Tag: 205 live

WWE 205 Live results: Isaiah ‘Swerve’ Scott vs. Tyler Breeze

Posted on by Chick Fritts

Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch defeated Chase Parker and Matt Martel (Ever-Rise)

205 Live’s introductory match this week was a rematch from this week’s episode of NXT. The pairing of Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch got the better of the former team 3.0 in their last meeting. 

As the bell sounded, Burch entered a collar-and-elbow tie-up with Matt Martel. The tie-up was broken by the referee after it worked its way into the corner. As Burch and Martel felt each other out, Butch walked in the direction of the Ever-Rise corner wherein he was attacked by both Martel and Chase Parker. Parker tagged in as the two double-teamed Burch.

Parker landed a shoulder tackle once he became Burch’s lone attacker, however during his fall following the previously mentioned shoulder tackle Parker’s leg was apprehended by Burch. Burch stood, Parker’s ankle in hand, and tagged in Oney Lorcan. 

Lorcan chopped Parker multiple times prior to an Irish whip attempt. Parker stepped through and reversed Lorcan’s attempted whip sending Lorcan into the corner. Parker then tagged Martel back into the match. Ever-Rise tried to once again double team their opponent but Lorcan, with an uppercut and a single leg Boston crab, was able to take out both men. Lorcan seemed to be in a favorable position with the crab locked in.

A breakup was attempted, but was met with resistance by Burch. Burch was thrown into the hold, breaking it up.

Lorcan was then attacked by both members of Ever-Rise in their corner. Both Martel and Parker took turns tagging each other in and out. Lorcan, after being continually assaulted, was eventually able to float over into a neck breaker. A hot tag followed. 

Burch entered the ring and landed a couple of strikes on Parker before having one stuffed. Parker sent Burch to the corner, but Burch met him with a high boot. Burch was then given time to ascend the ropes to deliver a flying dropkick to Parker. Burch ran the length of the ring to deliver a clothesline to a cornered Parker, which was immediately followed by an enziguri which was followed by a release German suplex.

As Parker staggered back to a standing position, he came into close contact with a running clothesline from Burch. Burch covered Parker, but Martel entered the ring in time to break up the pin.

Martel attempted to interfere with Burch further, but was answered with a headbutt. Burch put Parker on the top rope, but Parker pushed his way down. Martel sneakily tagged himself in while Parker simultaneously set up for a double-team elevated neck breaker. Burch was hit with the impressive move in what could have been a completely believable finish. Lorcan entered the ring to break up the pin before that could be realized. 

Burch rose to his feet, as did Martel. Both men looked to be winded. Burch connected with a flurry of uppercuts that he tried to follow with a running move but he was stopped by the elbow of Martel. Martel tried for a scoop slam, but Burch floated over into a crossface. Parker hit the ring to try and break the hold, but was immediately stopped by Lorcan. Lorcan sent Parker to the mat with a single leg Boston crab. Martel then tapped to Burch’s crossface.  

This match was good, though it seemed to be without purpose. Why Ever-Rise needed to rechallenge Burch and Lorcan remains a mystery to me especially seeing as they were defeated again.

Isaiah “Swerve” Scott defeated Tyler Breeze

Isaiah Scott and Tyler Breeze started this match with an arm drag display that left Scott in a seated position. Scott’s face looked flustered, almost as if he should not have been bested in that interaction. Breeze taunted his seated opponent with a pose in the corner à la Eddie Guererro. 

The two then entered a collar-and-elbow tie-up that found its way into the corner. Breeze, being in the advancing position, looked as if he would act in good faith and break cleanly. He did not. He instead ran towards Scott but was leaped over. Scott rolled Breeze in and tried for a kick, but came up short. Scott was visibly discomposed after his miss.

The two stood and reentered a collar-and-elbow tie-up. This time Breeze was backed into the corner. Scott, instead of breaking the tie-up, whipped Breeze into the other corner sending him crashing into the mat. 

Scott tried to follow up on his gained advantage with a move from the ropes but slipped during his climb. Breeze then kicked Scott sending him tumbling to the outside. Scott grew even more upset with what was his third fumble. He hesitated to reenter the ring and was ultimately punished by Breeze for his hesitation as Breeze took to the outside for an attack. Breeze blindsided Scott with an elbow before driving him into the barricade.

Breeze sent Scott back into the ring for a cover but was met with a strong kick out. Breeze suplexed Scott and tried for another pin, but met the same fate. 

Breeze whipped Scott into the corner before clubbing his back with forearms. Scott began to enter a berserker-style rage as Breeze clubbed away. Scott turned and landed an excellently brief and impactful strike that sent Breeze to the floor. Breeze looked to be out but was able to roll to the outside. Scott wasted no time as he jumped the ropes onto the apron and stomped the head of Breeze. Scott sent Breeze into the after a slam into the barricade and went for a pin that Breeze was able to kick out from. 

Scott climbed the ropes, but Breeze stood to meet him. Breeze was unable to stop Scott from jumping but he was able to dodge Scott’s attempted stomp. Breeze landed an enziguri on a turned Scott and pinned him. Scott kicked out. Breeze hesitated in his followup which allowed Scott to float over a suplex attempt. Scott picked up Breeze but Breeze flipped straight to his feet. Breeze went for a rollup but Scott kicked out. Scott then went for a roll-through of his own but instead of a pin Scott transitioned into a suplex. Scott went for the pin but Breeze kicked out. 

Scott set up for the house call, his finish, but missed. Breeze tried for the supermodel kick but was caught by Scott. Scott tried for a spinning forearm smash, but again, was caught by Breeze. Scott was able to finally break the stalemate with a neck breaker. Somehow he was unable to follow up and Breeze connected with a supermodel kick. Scott kicked out of the subsequent pin. 

Both men returned to their feet. Breeze started to club Scott with forearms again. Breeze lifted Scott to the second rope. Scott kicked Breeze before he could connect with a move. A dazed Breeze then climbed the ropes, Scott escaped under him. Breeze was then lifted by Scott and dropped with the confidence boost. Scott pinned Breeze for the victory. 

This match’s first act was good. It dragged in the second. I can not understate how much better this match would have been if it had come to a close following Scott’s initial moment of rage. It just went way too long. The simple, concise story of a frustrated Scott overcoming his early stumbles was lost in the falling action.

WWE 205 Live results: Tony Nese vs. Jack Gallagher

Posted on by Chick Fritts

Big Takeaways: 205 Live returned to the WWE Network with a stellar main event that saw Jack Gallagher defeat fellow interim NXT Championship tournament competitor Tony Nese. 

Tyler Breeze defeated Tehuti Miles

205 Live’s return to the WWE Network was not without a significant change. Said change was immediately noticeable, even prior to the completion of Tyler Breeze’s entrance, as the new announce team of Cory Graves and Byron Saxton could not go a minute before playing to the insolent jerk and naive pushover announce team cliche. This thankfully wasn’t terribly noticeable throughout the show.

Following the bell’s sounding, Tehuti Miles threw the towel he had brought with him to the ring in the face of Breeze. Miles unloaded strikes on Breeze in the corner forcing a referee separation that allowed Breeze a window of opportunity. Breeze connected with a knee from the corner which led into a short sequence that was punctuated with a spine buster. 

Miles rolled behind ropes. Breeze attempted to continue his offense but was stopped by the referee due to Miles’ continued state of rope clinching. Miles, not allowing the opening to pass him by, struck Breeze while the referee was attempting to create separation. Miles landed a dropkick to Breeze which sent Breeze to the floor. While alone in the ring, Miles posed on his side as he waited for Breeze’s reentry to the ring. 

Breeze rolled in and was met with plenty of stomps that were followed by punches that were followed by a neck breaker. Breeze kicked from a pin attempt and Miles continued his attack. More stomps, a second neck breaker, and a second pin attempt left Breeze in an unfavorable position. 

Breeze showed signs of life, but was repeatedly met with more offense from Miles. Miles continually slowed the pace of the match which ultimately led to a point that allowed Breeze to connect with a surprise supermodel kick. Breeze was unable to capitalize as Miles successfully regained the match advantage. 

With Miles in the driver’s seat, Breeze looked to be in an unwinnable position but hesitation from Miles on what would have been a third neck breaker allowed Breeze to spin into the unprettier. Breeze hooked the leg and secured the victory. 

This match told a simple story competently; Breeze was consistently outmatched but ultimately came out on top due to Mile’s cocksureness. Nothing felt at stake but as a one-page drama, it was fine.

Jack Gallagher defeated Tony Nese

Both Jack Gallagher and Tony Nese seemed to have something to prove heading into this match. Both men are in poor position in the ongoing round-robin tournament for the Interim NXT Cruiserweight Championship.

The initial feeling out featured chain wrestling that resulted in both men on the mat. Gallagher, in his new brutish form, ended the mat grappling with raining elbows. Nese was forced to withdraw, but even in retreat, he was met with strikes from an unwavering Gallagher. Nese rolled to the outside. 

Gallagher then directed his attention not to his competitor that was laid out on the Performance Center floor, but to the announce team. Nese returned to the ring and was able to gain a favorable position in the match by blocking an attempted strike from Gallagher. Nese then led a succinct sequence that returned the match to the mat. Gallagher fought to his feet and was immediately returned to the mat in a headlock. On his second fight to a standing position, Gallagher incorporated strikes to the midsection which forced Nese to break the hold.

In his bid for sustained control, Nese sent Gallagher into the ropes with an Irish whip. Gallagher floated over the shoulder of Nese and attempted to score the win with a crucifix pin on the rebound. Nese kicked from the pin and proceeded to attack Gallagher as if it had never happened. Gallagher was sent to the outside after Nese Irish whipped him into the corner but quickly rolled back into the ring. Nese picked Gallagher up for a scoop slam before returning to a hold on the mat. 

Gallagher turned into the guard of Nese and once again reigned fists on his grounded opponent. Instead of continuing his attack, Gallagher stood up and walked away which allowed Nese to grab his legs and secure the Boston crab. Gallagher rolled his body free from Nese’s hold. Both men, under their own volition, exited the ring. Following a pithy struggle, Gallagher proceeded to drive the head of Nese into the barricade. 

Gallager rolled Nese into the ring once more, this time maintaining wrist control. Gallagher mockingly kicked Nese before being met with a forearm. A rattled Gallagher then attempted a kick with Nese’s wrist still in hand, but Nese ducked. Nese lifted Gallagher, but Gallagher broke free. 

A struggle once again ensued. Nese, in seeming consummation, sent Gallagher to the mat once more with a rope to the throat followed by a picture-perfect moonsault. Gallagher answered the pin with a strong kick out. Gallagher once again rose to his feet but was firmly planted with a back-to-belly piledriver. Gallagher kicked out once more. 

Gallagher, now in a state of complete daze, crawled to the corner. Nese lowered his kneepad and entered a sprint but before connecting with his strike, Gallagher rose again and met his running opponent with a headbutt to the sternum. Both men were on equal footing afresh. Both men traded failed roll-ups, missed strikes, and dropped lifts before Gallagher was sent into the ropes. Gallagher bounced against the ropes into a rolling elbow. Nese fell to the mat with Gallagher falling onto him for the pinfall victory. 

Though I felt a slight clash of styles, this match was very good from start to finish. If these are the men performing poorly in this tournament, then this belt must be a true prize worth chasing. Gallagher continues to impress with his new rough-hewn persona and Nese refused to quit.

All in all, a solid return from 205 Live.

In-ring action back on WWE 205 Live, two matches set

Posted on by Joseph Currier

In-ring action is returning to 205 Live this week.

WWE has announced two matches for tonight’s 205 Live episode: Tony Nese vs. Jack Gallagher and Tyler Breeze vs. Tehuti Miles. This will be the first time 205 Live has had new matches in over a month.

WWE has aired “The Matches That Made Me” 205 Live episodes over the past four weeks, featuring members of the cruiserweight division choosing one match that inspired them to become a wrestler and one of their favorite matches from their WWE careers. Brian Kendrick, Ariya Daivari, The Singh Brothers, and Oney Lorcan were spotlighted on those shows.

Nese and Gallagher are both out of contention in NXT’s interim Cruiserweight Championship tournament. Nese went 0-3 in Group A, while Gallagher went 1-2 in Group B. Group action will wrap up with Kushida vs. Drake Maverick and El Hijo del Fantasma vs. Akira Tozawa taking place on NXT next Wednesday.

Miles, who joined the WWE Performance Center last August, has recently been used in enhancement matches on NXT and Raw.

Last week’s 205 Live featured Jeremy Borash making his WWE television debut and hosting the show with Tom Phillips.

Jeremy Borash makes WWE TV debut on 205 Live

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Former TNA/Impact Wrestling mainstay and current WWE behind-the-scenes employee Jeremy Borash made his WWE television debut as part of the broadcast team for last night’s 205 Live.

Borash hosted this week’s “The Matches That Made Me” episode of 205 Live alongside Tom Phillips. He was introduced by Phillips at the start of the show, with Phillips joking that he’s sure this is the fashion that Borash always hoped he would make his WWE TV debut in. Phillips brought up that Borash had previously been on WCW Nitro, but TNA/Impact wasn’t directly mentioned.

Phillips and Borash also wrapped up last night’s show before it went off the air. Phillips asked Borash who he thought would win the interim NXT Cruiserweight Championship tournament and accused Borash of being biased for picking Drake Maverick, who Borash worked with in Impact Wrestling.

Borash joined WWE after departing Impact Wrestling in January 2018. He worked in a variety of on-screen and behind-the-scenes roles for Impact, and his job title in WWE/NXT is senior director of content and development.

Oney Lorcan was the focus of “The Matches That Made Me” on 205 Live last night. He tweeted about Borash being on the brand: “JEREMY BORASH IS A CERTIFIED LUNATIC AND I AM HAPPY HE IS ON 205 LIVE ON THE WWE NETWORK RIGHT NOW”

WWE airing Singh Brothers ‘Matches That Made Me’ 205 Live episode

Posted on by Joseph Currier

The Singh Brothers are set to be featured on tonight’s “The Matches That Made Me” episode of 205 Live.

Sunil and Samir Singh will “take a deep dive into the match that inspired them to become WWE Superstars, as well as the most memorable match of their careers.” This will be the third week in a row that 205 Live has used this format. The episode will include comments from The Singh Brothers introducing the matches.

On the Brian Kendrick episode of “The Matches That Made Me,” Hulk Hogan vs. The Ultimate Warrior from WrestleMania VI and Kendrick’s Cruiserweight Classic match against Kota Ibushi aired. Ariya Daivari’s choices were Steve Austin vs. Bret Hart from Survivor Series 1996 and Daivari’s anything goes match against Oney Lorcan from 205 Live last year.

It was announced on the Kendrick episode that 205 Live would be taking a look at some members of the cruiserweight division while NXT’s interim Cruiserweight title tournament is taking place.

The round-robin interim Cruiserweight title tournament has Kushida (1-0), Jake Atlas (1-0), Drake Maverick (1-1), and Tony Nese (0-2) in Group A. Akira Tozawa (1-0), Isaiah “Swerve” Scott (1-1), El Hijo del Fantasma (1-1), and Jack Gallagher (0-1) are in Group B.

WWE airing Ariya Daivari ‘Matches That Made Me’ episode of 205 Live

Posted on by Joseph Currier

For the second straight week, WWE is airing a 205 Live episode that won’t feature any new matches.

“The Matches That Made Me: Ariya Daivari” will air as tonight’s 205 Live. It will feature Daivari taking “an in-depth look at the match that inspired him to become a WWE Superstar, as well as the most memorable match of his career.”

A Brian Kendrick edition of “The Matches That Made Me” aired on 205 Live last week. It featured WWE airing Hulk Hogan vs. The Ultimate Warrior from WrestleMania VI and Kendrick’s Cruiserweight Classic match against Kota Ibushi. There were also comments from Kendrick leading into the matches airing.

It was said on last week’s Kendrick episode that 205 Live would be taking a look at some members of the cruiserweight division while NXT’s interim Cruiserweight title tournament is taking place.

Jake Atlas (1-0), Kushida (1-0), Tony Nese (0-1), and Drake Maverick (0-1) are in Group A of the interim title tournament, while Akira Tozawa (1-0), El Hijo del Fantasma (1-0), Jack Gallagher (0-1), and Isaiah “Swerve” Scott (0-1) are in Group B. Each participant will face the other wrestlers in their group once, with the group leaders then advancing to the finals. Any ties will be broken by head-to-head record.

The interim title tournament is happening because — due to the coronavirus pandemic — NXT Cruiserweight Champion Jordan Devlin is currently unable to travel and defend his title.

WWE 205 Live results: The matches that made Brian Kendrick

Posted on by Chick Fritts

Amid the ongoing health crisis, 205 Live’s typical match cards and structure were dropped this week. In its place was a new feature called “The Matches that Made Me.” 

The Brian Kendrick acted as both the guest and host from what looked like his home while dressed in his entrance jacket. From this unusual setting, he answered questions regarding his relationship with professional wrestling.

“What was the match that made you fall in love with professional wrestling?” was the first question asked of Kendrick. He answered with the main event of WrestleMania VI, Hulk Hogan vs the Ultimate Warrior, and then proceeded to tell a brief story that led to his first viewing of the match. A typical childhood playdate transformed into a VHS WrestleMania watch party. After seeing the match, Kendrick concluded that being a wrestler is what he wished to do with his life. To put it in his own words Kendrick, “Wished to be the Ultimate Warrior.” 

Hogan vs Warrior then played in full. It’s easy to see how this match, one of the most iconic in federation history, acted as a successful introduction to pro wrestling for a young Kendrick. The colossal men, who not only resembled Greek gods but also matched them in dramatics, came across that day as immortals. After seeing the farewell imagery of Warrior simultaneously clutching the bright yellow strapped intercontinental belt and the stunning winged eagle WWF Heavyweight championship, it is easy to see how boyhood Kendrick wanted to follow in his footsteps.

Following the conclusion of that match, Kendrick rejoined the broadcast. He was quick to address the next question of, “Which match that you competed in were you the proudest of?” He mentioned a pair of moments that he felt pride in, his reign as tag team champion with Paul London and his reign as cruiserweight champion following the birth of 205 Live, before coming to his emotional encounter with Kota Ibushi at the Cruiserweight Classic. 

Following his middle-bracket loss at the event, Kendrick felt as if it might be the end of his time in the WWE. He said he was forced to look in the mirror following that match, a metaphorical action that in turn placed his career into perspective and ultimately led to his prolonged stay with the company. 

Kendrick vs Ibushi then played in full. The high paced bout was equally dramatic and athletic. It perfectly played to the narrative laid forth by Kendrick in the prior segment. For every giant move delivered by Kendrick, Ibushi kicked out. Nothing Kendrick could do was enough and in the end, Ibushi came out on top. Being proud of this incredible match is easy, but using it as a tool for further improvement proves that Kendrick was and still is entirely dedicated to his craft.

This feature in place of 205 Live only scratched the surface of Kendrick’s long career. It could have definitely benefited from more of Kendrick, be it in the form of further thoughts on the matches showcased or voiceover in “watch-along” fashion. Though it wasn’t a thorough retrospective, rewatching these matches in the context provided by Kendrick was a satisfying change from the empty arenas.

WWE airing special Brian Kendrick episode of 205 Live

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Tonight’s episode of 205 Live won’t feature any new matches.

Instead, WWE has announced that tonight’s 205 Live will be a “The Matches That Made Me” special with Brian Kendrick:

The Brian Kendrick has been a defining force of the NXT Cruiserweight division, and tonight, the gifted high-flyer looks back on the matches that have defined his career.

Kendrick will give an in-depth look at the match that inspired him to pursue his dream of being a WWE Superstar, as well the most memorable match of his own career.

Get inside the mind of The Brian Kendrick and walk down memory lane with one of WWE 205 Live’s most dynamic personalities tonight at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT on the award-winning WWE Network.

Kendrick was most recently in action as part of the 205 Live originals vs. Team NXT 10-man elimination tag match on the March 13 episode of 205 Live.

WWE is currently holding an eight-man, round-robin tournament to crown an interim NXT Cruiserweight Champion. Kushida, Drake Maverick, Tony Nese, and Jake Atlas are in Group A, while Isaiah “Swerve” Scott, El Hijo del Fantasma, Akira Tozawa, and Jack Gallagher are in Group B.

The tournament kicked off with Tozawa defeating Scott on NXT this week. Kushida vs. Nese, Maverick vs. Atlas, and Fantasma vs. Gallagher are set for next Wednesday’s episode of NXT.

Jordan Devlin holds the NXT Cruiserweight Championship but is unable to travel and defend his title right now due to the coronavirus pandemic.

WWE 205 Live results: Nese vs. Burch, Lorcan vs. Gallagher

Posted on by Chick Fritts

Tony Nese defeated Danny Burch

During the initial moments in 205 Live’s opening match, Danny Burch applied pressure to the left arm of Tony Nese. After being briefly grounded, Nese was able to roll to his feet and force a referee initiated break. Said break allowed Nese to land a headlock takedown on Burch. Burch transitioned from his disadvantaged ground position into a surprise pin attempt. Nese kicked out and both men returned to their feet.

 A test of strength followed the reset. Burch prevailed and attempted a single leg boston crab but Nese was able to quickly grab the middle rope. After being stood up once again both men stared each other down for a very brief instant before Nese landed a takedown which he followed with a hold to the left ankle of Burch. As Burch struggled for freedom, Nese placed his foot on the bottom rope for additional leverage. Burch kicked his way free, but was clearly strained. 

The two rose to a standing position wherein Burch was immediately taken back down to the mat by Nese. Nese then proceeded to continue his assault on the left leg of Burch with a single leg boston crab. Burch quickly crawled to the rope and kicked off Nese who was not honoring the break ordered by the official. 

In the third reset of the match, Burch scored a headlock takedown of his own. Once on the mat, both men traded advantage. Nese was eventually bested on the ring floor but drew in Burch by playing possum next to the ropes. Burch fell for his trap and was sent through the ropes. Nese then landed a flush spinning back elbow sending Burch crashing to the outside. At the count of eight Nese left the ring and began an outside attack which included driving Burch’s back into the barricade and Burch’s head into the ring apron. Nese rolled Burch into the ring and attempted a pin but Burch kicked out.

After Burch kicked out, Nese secured a pseudo-rear-mount that slowed the match to a crawl. Burch ultimately freed himself from this hold. Burch landed a flurry of intense strikes and a huge second rope missile dropkick. Burch hesitated for a moment after a failed pin attempt. Burch then picked up Nese for a standing suplex but Nese floated over. 

Burch endeavored to maintain his control with a big boot followed by a german suplex. In a fantastic moment of athleticism, Nese landed on his feet following the release from Burch’s german suplex; Burch landed on his back from the same move. Nese then promptly delivered a seamless double foot stomp to the chest of Burch and hooked his leg for a near fall.  

Both men struggled to their feet, Nese was first to stand. Nese took control of Burch’s head, ran him across the ring, and jumped to the floor to force the throat Burch into the top rope. Nese without hesitation jumped from the floor to the apron and then to the second rope where he delivered a stunning moonsault to his grounded opponent. Burch kicked out again. 

A frustrated Nese taunted Burch on the ground. Burch was able to take the arm of his mocker and secure a crossface in the center of the ring. In what seemed to be a possible end of the match, Nese rolled the crossface into a pin and nearly picked up a victory. Both men regained footing momentarily. Nese landed a strike that stunned Burch and a german suplex in the corner that rendered him lifeless. Nese then performed a running knee, allowing Nese to pick up the win.

The match was overall quite fun. It could probably have done without the lull before the climax but ultimately it was an entertaining watch.   

Following the previous match’s resolution, Nese was yelling at the announce team. Nese was met by Jack Gallagher who was entering the empty WWE Performance center for the main event. The two entered an intense staredown that narrowly avoided coming to blows. 

Jack Gallagher defeated Oney Lorcan

This week’s 205 Live main event began with a briskly passed chain grappling segment. Jack Gallagher landed an early takedown. Once on the ground, Gallagher took the back of Lorcan wherein he reined in a few devastating fists to the back of the head. Lorcan was able to avoid any significant damage and made it back to his feet.

Gallagher remained on his back and lured Lorcan into his guard. The two ended up in the ropes and stood up for a moment but quickly returned to the mat wherein they both fought for control of the other’s legs. They again ended up in the ropes and scraped during the standup. 

After being stood up again, Lorcan attempted a takedown but was stuffed. The two then struggled for control but Gallagher proved to be better on the ground, at least in this instance. Gallagher landed multiple strikes that rendered Lorcan staggered. Lorcan tried to match the intensity of Gallagher, but was once again bested in strikes not once but twice in two intense sequences.  

Lorcan was able to gain advantage when Gallagher connected with a headbutt that resulted in the Gallaher being dazed. Lorcan landed a half-and-half suplex on Gallagher and hooked the leg for a two count pin attempt. Lorcan continued his offense with a shoulder block and a clothesline but Gallagher powered out of both pin attempts. Lorcan then sat Gallagher on the top rope for a half-and-half suplex but was elbowed in the process. Gallagher connected with a crossbody with a turn during the descent.

Both men were laid on the mat flat when Tony Nese re-entered the picture. Gallagher rose to see the man he had just had a sour interaction with brandishing a chair. Before he could act, Lorcan rolled up Gallagher. Gallagher answered the referee’s count at two. Gallagher then landed a brutal headbutt that seemed to signify the end of the match, but before he could follow up Gallagher was attacked by Nese making Gallagher the winner by disqualification. 
Lorcan aided his opponent in fending off Nese. Nese took a chair and looked to inflict serious harm on Lorcan but before he could, the music of Danny Burch played and Burch ran to the ring, saving his partner. 

This match was incredibly realistic and it at no point lulled. The shoot style segments were intense and meaningful. While the screwy finish might be a turnoff to some, it was an excellent catalyst in concretizing the dastardly nature of Tony Nese while maintaining both Lorcan and Burch.

WWE 205 Live results: Kushida vs. Danny Burch

Posted on by F4W Staff

By Chick Fritts

Kushida defeated Danny Burch

The opening moments of 205 Live’s opening matchup in an empty WWE Performance Center began with chain grappling. Kushida and Danny Burch traded control of individual limbs. Burch would have a hold of a leg and Kushida would get an arm. Burch gained the arm and Kushida tried the leg. This back and forth went on for some time and saw a variety of holds used by each man. 

The opening limb targeting came to an end after Burch changed the pace with a flapjack. Burch failed to follow up due to Kushida kicking him after being provided with a brief breather. Burch rolled to the outside and Kushida looked for a dive. Seeing Kushida in a running motion Burch hopped to the apron and was swiftly met with the heels of his inverted opponent.

Kushida failed significant advances after this point as a top rope forearm attempt was caught with a right hand from Burch, who then proceeded to grind down his already grounded adversary. He did this with effective striking and grounded holds.

An Irish whip from Burch allowed Kushida to launch a counter-attack that started with a handspring back elbow. Burch attempted to gain his bearings on the outside of the ring, but Kushida gave him no such break. Kushida instead jumped from the apron onto Burch before sending him back to the ring. Kushida continued his attack with a kick to the head. 

Burch stuffed what looked to be a DDT attempt from Kushida and connected with a loud forearm smash. Burch went for a pin but Kushida kicked out only to be seamlessly transitioned into a crossface in the center of the ring. Kushida managed to fight through and land a light strike to Burch which initiated a brief exchange of blows that saw Kushida regain match advantage. Kushida wasted no time as he positioned himself for and succeeded in applying the hoverboard lock. Burch immediately tapped out. 

In their first time meeting, Burch and Kushida put on a fairly typical WWE cruiserweight match. The lack of audience definitely did not help it was not a great hindrance either. While the match was nothing to write home about it was far from bad, it worked fine as an opening contest. 

Jack Gallagher defeated Tyler Breeze

In his first singles appearance following his return to 205 Live, Jack Gallagher dawned a cloak that covered his new tattoos. He let it fall to the mat in a theatrical display. This definitely seemed best fitted for a live audience, the all at once re-reveal to remind the world of his new appearance and maybe score a gasp or two at the same time, but still came across well enough without a crowd. 

The opening moments of the match saw Gallagher and Tyler Breeze enter a collar and elbow tie-up which saw Breeze gaining the advantage in the first leg of the match. Breeze seemed to have an answer for Gallagher’s questions. 

Gallagher turned the match in his favor when Breeze slipped and gave control of his head to his opponent. Gallagher took this head control and turned it into a fireman’s carry drop onto the top rope. Powerful strikes from Gallagher followed. A struggling Breeze tried for an opening, but Gallagher did not give an inch, instead continuing the barrage of strikes. 

Gallagher completely controlled the pace of the match for a long while. Breeze tried again to regain a semblance of a chance with some strikes to the gut. Gallagher was sent back into the corner and Breeze connected with a match altering kick. Breeze then landed two flying forearms to a cornered Gallagher and seemed to be in the driver’s seat. When Breeze was going for a third flying forearm, Gallagher entered a sprint and missed a dropkick. 

Breeze rolled him up and Gallagher kicked out and before he had a chance to breathe Gallagher was laid out with a supermodel kick. Breeze went for a pin only for Gallagher to answer the referee’s count.

A now desperate Breeze looked for a way to close the match. He climbed to the top rope but was brought down by Gallagher who had quickly recovered from Breeze’s attempted finish. Gallagher turned his attention to the arm of Breeze with an armbar in the center of the ring. Breeze dug down deep and crawled to the bottom rope.

Gallagher. in a position similar to Breeze from moments earlier, was growing frustrated. He stuck and struck only for Breeze to not only answer his strikes but also regain control of the match. The two found themselves on the outside of the ring wherein Breeze drove Gallagher into the barricade before returning him to the squared circle. Breeze struggled to reenter the ring as his arm was damaged from Gallagher’s armbar. This momentary pause gave Gallagher enough time to connect with a discus lariat and secure the pinfall victory. 

Both men looked strong in a very fun and logical match. Not a moment was a lull or without reason. In the end, Gallagher came across looking beastly and as a legitimate threat to Jordan Devlin’s cruiserweight title reign.

205 Live this week was solid. The opening match wasn’t fantastic but the main event was a great display of cruiserweight wrestling. Breeze and Gallagher managed to pull off a very good match.

Kushida set for action on WWE 205 Live this week

Posted on by Joseph Currier

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

WWE has announced that Kushida vs. Danny Burch will air on 205 Live tomorrow night. Jack Gallagher vs. Tyler Breeze is also set for the episode.

Three weeks ago, Kushida was part of the Team NXT vs. 205 Live originals 10-man elimination tag match on 205 Live. He was revealed as the final member of Team NXT on that show, replacing Lio Rush. Team NXT won the match after dissension between Gallagher and his teammates. Kushida and Isaiah “Swerve” Scott were the two members of Team NXT left standing at the end.

Kushida defeated Joaquin Wilde on the episode of NXT that aired last night.

Tomorrow’s 205 Live will be the third time Kushida has wrestled on the show. He teamed with Gallagher to defeat Akira Tozawa & Brian Kendrick when 205 Live took place at Madison Square Garden in September.

WWE 205 Live results: Tony Nese vs. Oney Lorcan

Posted on by F4W Staff

By Chick Fritts

Big Takeaways: Isaiah “Swerve” Scott and Tony Nese picked up clean wins in an empty WWE Performance Center.

Isaiah “Swerve” Scott defeated Joaquin Wilde

In the opening moments in what was the third 205 Live taped in an empty WWE Performance Center, an immediate change of presentation was noticeable. Following the bell to open the night’s action, it became apparent that a recurring complaint had been addressed; the hard camera no longer faced the empty seats surrounding the ring but instead looked in the direction of the entrance ramp.

As soon as the match began, so did the mat wrestling. Both Isaiah Scott and Joaquin Wilde traded holds on the ground and drags into holds on the ground to open the contest. The initial back-and-forth trading ended when a frustrated Scott rolled to the outside. Wilde attempted a baseball slide, but it was blocked by Scott which trapped Wilde in the apron. A swift kick to the face of Wilde freed him from his trap while also tearing down said apron.

Scott rolled Wilde into the ring and continued his attack. Scott used a collection of strikes and stretches in the second mat wrestling portion of the match. Eventually, Scott worked Wilde into the corner and to the top rope wherein Wilde began to fight for an opening. 

Wilde scored the opening and delivered a truly stunning rana to his standing opponent. Scott was sent rolling to the outside but this did not stop the assault from Wilde. Wilde jumped from the ring onto Scott in a wheelbarrow position and managed to transition seamlessly into an arm drag that drove Scott into the announce desk. Wilde sent Scott back into the ring and attempted an Arabian springboard DDT, but was stuffed. 

The two men were on equal footing once again. They began to trade strikes but this cliche quickly evolved into a trading of moves. Scott caught Wilde with a German suplex and Wilde answered with a reverse rana. Scott answered the rana with his finisher, the house call. Wilde kicked out of the subsequent pin attempt. 

Wilde, for the last time in the match, strived for a momentum shift. Multiple unique reversals were attempted by Wilde but in the end, it cost him the match. Scott caught Wilde mid reversal with a Michinoku driver and secured the pinfall victory.

It’s easy to say this match would have been much better without the slow open. The grappling would have added little to nothing to the match with a crowd but without one it really made the opening bland. The innovative and creative displays of offense and defense from both men saved the match in the minutes that followed. Overall the match was a decent to good watch.

Tony Nese defeated Oney Lorcan

This week’s main event opened with a feeling out process. Multiple collar and elbow tie-ups, multiple tests of strength, and plenty of chain wrestling. Both men proved to be near equals on the mat with a slight edge going to Lorcan. After what felt like ages, a rope break ended the trading of insignificant holds.

With both men on equal footing, an exchange of strikes began. Tony Nese got the better of Lorcan with a kick to the side of his head after a failed rollup attempt. Nese then proceeded to strike Lorcan across the body before slamming him to the mat where the grounded grappling continued. Lorcan was held in by the legs of Nese for some time before a significant strike allowed Lorcan to take full mount. 

Lorcan rained forearms on the guarded face of Nese. Unlike the absolutely dry open of this match, this ground exchange. while a little long. felt meaningful to structure the match. Nese was able to roll away from his attacker only to be continually struck after reaching his feet. 

Lorcan paused after a kick out from Nese which allowed Nese to shift the momentum in his favor. Nese ran across the ring with Lorcan in hand and drove the neck of Lorcan into the rope. This was followed by a springboard moonsault from Nese. 

Nese tried a cover, but Lorcan kicked out. However, Nese did not allow this to interrupt his offense. He instead put a decisive stop to the match with a snug German suplex into the turnbuckles followed by a running knee. Lorcan was then swiftly pinned, making Nese the winner of tonight’s main event.

Not to beat a dead horse. but again. this match would have benefited greatly from a greatly reduced if not totally eliminated feeling out process. It added nothing to the match. What makes the opening minutes a real shame is the two men went on to show they could deliver an interesting and realistic mat wrestling sequence later in the same match.

Final Thoughts: This entire show, as is so common with 205 Live, felt logical but soulless. Someone needs to call for a shortening of the drawn-out matches to give talent a chance to get over on the microphone, be it separate from the in-ring action or post-match. 205 Live is entirely devoid of character. 

WWE 205 Live results: Isaiah ‘Swerve’ Scott vs. Oney Lorcan

Posted on by F4W Staff

By Chick Fritts for F4WOnline

Big Takeaway: Danny Burch and Isaiah “Swerve” Scott picked up clean wins in an empty WWE Performance Center.

Danny Burch defeated Joaquin Wilde

The empty arena show began with plenty of shots of empty chairs. Neither Joaquin Wild nor Danny Burch made notice of his changed backdrop during either entrance.

Following the bell, the match began with a grappling exchange that saw Burch gain an early advantage. During said exchange Burch continually maintained control of Wilde’s left arm. The sequence of chain wrestling temporarily ended after Burch attempted a submission hold and Wilde found a rope break. This gave opportunity to Wilde who used his time to begin an attack on Burch’s left arm. 

Wilde was outmatched by the technical acumen of Burch. Burch worked his way through Wilde’s offense and began an attack on the outside of the ring. Burch drove the head of Wilde into the padded barricade’s corner just feet from the announce table. Burch walked away from Wilde which allowed Wilde to retaliate with some light striking when Burch tried to return to action. Wilde then hopped the barricade where he delivered a flying forearm to a stunned Burch.  

Wilde sent Burch back to the ring and once again began attacking his left arm. Wilde was sure to taunt the nonexistent audience with the sound of a mouth-produced “DJ Horn” before transitioning to working the arm once again. For the first time, significant mat control from Wilde was maintained. 

The technical proficiency of Burch showed again as he found room to deliver a momentum-shifting strike to his attacker. Burch and Wilde traded moves for a moment. Wilde had grounded Burch with double knees to the chest and attempted a double foot stomp from the top rope. Burch avoided the attack and drug Wilde into a crossface that saw Wilde’s left arm restricted. Wilde was forced to submit.

Though overall the match was lacking energy to a degree, it was completely logical. It saw both men working their opponent’s left arm which led to the eventual finish in favor of the more technically proficient Burch.

Following a brief break, the show continued with an extended look at last week’s elimination match. It was revealed that during last week’s match that John Cena looked on from behind the barricade. Cena showered praise on the guys in the ring.

Isaiah “Swerve” Scott defeated Oney Lorcan

The beginning of the main event felt a little awkward after Isaiah “Swerve” Scott taunted to the empty Performance Center. After the bell, Scott and Oney Lorcan entered a prolonged feeling out process. Lorcan and Scott traded nonsignificant advantages for some time.

Scott traveled to the top rope during the last stint of his advantage following the opening grapple exchange. Lorcan caught Scott and delivered a dragon screw leg whip across the rope that sent Scott to the outside. Once the men returned to the ring, Lorcan continued the attack to Scott’s left leg with a varied offense. If Scott tried to take advantage, Lorcan maintained control of Scott’s left leg. 

Scott regained his footing with a push-off. Scott then turned Lorcan over and inside out with a beautiful clothesline. Lorcan was sent to the outside with a kick to the chin. Scott kicked Lorcan again and sent him back to the ring where he delivered a flatliner followed by a near pinfall. Scott found himself on the top rope where he delivered a double foot stomp to a grounded Lorcan and secured the pinfall victory.

This match was brief but definitely could act as a catalyst for Scott’s impending singles run following his victory in last week’s elimination match. 

Final Thoughts:

This show, in more than one way, this felt like a reset for 205 Live. After a long multi-man and interbrand feud, this episode began the groundwork for the future of the show.

WWE 205 Live results: Captain’s Challenge elimination tag match

Posted on by F4W Staff

By Chick Fritts for F4WOnline

Big Takeaways —

Team NXT emerged victorious after weeks of build.

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.

WWE 205 Live results: Nese & Kanellis vs. Burch & Lorcan

Posted on by F4W Staff

By Chick Fritts for F4WOnline

The Big Takeaways

  • All of 205 Live was booked to build interest in next week’s interbrand bout as both Team 205 Live and Team NXT picked up a win prior to their official meeting next Friday. 

Show Recap

The show began with a brief recap of last week’s show. Following the retelling of last week’s events, commentary notified the viewers of Lio Rush’s health status due to the attack at the hands of Jack Gallagher as he is not cleared for next week’s NXT vs. 205 Live match.

To further develop the inner workings of the now captainless Team NXT, Isaiah “Swerve” Scott was interviewed backstage and insisted they would move on without a captain and confirmed that a replacement for Rush had been secured.

Isaiah “Swerve” Scott defeated Ariya Daivari via pinfall 

After both men entered the ring to a quiet reception, thee exchanged tense words of discontent prior to the bell. 

The match began with a lockup, followed by a strike exchange that saw Scott, representing team NXT, taking advantage. Scott used the time gained by his advantage to travel to the top rope. After noticing Scott’s position, Team 205 Live’s Daivari rolled to the outside. Scott was able to adapt and deliver a running punt to the apron. Daivari was then rolled back into the ring and worked over on the mat. 

Scott gave up his mat advantage after locking in a brutal arm submission in order to taunt to the crowd. Daivari then took control of the match and struck Scott’s neck. Daivari continued to work the neck with a myriad of moves. 

After a “I’m striking you so strike me back” sequence that is all too common in wrestling today, Scott came out of the sequence ahead and followed up with a flatliner and near fall. 

The two both traded light moves and pin attempts until Scott once again attacked the arm of Daivari. Scott climbed to the top rope and landed a flush flying double stomp to Daivari and picked up the pin.

All in all, this match was a typical WWE cruiserweight bout with some ultimately pointless limb targeting. Even with the impending 5-on-5 match, there was little heat and the action itself did little to change that.

Tony Nese and Mike Kanellis defeated Danny Burch and Oney Lorcan via pinfall 

Burch and Nese started with Nese taunting Burch and Burch flattening him in response. Burch and Lorcan traded tags to dominate Kanellis with double team moves. Nese entered the ring to aid his partner but suffered the same fate. 

With Burch and Kanellis as the legal men, Nese acted as a distraction after a rope break provided Kanellis with a breather. Burch eventually tagged out to Lorcan who simultaneously fought both Nese and Kanellis but eventually fell victim to the pair. Kanellis slowed the match to a crawl with a rest hold and soon after tagged in Nese who continued to keep Lorcan grounded with a rest hold of his own. 

Nese attempted and missed a moonsault. He was punished by this blunder when Lorcan got a much needed hot tag. Burch cleared the ring of Nese and set Kanellis, who tagged in during the hot tag sequence, up for an avalanche tag team maneuver. The move was broken up by Nese who was once again tagged in following the save. Nese picked up Burch pump handle style, allowing Kanellis to hit a flying knee followed by Nese slamming Burch to the mat, pinning him to pick up the win for Team 205 Live members.

Final Thoughts:

Both of the matches on this week’s show were nothing special. It felt as if they should have meant a great deal with next week’s interbrand match, but they failed to connect with the audience in any significant way.