Tag: 205 live

WWE 205 Live results: Roderick Strong vs. Draco Anthony

Posted on by Chick Fritts

Andre Chase defeated Malik Blade

Chase now wrestles in slacks, a button-down, and a university sweater; I’m not sure why. 

Chase gained an early lead that lasted through the duration of the match. While he was on offense, Chase played to the “student section”, a group dressed in matching university sweaters. 

Blade escaped ground control late in the match, launching a rally that even yielded a near fall. Chase cut it short with a forearm and hammerlock DDT, leading directly to the finish.

Indi Hartwell defeated Valentina Feroz

Nothing special in this one. 

Hartwell gained control  following the opening bell. While Hartwell’s dominance was significant, Feroz managed to secure arm control after Hartwell failed to follow up. Feroz continued to focus on Hartwell’s arm throughout the match. 

As Feroz was fighting for an armbar, Hartwell powered through, turning the submission into a slam in her favour. A spine buster from Hartwell finished out the sequence and the match. 

Roderick Strong defeated Draco Anthony

This was a good main event. It was structured to be simple and easy to follow, but it delivered between the ropes. 

Anthony gained control over Strong early on, forcing Strong into the arms of Diamond Mine (who accompanied him to the ring). After his time on the outside, Strong was able to catch Anthony and take control of the match. 

Anthony regained footing by overpowering Strong on the mat. What followed was a sequence of solid offense from Anthony that lasted until he gave Strong a tiny parcel of space. From left field, Strong hit a jumping knee, leaving Anthony out for the count.

WWE 205 Live results: Jacket Time vs. The Grizzled Young Veterans

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Roderick Strong defeated Ru Feng

Seeing the cruiserweight champion on the cruiserweight show is a lovely, if rare, sight. The match was nothing much. 

Strong tried to open the match by gaining control of the arm, but Feng’s size allowed him to run through the champion. Even against the larger Feng, Strong utilised his wrestling aptitude (and some underhanded tactics) to stay on equal footing. This basic trope made up the meat of the match. 

The ending sequence was over almost as soon as it started. A strike rally from Feng resulted in a near fall. From the ground, Strong landed a few kicks, creating separation. The extra space allowed Strong to land the jumping knee, leading to the pin. 

Valentina Feroz defeated Erica Yan

This was an enjoyable watch. While not perfect, the match benefited greatly from compelling mat work. 

Feroz took the debuting Yan to the mat with arm control immediately following the opening bell. Yan survived, gaining a sustained headlock. Feroz turned the headlock into a throw, taking the match to the mat once more. 

Yan avoided an elbow drop; she capitalised by connecting with a series of shoulder tackles. Feroz was able to survive the offence by regaining arm control and securing another takedown. Feroz locked in a leg scissor choke, leading to the submission.

James Drake and Zack Gibson (Grizzled Young Veterans) defeated Ikemen Jiro and Kushida 

In another 205 Live oddity, this match featured a storyline. It was a fun outing and a nice change from the typically uneventful main events. 

After an animated opening sequence, Jiro and Kushida left their opponents frustrated. Only after a sneaky tag did GYV gain control over their opponents. Gibson and Drake resolved their early frustrations by isolating Jiro, slowly picking him apart. 

After a prolonged control segment, Jiro reversed a suplex, allowing him to finally secure the tag, a sequence that left Jiro without a jacket. A four-way brawl broke out in the following moments, a scuffle that left the babyfaces with an advantage. Just as the end was in sight, the music of Diamond Mine and the presence of Creed brothers provided a distraction for GYV. GYV hit ticket to mayhem, leading to the win.

Jacket Time set for action on WWE 205 Live, Erica Yan to debut

Posted on by Joseph Currier

The team of Kushida & Ikemen Jiro are set for action on this week’s episode of 205 Live.

Kushida & Jiro will face The Grizzled Young Veterans (Zack Gibson & James Drake) on 205 Live this Friday night. In a video that was uploaded by WWE after this week’s NXT, it was revealed that Kushida & Jiro are now using the tag team name “Jacket Time.”

Kushida & Jiro have been feuding with Diamond Mine in NXT. They’re set to face Diamond Mine’s Creed Brothers (Julius & Brutus Creed) in a tag team match on NXT next Tuesday.

Diamond Mine’s Roderick Strong won the NXT Cruiserweight Championship from Kushida on NXT this September. Strong will face Ru Feng in non-title action on this Friday’s 205 Live.

205 Live airs on Peacock/WWE Network at 10 p.m. Eastern time on Fridays. Valentina Feroz vs. the debuting Erica Yan is also set for the episode. Yan (Yvonne Yin) was one of three recruits from Asia who joined the WWE Performance Center this July. Feng (Feicheng Wang) was also part of that class.

WWE wrote about Yan when she signed with the company: “Yin is a Chinese athlete who brings experience in CrossFit to the PC. In addition to being a champion indoor rower, Yin placed second in the CrossFit China Open and competed in the Asia CrossFit Championship.”

WWE 205 Live results: Sarray vs. Kartina Cortez

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Boa defeated Jeet Rama

This was fine enough. Rama is unique and has tons of upside potential; a glimpse of that showed in this match.

Rama’s grappling left him with ground control early into the match. As Boa fought to his feet, Rama maintained momentum with powerful throws. Eventually, this wasn’t enough, as Boa’s striking left him in a strong position after a lightning-quick transfer of the offensive lead. 

Boa tried to submit Rama on the mat, but this position allowed Rama to regain momentum. Rama’s rally looked to be reaching its climax before a blocked throw left Boa in perfect position for a reverse DDT, leading directly to the pinfall. 

Sarray defeated Katrina Cortez

This match wasn’t perfect, but Sarray, as always, shined bright.

Sarray gained immediate ground control as the match began. While Cortez attempted to contest Sarray on the mat, she was unable to match her prowess. Only after an underhanded leg sweep from the outside did Cortez gain control. Once Cortez had Sarray grounded, she locked in multiple submissions, trying a wide variety of holds. 

Sarray regained a standing position which allowed her to connect with multiple strikes before taking Cortez back to the mat. A submission forced Cortez into the ropes, and a fisherman buster led to a Sarray-favoured near fall. A single leg dropkick and missile dropkick in quick succession left Sarray with a pinfall victory. 

Xyon Quinn defeated Ru Feng

This match was by the numbers and so brief that nothing in it had gravitas. 

In a continuation of a theme, the match started with Feng taking the match to the mat. Quinn was able to overpower Feng to achieve a standing position. Feng and Quinn traded power moves before momentum snowballed in Quinn’s direction. Quinn landed some decent offence leading to a leaping forearm. Quinn then pinned Feng to close a very brief match.

WWE 205 Live results: Xyon Quinn vs. Jeet Rama

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Amari Miller and Valentina Feroz defeated Katrina Cortez and Yulisa Leon 

This was, in fact, a wrestling match. There isn’t much more to say. 

Feroz opened the match by taking Cortez to the mat, but Cortez gained control while grounded, tagging out soon after. Cortez and Leon traded tags, gaining significant match control. 

Leon and Cortez maintained their control even as Miller entered the fray. This lasted until Feroz interrupted a pin attempt, giving Miller enough time to connect with a knee. A pin followed, leaving Miller and Feroz victorious. 

Duke Hudson defeated Malik Blade

A video package played before the match that revealed Hudson likes to play poker. I’m not sure as to why. His graphic package also looked like a 2008 online poker website, so I guess it’s vital to his character. 

The match itself was a typical “brains vs brawn” showcase. Nothing atypical about it; this was a by-the-numbers match. 

From the beginning, Hudson took advantage of his size, tossing Blade every which way. Hudson forced Blade to wrestle his way into an advantage. Hudson’s power was able to overcome the wit of Blade, however. Hudson threw Blade face-first into the mat before pinning him to close the match. 

Xyon Quinn defeated Jeet Rama 

This match was fantastic. It was short and punctual but still allowed both men to shine– a truly terrific outing. It’s almost hard to believe this was on 205 Live. 

Back and forth wrestling opened this match, with Rama coming out with a slight advantage. The opening sequence was great, full of great moments of grappling. 

Rama avoided all of Quinn’s attempts at offence, leaving him with firm control as the match entered its midpoint. This all ended after Quinn finally powered out to slam Rama before using his power to toss him all over the ring. Quinn hoisted Rama onto his shoulders to deliver a Samoan drop that he followed with a leaping forearm. Quinn pinned Rama, marking an end to tonight’s main event.

Yulisa Leon to make WWE in-ring debut on 205 Live

Posted on by Joseph Currier

An in-ring debut is set for tonight’s 205 Live.

Yulisa Leon (real name Jennifer Michell Cantu Iglesias) will make her WWE in-ring debut as she teams with Katrina Cortez against Valentina Feroz & Amari Miller on 205 Live tonight. Leon is a powerlifter from Monterrey, Mexico who is the daughter of former CMLL wrestler Bronco (Ulises Cantu Gutierrez).

WWE announced the signing of Leon this April.

Cortez was briefly featured on Raw in 2019, going by the name Carolina as she was aligned with Sin Cara. Cortez and Feroz signed with WWE in August 2019, while Miller signed with the company this February.

Xyon Quinn vs. Jeet Rama and Duke Hudson vs. Malik Blade are also set for tonight’s 205 Live. Quinn and Hudson have both been featured as part of the NXT 2.0 revamp, with Hudson recently debuting a new poker player character.

205 Live streams on Peacock/WWE Network at 10 p.m. Eastern time on Fridays. The show officially changed its format in August to include matches with wrestlers who are over the 205-pound weight limit.

WWE 205 Live results: Roderick Strong vs. Odyssey Jones

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This show almost felt like a parody of pro wrestling—from the theatrics of Boa to the “‘backer chewin’ good ole boys” of Briggs and Jensen to the 405 pounder challenging the cruiserweight champion on a show built around a weight limit. It wasn’t a bad episode per se, but it certainly felt extra phoney this week.

Boa defeated Jeet Rama 

Rama’s wrestling led to control in his favour early into the match. Rama was unable to maintain his advantage, however, as Boa began to connect with unanswered strikes. The strikes escalated for some time, eventually leading to a head kick. Boa pinned Rama to close a dominant match. 

Brooks Jensen & Josh Briggs defeated Kegan Scott & Taylor Garland

In other news, Jensen and Briggs are country boys now…with flannels, belt-buckles, and all.

Jensen and Briggs squashed their opponents. A double powerbomb left them with a quick win. 

Roderick Strong (with the Diamond Mine) defeated Odyssey Jones 

This was a fun match, especially in its closing sequence.

Jones used his 200lb+ weight advantage to take control of Strong early into the match. Tossing the cruiserweight champion around with ease, Jones seemed to be unstoppable. 

Strong found himself on the outside of the ring after minutes of Jones’ domination. Hachiman at ringside distracted Jones long enough for Strong to gain some control finally. Strong chopped the leg of Jones to open up the match in his favour for the first time. Strong turned his attention fully to keeping Jones grounded. 

When Strong failed to keep Jones grounded, Jones proved to be tenacious. It took a throat punch from Strong to end Jones’ second offensive sequence. Strong then connected with multiple strikes before landing a knee that dropped Jones. Strong was then able to pin Jones for the victory. 

WWE 205 Live results: Sarray, Creed Brothers in action

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Sarray defeated Amari Miller

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.

WWE 205 Live results: Imperium vs. Ikemen Jiro & Trey Baxter

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Dante Chen defeated Malik Blade

Despite this match’s short runtime, Chen was still able to come across as sloppy in-ring. 

An opening grappling sequence led to arm drags by Chen. A dropkick from Blade stopped Chen’s momentum. The match then transitioned to the mat, where Blade maintained control. 

Chen regained footing in the match after an awkward takedown followed by a superkick. An even more awkward slam left Blade prone for an inside cradle guillotine drop, leaving Chen with the win.

Amari Miller defeated Valentina Feroz

For some reason, this match was performed with a heavy focus on groundwork. It was forgettable, to say the least. This was a rematch, and Miller’s win leaves the pair tied; I assume a rubber match is coming soon. 

Feroz took the match to the mat as soon as it began. As soon as the pair was standing, Miller returned the favour with an arm drag, bringing the action back to the canvas. Miller was generally unable to maintain control of Feroz while on the mat, but she could fight off an armbar. 

Feroz tossed Miller a few times before the pair traded pin attempts. After kicking out, Feroz stepped away, allowing Miller to catch her with a knee strike, pinning her for the win.

Marcel Barthel & Fabian Aichner (Imperium) defeated Ikemen Jiro & Trey Baxter

It’s hard to give a delimited synopsis of this match because everything in it was good. 

Barthel and Baxter opened the match with a zestful back and forth. After catching Baxter with a pair of thunderous strikes, Aichner tagged into the match. Against Aichner, Baxter was able to slow Imperium’s control before tagging Jiro into the match. Jiro and Baxter together were able to secure match control for their team. 

Jiro and Baxter set up for a double tope, but Imperium cut them off via sudden clotheslines. Imperium then hung Baxter in the ropes to deliver a double dropkick. From this point on, Baxter was under heavy fire from both members of Imperium. Baxter scratched and clawed to regain some momentum by tagging in his partner, and was eventually able to do so. 

Jiro unloaded with strikes and dives. A moonsault led to a near fall. Baxter then tagged back into the match before trying again for the double tope; this time, it worked. 

As the teams re-entered the ring, the referee became occupied with some kind of distraction. This allowed Imperium to single out Baxter, delivering the Imperium bomb that resulted in an Imperium win. 

Final Thoughts:

I see no reason why anyone who isn’t covering this show would choose to watch it live; at least, that was my takeaway before the main event. The first two matches were utterly forgettable. The main event was great. That is what this show needs more of if it has any future whatsoever.

Ember Moon set for action on WWE 205 Live

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Ember Moon will be in action on this week’s episode of 205 Live.

WWE has announced that Moon vs. Cora Jade will take place on 205 Live this Friday night. It will be the second time Moon has ever wrestled on the show. She also took part in a women’s Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic match on 205 Live earlier this year.

“Moon recently revealed that she’s seeking a different approach after losing four consecutive matches, while the 20-year-old Jade is in search of an early career-defining victory at the expense of the veteran,” WWE wrote. “Will the former NXT Women’s Champion employ a win-at-all-costs strategy to break out of her funk, and will it be enough to defeat the upstart?”

Those four straight losses started when Moon unsuccessfully challenged Raquel Gonzalez for the NXT Women’s Championship at TakeOver: In Your House this June.

A backstage segment on this week’s NXT established a romantic relationship between Jade and Trey Baxter. Jade kissed Baxter and told him to cheer up after his loss to Dante Chen.

Oney Lorcan vs. Xyon Quinn and Ikemen Jiro vs. Malik Blade have also been announced for Friday’s 205 Live. Blade (real name Joshua Dawkins) made his WWE in-ring debut in a loss against Boa on 205 Live last week.

WWE 205 Live results: Andre Chase vs. Trey Baxter

Posted on by Chick Fritts

205 Live, unsurprisingly, took place from the NXT 2.0 set. The set was identical to NXT’s, except for an apron skirt and announce table top bearing 205 Live branding.

This show was second-rate. A reminder that 205 Live now runs against AEW Rampage after two hours of SmackDown. You would think that this scenario would lead to an exciting show at the very least, but instead, it’s 30 minutes of forgettable wrestling that will mean nothing come next Friday. 

Valentina Feroz defeated Amari Miller

I wasn’t a fan of this match before the finish. The match was very flawed, but the finish was built to well, which I appreciate. 

This match opened with an extended period of lousy grappling. Feroz worked the arm; Miller escaped with a strike. This happened multiple times. 

Miller eventually began working Feroz on the mat. Feroz fought to her feet, delivering arm drags to gain control; this was short-lived as Miller stopped Feroz with a spinebuster. As Miller went in for the pin, Feroz caught Miller with an armbar. Miller tapped out soon after the hold was applied. 

Boa (with Mei Ying) defeated Malik Blade

This was a squash and not a particularly enticing one—no way around it. 

Boa opened the match by striking Blade down. Boa looked to Mei Ying, who sat on a throne, before continuing to brutalise Blade. 

Blade fought his way back into the match before climbing to the top rope. A high crossbody seemingly left Blade in a good position, but Boa responded with a dragon sleeper into a forearm that closed the match. 

Trey Baxter defeated Andre Chase 

This match was fine, but it wasn’t anything that demanded attention. 

After the opening sequence ended, Chase gained control with a nasty elbow. Chase began connecting with numerous strikes, cementing his lead. A belly-to-back suplex left Chase with a near fall. 

Baxter fought free from ground control before connecting with a strike to the back of the head. A springboard moonsault followed but only yielded a two count. Baxter then climbed to the top rope but was interrupted by Chase, who regained advantage moments later. 

Chase locked in a single leg crab before transitioning to an STF. After Baxter found the ropes, Chase tried for a tiger driver, but Baxter fought free. Baxter connected with a kick that sent Chase to the outside, allowing Baxter to land a tope. 

Back in the ring, Baxter tried for a springboard but was met with a boot. Chase then hit the tiger driver, but Baxter kicked out of the pin that followed. A now frustrated Chase hoisted Baxter to the top rope, where Baxter regained control. Baxter landed a double stomp after sending Chase to the mat; this led directly to the decisive fall in favour of Baxter.

Malik Blade to make in-ring debut on WWE 205 Live

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Image: WWE

A debut has been announced for this week’s episode of 205 Live.

Malik Blade (real name Joshua Dawkins) will make his in-ring debut as he faces Tian Sha’s Boa on 205 Live this Friday night. Blade was part of a class of six new recruits who joined the WWE Performance Center last month.

WWE.com wrote about Blade when he signed with the company: “Twenty-three-year-old Joshua Dawkins of DeBary, Fla., is the latest trainee of WWE Hall of Famer D-Von Dudley to be signed to the WWE Performance Center. The 6-foot-1 recruit is also the nephew of NBA legend Darryl Dawkins.”

Boa vs. Blade is one of three matches that is set for this Friday’s episode of 205 Live. Trey Baxter vs. Andre Chase and Valentina Feroz vs. Amari Miller will also air on the episode. The show was taped at the WWE Performance Center before Tuesday’s launch of “NXT 2.0” went on the air.

205 Live streams on Peacock/WWE Network at 10 p.m. Eastern time on Fridays.

WWE 205 Live results: Amari Miller vs. Cora Jade

Posted on by Chick Fritts

Report —

Amari Miller defeated Cora Jade

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.

WWE 205 Live results: Ikemen Jiro vs. Trey Baxter

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Grayson Waller defeated Andre Chase

This match was all Chase until the closing moments. It was fine, but nothing more than that — about what one should expect for a match on 205 Live. 

This match opened with back-and-forth chain wrestling that Chase emerged from with control. Waller worked Chase outside of the ring but couldn’t maintain his advantage upon reentry. What followed was an extended period of Chase favored offense. 

A quick backslide followed by a crucifix pin from Waller provided him enough separation time to connect with a quick strike. Waller tried to follow up but was interrupted soon after. Chase locked in the STF that forced Waller to find refuge via rope break. Chase powered Waller into the corner but was dropped by a ready Waller, opening up an offensive opportunity for him once more. Waller climbed to the top rope to deliver an elbow drop but was cut off by the knees of Chase. Chase followed his reversal with a tiger driver that yielded a two count. 

After a brief scuffle on the ring apron, Chase sent Waller to the mat; this left both men in prime position for Waller’s run-in stunner. Waller hit the stunner, an elbow drop, and a curb stomp, all in quick succession to close the match. 

Ikemen Jiro defeated Trey Baxter

This was a satisfactory performance from both men but far from great. 

Following the recent statements from WWE regarding independent talent, seeing Trey Baxter on Titan programming leaves a strange feeling. Baxter, formerly Blake Christian, was perhaps the most indy-style wrestler on the American independents. 

Jiro opened the match with his playful energy, flaunting his mandarin-adorned jacket. Jiro’s joyful approach allowed Baxter to gain offensive control. A moonsault and tope resulted in near falls for Baxter. 

Jiro gained control for the first time by hoisting Baxter into a fireman’s carry. After a brief struggle, Jiro was able to start stringing together offense. Jiro connected with a superkick and senton for a near fall of his own. The Ikemen slash that would close the match was avoided, allowing Baxter to connect with a suplex. A now bloody Baxter hit a flipping dive that a mathematician needs to analyze before trying for a pin. Jiro turned the pin around to pin Baxter, leaving him with a sudden victory.

WWE 205 Live results: Josh Briggs vs. Joe Gacy

Posted on by Chick Fritts

Today marks the first 205 Live taping to air following the batch of recent talent cuts. It also follows the announcement of 205 Live’s welcoming of those over 205 pounds, which WWE finally mentioned after months of its happening. And perhaps even more interestingly, this is the first episode of 205 Live to run directly against AEW’s new show, Rampage.

Grayson Waller defeated Ikeman Jiro 

To preface my praise for this match, I was more than disinterested heading in. This was an excellent, detail-oriented match. 

Jiro gained some early momentum with offence that a prepared Waller cut off. Waller slowed the match to a crawl, connecting with move after move, each of which was interrupted by pauses. Waller tried to end the match with a pin accompanied by a handful of tights. The referee interrupted the illegal pin providing Jiro with some much-needed space.

Jiro connected with two dives after resulting in a near fall. Jiro tried for the Ikeman slash, a move Waller avoided by rolling to the outside. Waller re-entered the ring in a hurry to further interrupt Jiro with a cutter resulting in a fully convincing near fall.

Following another back and forth, Jiro connected with a beautiful hammerlock powerslam. Waller was able to kick out of the move and gain enough separation to land a curb stomp. He followed the stomp with a pin to close an excellent match.

Josh Briggs defeated Joe Gacy

This was a fun match that is entirely different from what one is used to seeing on 205 Live. Two big men were hitting each other with big men wrestling moves; it’s easy to like.  

To kick off the “new” era of 205 Live, these heavyweights opened with a showcase of power. Splashes and strikes filled the opening minutes as Briggs used his weight entirely to his advantage. Gacy’s rally also featured the use of his power. Both men traded power moves and intense strikes deep into the match. It was a proper hoss fight. A colossal lariat closed the match in favour of Briggs.

Why 205 Live doesn’t pivot to a name that makes marginal sense is beyond me. WWE owns such an expansive library of already established brands that this shouldn’t be a challenge. This should be called Velocity, Heat, or anything other than 205 Live, as the show is neither live nor featuring those under 205 lbs. 

Also, against Rampage, it makes no sense to watch this show live. Even if the matches are good at times, it’s wholly uneventful and entirely forgettable.