Kendrick said that Drew Gulak and Jack Gallagher tried to take him out, but he’ll take out Gallagher next week.
Lio Rush cut a promo claiming he didn’t lose in last week’s fatal five-way and Cedric Alexander didn’t have him beat before Tony Nese won. Rush said that he’s still undefeated in one-on-one competition.
Buddy Murphy said he doesn’t have many thoughts about who will be in the match next week — other than feeling it should be Tony Nese. Nese said he should get a title shot just for winning the fatal five-way, but he’ll beat whoever Maverick has lined up next week.
Mustafa Ali defeated Hideo Itami in a falls count anywhere match
Itami started things off by kicking Ali hard in the head to the floor. Ali landed a series of chops and went up top, but Itami kicked him down to the floor and got two. Itami dominated with shots around ringside and landed a fast knee to Ali’s gut. Ali avoided another one and landed a kneeling superkick, a standing superkick, and a superkick to the neck.
Ali and Itami brawled near the timekeeper’s area. Ali got tripped up on the barricade and hit the floor hard. Ali threw Itami over the announce table, but Itami took him down for a single leg crab before Ali escaped. Ali ate a kick off the table into a chair for 2.5.
Amid the crowd, Ali hit a big superkick for two. Itami kneed him around and then threw him into the steps. Itami landed a nasty lariat on the ramp for 2.5. Itami stood on top of the steps and ate a giant crossbody off the top — and Itami’s head smacked the mat hard for 2.5.
Itami stacked the steps up and Ali went chest-first on them. Itami set up a conchairto with a set of steps, but it missed and Ali got a flying DDT on the floor. Ali set up a table and won with a 450 through the table off the top to the floor!
Maverick said that this was Ali’s biggest win and he is in the match to get a shot at Murphy. It will be Ali vs. Nese next week.
Lince Dorado & Gran Metalik were hyped up as international stars in a pre-show package building up their match with Brian Kendrick & Jack Gallagher.
Tony Nese said he’ll show the world that he’s still the premiere athlete, while Buddy Murphy is facing Mustafa Ali and wants to make up for losing out on his Cruiserweight title shot at the Greatest Royal Rumble. Nigel McGuinness, Vic Joseph, and Percy Watson talked about tonight’s card, and McGuinness discussed Murphy’s quest to become a champion once again.
The Lucha House Party came out to face Kendrick & Gallagher. Drew Gulak slapped hands with fans — but made sure to wipe his hands off on his suit afterwards. He joined commentary for this match.
Lince Dorado & Gran Metalik defeated Brian Kendrick & Jack Gallagher
Gallagher worked a headlock on Dorado before Dorado locked on a headscissors. We got some comedy with Gallagher doing headstands and trying to escape, so Dorado slapped him on the backside to break that up. McGuinness teased Cruiserweight Tag Team titles being a thing with all these tag matches.
Metalik tagged in and hit a double-jump dropkick for two. Kendrick got a blind tag and Metalik hit a flip dive. Kendrick connected with a jumping kick to the back of the head, then kicked Metalik before crossfacing him a few times. Gallagher tagged in and worked on the arm before Kendrick came back in to work on it more.
Metalik booted Gallagher off the apron and tagged in Dorado, who dropkicked Kendrick. Kendrick hit Sliced Breas and Gallagher got a near fall when Metalik made a save. The House Party hit a stereo superkick on the heels, with Dorado winning with a Shooting Star Press.
Mustafa Ali cut a selfie promo on a train track about how he’s built to go and Murphy’s built for show. Ali said it’s about clearing the way for his own path to success and Murphy can either move willingly or he’ll make him.
Murphy told Nese he needs to move on from the gauntlet match and Nese wished him luck. Murphy said Ali is his only blemish so far in this division and he’s had a tougher time getting used to weight cuts, but he wants to win tonight and hopes the champ is watching.
Nese came out to count his abs and destroy a jobber.
Tony Nese defeated Keith Clayball
Watson mocked Joseph for not being ripped, telling him to find a gym. Joseph said he knows one — his brother Jim. Nese was back to being a full-on heel by mocking the fans. McGuinness said that he’s heard some good things about Clayball before saying that Nese needs matches like this to get back on track. He quoted Winston Churchill about going from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm for what he’s doing.
Nese did the crunch kicks in the corner, but Clayball avoided the corner knee and ate a boot. Nese rebounded and hit a big double-arm lariat to the jaw. A corner knee strike ended it and got the win for Nese.
There was a video showcasing Hideo Itami’s NXT run before Triple H, JBL, and Michael Cole put him over. Itami said he came here to prove what a superstar he is. He said he didn’t like teaming with Akira Tozawa, doesn’t need a partner, and Tozawa didn’t deserve him.
Drake Maverick and Cedric Alexander met, with Maverick letting the brawl Alexander had last week slide. Next week, 205 Live will face off and team up with the WWE UK division.
Buddy Murphy defeated Mustafa Ali
Murphy shoved Ali down but missed a big stomp. Ali avoided a powerbomb and chopped away. Murphy lifted him up off a rana attempt and went for a rana of his own, but he ate a rana from Ali anyway and went to the apron. Murphy was sent into the announce table, then made Ali go splat with a suplex on the floor.
Alexander looked on from backstage via a television as Murphy kicked away at Ali’s back. They each went for crossbody blocks and met in the middle. A sleeper was locked on and Murphy ran Ali back and head-first into the buckles.
Ali trapped Murphy in the ropes and hit a deja-vu tornado DDT for two. Well, that was nuts. Murphy hit a big punt kick and turned a powerbomb into a Yokosuka cutter for two. Murphy hit a trifecta of powerbombs, but Ali countered another powerbomb with a spike X-Factor. He went for a super rana to the floor, but Murphy tossed him off and Ali did a backflip, landing on his feet before hitting a superkick to the jaw. That was insane, and the crowd came alive as he tossed Murphy back in for two.
Ali went for a 450, but Murphy dropped a knee on his arm before slamming it into the buckle and slamming the arm down hard. Ali cradled him and went for a tornado DDT, but Murphy grabbed him, hammerlocked him, tossed the shoulder into the buckle, and took him out with Murphy’s Law. This was an outstanding match.
Cedric Alexander and Mustafa Ali’s match from the WrestleMania pre-show was recapped, with footage of their back-and-forth promo exchange tying some of the match’s threads together.
Vic Joseph was at ringside and said that Nigel McGuinness will be back in two weeks, but Percy Watson will be McGuinness’ replacement and will then join the announce team to make it a three-man booth. Joseph hyped up Mark Andrews vs. Drew Gulak as tonight’s main event, while Alexander will also celebrate his title win.
Kalisto came out and we got a weird video promo with him welcoming Tozawa to the lucha house party.
Kalisto defeated Akira Tozawa
Tozawa worked on one of Kalisto’s arms to start things off. Kalisto did a hand-walk headscissors before starting a lucha chant. Tozawa landed a nice snap jab that sent Kalisto down, with Tozawa then stomping a mudhole in him. Tozawa got two off a senton before getting a chinlock.
Joseph talked about the Superstar Shakeup and what that could mean for 205 Live. Kalisto superkicked Tozawa’s gut and got two off a basement rana. Kalisto hit a springing Spanish Fly for two, hit a variety of PKs to the arm, and charged in — but he got monkey flipped into the buckle.
Tozawa hit a suicide dive to the floor and sent Kalisto into the announce table. He went for the senton off the top, but Kalisto got his knees up. They went back and forth on cradles before Kalisto turned one into the Salida Del Sol for the win. Gran Metalik & Lince Dorado face Tozawa & Hideo Itami next week.
Mark Andrews talked to Tony Nese, who said that Drew Gulak was his friend — but now he’s a crazy egomaniac. He wanted Andrews to kick Gulak’s ass for him tonight, so it looks like Nese is a babyface now.
Gulak came out for his match against Andrews and asked for everyone’s attention as he showed off a new PowerPoint presentation! A giant “PowerPoint” chant broke out, so Gulak said there’s a time for those — but it’s not now, when he’s about to destroy Andrews.
Drew Gulak defeated Mark Andrews
Andrews took Gulak down quickly several times with arm drags, so Gulak went outside for a powder. Gulak came in and got kicked in the leg, so he took Andrews down to the mat with his arm and Andrews escaped with fancy flips. Gulak briefly got the dragon sleeper in, but Andrews cradled him for two.
A wheelbarrow bulldog hit for Andrews, with Gulak then going to the apron and tossing Andrews into the steel turnbuckle posts. Gulak stomped his back before hitting a backbreaker for two. He locked in a crossface chicken wing, but Andrews escaped and hit a standing enzuigiri.
Andrews hit a crucifix bomb for two. Gulak landed a nasty rabbit lariat for two, but Andrews hit the Stundog Millionaire. He went up top, but Gulak got to the other side and baited him in before smacking him into the buckle and earning a tap with the Gu-lock.
Gulak locked it on again after the match, but Nese made a save and hit a Fosbury flop to officially turn him face in front of the fans.
Drake Maverick told Brian Kendrick, who was returning to television, and Jack Gallagher that he has some reservations about them teaming up and wants to make sure there won’t be a vendetta against Hideo Itami. Gallagher said a vendetta is beneath them and Kendrick said that their issues are water under the bridge.
Maverick came out and put over the Cruiserweight title match as one that stole the show at WrestleMania. Alexander came down, thanked the fans, and thanked his family for always being there for him. Ali entered and said that there are a lot of people backstage who want a shot, but he wants one too. He got a “One more match” chant.
Buddy Murphy’s theme then hit. Maverick and Ali were looking at the entrance ramp as Murphy snuck in from behind and hit the Murphy’s Law on Alexander. Maverick yelled at Murphy while Ali checked on Alexander, with Murphy motioning that he’s going to be the next Cruiserweight Champion.
Kalisto was shown backstage hyping up his birthday, with him saying that he’ll beat Drew Gulak tonight. Gulak and Enzo Amore were backstage next to Kalisto’s cake, and Amore told Gulak to beat Kalisto and roll in dough.
Amore apparently bought the cake for Kalisto and snuck a taste before slapping Gulak’s hand for doing the same. Amore’s faction is now called the Zo Train, and Mustafa Ali will face Zo Train member Ariya Daivari later in the night.
Jack Gallagher and Brian Kendrick walked down to face Cedric Alexander and Rich Swann. Gallagher cut an intense promo on them for being ignorant. Swann hyped up Alexander as being from Charlotte and got a nice reaction.
Cedric Alexander & Rich Swann defeated Brian Kendrick & Jack Gallagher in a tornado tag match
This was a tornado tag match, so it ended up being pretty chaotic. Nigel McGuinness had a great line about the Alexander School of Chiropracty handing out free Lumbar Checks tonight. Alexander and Kendrick brawled near the announce table, then Gallagher dropkicked Alexander over the table.
Swann kicked out at two in the ring and Gallagher landed a sick kick to the head. They destroyed Swann in the corner after sending Alexander back out to the announce table. The heels used dual submissions on the faces — with Kendrick locking on the Captain’s Hook on Alexander while Gallagher had a Fujiwara armbar on Swann.
Swann prevented a tap from Alexander, so the heels locked on a Fujiwara armbar/Captain’s Hook combo on him before Alexander made a save. Kendrick had Alexander pinned in the corner and a Gallagher dropkick set up a Sliced Bread for two.
Swann kicked away at Gallagher before hitting a double famouser on the heels for two. Swann and Kendrick fought up top, where the heels sent him off with a double hip toss for a near fall. Alexander got the tag and hit a big spinning elbow but ate a dropkick to the leg.
Gallagher went for the corner dropkick, but Swann connected with a spin kick and then a suicide DDT. The neutralizer kick and Lumbar Check hit on Kendrick and the faces won it.
Mustafa Ali defeated Ariya Daivari
Daivari came down and put over Amore, saying there’s no value in Kalisto being champion — but Amore being champ ensures more cash and fame. Ali cut an unfunny promo about Daivari having his head too far up Amore’s butt and talked about wanting to make 205 Live better — which made the crowd turn on him.
Ali flipped around a bit to start things off and a blind crossbody got two for him. He went for a springboard, but Daivari shoved him off and to the floor. Daivari kicked away mid-ring to continue to ground Ali. Ali landed a series of forearms but ate a bulldog for two.
Daivari flew off the second rope for a flying elbow but missed. Ali then hit a pair of axe handles and flips, but Daivari put him down with a falling inverted DDT before hitting a frog splash for two. Daivari went for a fireman’s carry slam but ended up eating elbows. Ali went up for the inverted 450 and hit it to win.
Kalisto stretched before his match and birthday party, with Akira Tozawa wishing him luck.
Amore entered for the birthday party. The crowd chanted “Enzo Amore” and he told them thanks, he already knows his name. Amore said he’s spent a great deal of money on this party to truly celebrate Kalisto. Amore mentioned that they got him a great gift — a beating from Gulak, who asked “How are you doing?” before Amore told him to never do that again.
Amore said the cake is quality — it’ll be good until Thanksgiving if you freeze it at the right temperature and Kalisto can eat it as he lives in misery after he loses at Survivor Series.
Kalisto defeated Drew Gulak
Gulak controlled the wrist to start. Kalisto turned the tables on him quickly, but Gulak chopped away on the ropes. Gulak teased tossing Kalisto into the cake, but Kalisto fought it off. Gulak beat him up for a while, so the crowd sang “Happy Birthday.”
Gulak locked on a Romero Special and went for a dive off the bottom rope. Kalisto turned that into a basement rana for two. Amore gave Kalisto a cheap shot and Gulak sang “Happy Birthday” angrily before the Salida Del Sol hit and Kalisto got a quick win.
Amore destroyed Kalisto after the match until he fought back and got a “we want cake” chant. He went to throw Amore into the cake, but Gulak made the save.
McGuinness and Vic Joseph talked about Sunday’s pay-per-view and the two-hour pre-show. Backstage, Amore was upset and Kalisto rammed his face into the cake. They delivered the heel being smashed into the cake — but didn’t do it in front of the fans. Well, that was a bit underwhelming.
