Tag: Brian Kendrick

WWE 205 Live results: Isaiah ‘Swerve’ Scott vs. Brian Kendrick

Posted on by Chick Fritts

Ariya Daivari opened 205 Live by announcing that the second edition of his $10,000 gauntlet would start the show. If either of the two competitors in “Daivari’s Dinero Division” defeated Daivari, they would leave with his money-filled suitcase. 

Daivari’s Dinero Division Gauntlet: Ariya Daivari defeated Anthony Greene

Daivari showed an early confidence as the first match started. Greene tried to catch Daivari in his arrogance but was unable to gain anything substantial. Instead, Daivari took his time stomping and chopping at the Performance Center recruit. Greene at times connected with some unimpressive looking offense: a rollup, a press, a rana. All of this was short-lived, as Daivari played the role of top dog. Davari pinned Greene with a hammerlock lariat.

Daivari’s Dinero Division Gauntlet: Curt Stallion defeated Ariya Daivari by DQ

The second competitor in the Daivari gauntlet, Curt Stallion, took his sweet time before entering the ring. Once inside the ropes, Daivari stomped a hole in the former EVOLVE competitor. Stallion was able to catch Daivari both with a lariat and a kick which forced Daivari to throw Stallion to the outside in an act of self-preservation. Back inside, a Persian splash left Daivari within a hair of victory. Daivari then tried for a few moves to close the match but each time was blocked by Stallion. 

Stallion landed an echoing headbutt that sent Daiviri back outside and followed with a suicide dive. Stallion had victory in sight, but before he could capitalize was hit with a running knee from Tony Nese. This left Stallion with a disqualification victory over Daivari but before he could claim the prize, Daivari snatched his money. 

This was a good enough way to further the Daivari/Nese angle from last week’s show. The open-ended nature of the finish leaves such a variety of options for what is to come that intrigue is forced to follow. 

Isaiah “Swerve” Scott defeated The Brian Kendrick

Kendrick opened the match by gaining control of Scott’s arm. Kendrick used the arm to score a takedown which initiated a back-and-forth sequence of chain wrestling. Once standing, Scott used a moment of temporary separation to connect with a rolling thunder flatliner. Scott then took the match back to the mat with a backdrop. On the mat, it was Kendrick who forced Scott to pull away. This separation allowed Kendrick to land a boot after both men popped back to their feet. 

After being taken down by a bodyscissors, Kendrick crawled to the bottom rope, and instead of breaking, threw Scott to the outside. Scott was sent crashing into the ring steps, leaving Kendrick back on top. Kendrick tried hoisting Scott by his tights but was caught by a stray boot. Kendrick was able to stifle Scott’s resurgence by side stepping a hip attack. Scott was hit with a pair of neckbreakers in Kendrick’s follow-up. 

Scott was able to avoid sliced bread and transitioned into a suplex. A leaping uppercut allowed Scott to turn his attention back to the arm of Kindrick. Scott tried for a second rolling thunder flatliner, but Kendrick used the movement of Scott to transition into the captain’s hook. Scott fought to his feet and into the corner just for Kendrick to connect with sliced bread. Scott kicked out of the pin attempt that followed. 

A failed rollup attempt from Kendrick and a quick scramble left Scott with control of Kendrick’s back. Kendrick grabbed the rope, but his previously worked arm gave out. Scott secured the double underhook and landed the JML driver. Scott held the folded body of Kendrick down for the three count. 

The now-signature post match Kendrick handshake followed the bell. 

The clever finish of this match almost made the awkward mat work worth enduring. Everything outside of the closing sequence was fine at best.

WWE 205 Live results: Ashante ‘Thee’ Adonis vs. Brian Kendrick

Posted on by Chick Fritts

Jake Atlas defeated Ariya Daivari

Ariya Daivari started the match with a quick set of jabs which triggered a Jake Atlas fury. Atlas unloaded passionate strikes on the ring’s inside before throwing Daivari to the floor below. Atlas threw Daivari into the barricade before reentering the ring.

Daivari reset the match with a punch to the throat. Daivari’s offense that followed did not match the energy shown by Atlas in the earliest moments but instead was prolonged and ground-based. Atlas’s attempt to regain control was stopped by a clever dropkick to a slumped over Atlas. Daivari then continued to slowly pick apart Atlas. Atlas tried for an elbow that Daivari avoided and punished with a DDT. Atlas tried for a crucifix pin that Daivari kicked from and punished with a clothesline. 

Daivari threw Atlas into the corner, which Atlas bounced out of with a forearm. An Atlas back body drop, single-leg dropkick, and German suplex followed. After landing a pump kick on Daivari in the corner, Atlas tried for a big hook. Daivari ducked the punch and landed a neckbreaker, regaining his control. Daivari landed a top-rope splash and nearly scored the fall. Atlas was then hoisted into position for the hammerlock lariat which a quick elbow prevented. Atlas was then able to land a pump kick that sent Daivari to the outside. Atlas wasted no time, setting up for and connecting with a tope. 

Without any warning, enter Tony Nese in full sprint. A Nese running knee then laid Atlas out, leaving him with a disqualification victory. 

This match was very strong throughout. Atlas and Daivari both worked hard to make a simple match formula meaningful. The run-in was genuinely emotional due to the A-1 work that it extinguished all too soon.

Ashante “Thee” Adonis defeated The Brian Kendrick 

Brian Kendrick was caught in the opening moments as Ashante Adonis landed a series of supercuts in the corner. Kendrick tried to lift Adonis for a suplex but instead found himself on the receiving end of an Adonis dropkick and back body drop. Adonis hit a clothesline that caused Kendrick to fall to the floor. 

As Adonis tried to follow up it looked as if he accidentally was caught by a baggy ring skirt. Kendrick, without hesitation, took full advantage. After driving Adonis headfirst into the barricade Kendrick returned to the ring. Kendrick attempted to follow up his newfound lead with a kick but was caught by Adonis. A back and forth offensive struggle followed but it was Adonis who landed a crossbody and a DDT to nearly secure the win. A spinebuster left him even closer. Adonis declared it his time before being dropped with a ton of strong kicks. 

Kendrick secured the captain’s hook. Adonis was able to roll onto Kendrick, nearly pinning him. Kendrick tried again for the hook but was kicked in the jaw for even trying. Adonis waited for Kendrick to rise and dropped him with a superkick. Adonis then hooked the leg and pinned Kendrick clean in the middle. 

For the third time, Adonis and Kendrick shook hands in the ring’s middle following the conclusion. 

This match was the best outing of this particular pairing. Adonis seemed as if he had something to prove, delivering a focused performance as the match’s standout. Likewise, Kendrick played the veteran role perfectly. 

205 Live’s debut in the Capitol Wrestling Center took place inside of an NXT dressed ring – yellow ropes, NXT turnbuckle pads, etcetera. The ring skirt featured the typical 205 Live branding. Whether this is a decision worth looking into or an oversight is currently undeterminable.

The content of the 200th 205 Live episode was the best in the pandemic era. The matches were fun and dramatic. All in all, a great show.

WWE 205 Live results: Legado Del Fantasma vs. Lorcan & Burch

Posted on by Chick Fritts

The Brian Kendrick defeated Ashante “Thee” Adonis

205 Live began with a rematch; the man formerly known as Tehuti Miles, now Ashante Adonis, was to once again wrestle the man who triggered this change in personas, The Brian Kendrick. 

Kendrick in the early going looked to be regretting his words of wisdom towards Adonis late last month. Kendrick shoved Adonis, only for Adonis to pursue him with his newfound intensity. Adonis gained an early lead from this point which was lost after a big boot from Kendrick. Kendrick pummeled Adonis while avoiding all of his reversal attempts. 

Kendrick eventually gave an inch to Adonis in the way of separation which Adonis fully capitalized on, landing a momentum nullifying clothesline. An Adonis spinebuster and head kick resulted in a pair of near falls. Finally, after a brief struggle, Adonis landed a DDT but taunted Kendrick in the moments following. Kendrick took advantage, secured the captain’s hook, and submitted Adonis.

Kendrick and Adonis shook hands just as they did in their match two weeks ago.

This match, in the same manner as their last, was fine in the ring and played further into the same story. The Adonis rebranding seems to be a means to further confirming the already established character of Miles following his first Kendrick match. Adonis is now more intense than ever but is still overconfident.

Chase Parker and Matt Martel (Ever-Rise) defeated Andrew Lockhart and Erik Lockhart

This match was a complete and total squash. Neither member of Ever-Rise gave up even an inch of offense to either Lockhart. The match was executed well enough considering its contents. 

Raul Mendoza and Joaquin Wilde (w/ Santos Escobar) defeated Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch

Oney Lorcan and Joaquin Wilde started this match with a nice progression of chain wrestling. Wilde eventually won out and was able to trade tags with his partner Raul Mendoza in hopes of furthering their advantage. Danny Burch was able to secure a tag after Lorcan fought into his corner, a tag that Burch was able to take full advantage of. After regaining momentum for his team Burch delivered a double suplex with the aid of Lorcan. 

Wilde was able to interfere on behalf of his team which allowed Legado Del Fantasma to stomp Burch into the mat. Wilde and Mendoza both traded tags as they further damaged Burch. Burch dug down deep to tag Lorcan back into the match, a tag which set a passion-filled Lorcan free. Lorcan effectively shifted the match back into his team’s favor before tagging Burch back in where he, with the help of Lorcan, landed an elevated DDT. Mendoza was forced to break the pin attempt that followed. 

Burch and Wilde were now on seemingly equal ground and it was Burch who was getting ahead. A massive German suplex triggered a reaction from Santos Escobar. Escobar hopped onto the apron but before anything could come of it Ever-Rise entered the ThunderDome. Ever-Rise initiated an attack on Escobar which drew the attention of Burch, which lasted no more than three seconds. Wilde was able to roll up his distracted opponent and effectively steal the win. 

This match was well structured and well-executed from bell to bell. The finish, while a bit flaky, was a followup from a reasonably angered Ever-Rise. All in all, a good watch. 

WWE 205 Live results: The Brian Kendrick returns

Posted on by Chick Fritts

The Brian Kendrick defeated Tehuti Miles

The Brian Kendrick was quick to disrespect Tehuti Miles following the bell. The returning Kendrick kicked the golden fanny pack of Miles to the mat before the two had even made contact. The pair exchanged brief words before entering a tie-up. Both men traded advantage but it was Miles who succeeded in landing a quartet of arm drags.

Miles took his time as he taunted Kendrick, an act which left Kendrick visibly unhappy. Kendrick landed a kick in retort before driving Miles into the corner. Miles was able to fight free and connect with a peppering of strikes, an Irish whip, and a dropkick. Miles tried for the pin but Kendrick kicked out. Miles took time again to taunt Kendrick, who he was seemingly far ahead of. This allowed Kendrick to roll an unfocused Miles up for a quick pinfall victory. 

Kendrick extended his hand to Miles, which Miles reluctantly shook.

This match was here to serve as a critical moment in the story of Miles, at least on the surface. His loss to the wiser Kendrick and the subsequent show of respect should be a catalyst for character development, especially considering his winless 205 Live record. 

The match itself was quick and to the point. Nothing was included that need not be and yet it did not feel as if it was missing anything. This was not meant to be a showcase of athletics but instead strictly a device of narrative, and at that, this match fully succeeded. 

Tony Nese defeated Liam Gray 

Liam Gray was immediately flattened by Tony Nese with a back elbow. Gray tried for separation, but was crushed at every turn by Nese. Nese stood over Gray, taunting him before launching him into the corner with a German Suplex. Nese hit a running knee on Gray before Nese then pinned Gray for the win.

Nese entirely pulverized this man. In fact, Gray was given no offense whatsoever. Nese’s intensity only furthered his gains from this slaughter. 

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

Oney Lorcan and Matt Martel started this match, but it was Danny Burch who tagged in moments after the match started and secured a headlock on Martel. Martel was able to tag in Chase Parker, who was also grabbed by a Burch headlock. 

Martel was able to make a stealthy tag of which Burch was none the wiser. Burch tried chasing Parker, who he thought was legal, but was clubbed by Martel. Martel dropped a few elbows on Burch before Parker was tagged in again. Parker dropped a bigger elbow on Burch and tried for a pin that Burch kicked out from. 

Martel, now legal, hoisted Burch onto his shoulders but Burch was able to wiggle himself free and tag in Lorcan. Lorcan leveled both Parker and Martel with uppercuts. Burch and Lorcan’s attempts at tandem offense were then repeatedly interrupted by Parker at every turn. 

Parker, now legal, landed a diving neckbreaker with assistance from Martel. Lorcan barely kicked out from the pin attempt that followed. Parker and Lorcan struggled for a suplex from the apron but only by the aid of Martel was Parker able to come out ahead. The referee then proceeded to yell at both Martel and Parker for their disregard for the rules, allowing Lorcan to make a sly tag of his own. Martel was quickly thrown to the outside by Burch, leaving Parker alone with his fresh opponent. Burch quickly secured a crossface and forced Parker to tap out. 

It turns out that Ever-Rise is not a babyface pairing, in spite of their babyface-ish showing last week, in fact, they are as underhanded in tactic as ever. What purpose, if any, this match served other than reverting last week’s happenings is hard to say. 

Two matches set for WWE 205 Live

Posted on by Joseph Currier

After defeating Danny Burch last week, Tehuti Miles will face off with Burch’s tag team partner on 205 Live tonight.

WWE has announced that Miles vs. Oney Lorcan will air on tonight’s 205 Live episode. Last week’s match against Burch was the first time Miles has gotten a win on WWE television.

Miles pinned Burch last week with a schoolboy while holding onto his tights.

Miles, who joined the WWE Performance Center in August 2019, has made appearances on NXT, Raw, and 205 Live in recent months. He’s a United States Army veteran, was on the University of Maryland Terrapins football team, and debuted on the Maryland independent wrestling scene before signing with WWE.

Isaiah “Swerve” Scott vs. Jack Gallagher is also set for tonight’s 205 Live. Scott defeated Tony Nese on NXT this week despite a distraction by Gallagher. Gallagher went after Scott after the match, but Scott rolled out of the ring.

Gallagher defeated Scott during the interim NXT Cruiserweight Championship tournament last month after Nese attacked Scott during his entrance.

In addition to the two matches, an encore of El Hijo del Fantasma vs. Drake Maverick in the interim Cruiserweight title tournament finals from this week’s NXT will also be shown on 205 Live tonight. Fantasma defeated Maverick and became interim champion, but Maverick was offered an NXT contract by Triple H after the match.

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: Lorcan/Burch vs. Kendrick/Daivari no DQ match

Posted on by F4W Editors

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.

WWE 205 Live results: Mike Kanellis returns

Posted on by F4W Editors

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.

NXT UK results: Worlds Collide qualifying matches

Posted on by Markus Gronemann

Taped January 17, 2020 at York Barbican in York, England

Quick results —

  • The WWE UK Championship is now the NXT UK Championship. Imperium are pissed at Undisputed Era.
  • Jordan Devlin defeated Ligero and Travis Banks defeated Brian Kendrick for spots in the fatal four-way NXT Cruiserweight Championship match at Worlds Collide. Angel Garza will defend his title against Isaiah “Swerve” Scott, Devlin, and Banks at the special.
  • Ilja Dragunov won a squash, then got called out by Joe Coffey. Before that, Dragunov meets Finn Balor at Worlds Collide on Saturday.

Full rundown —

WALTER NXT UK title renewal ceremony

Sid Scala and Johnny Saint were in the ring with a covered podium and awaiting the arrival of Imperium. Scala thanked the fans for making this the fastest growing brand.

WALTER received the new NXT UK Championship belt, which replaces the WWE UK Championship. WALTER approved, as the previous title had been polluted by Tyler Bate and Pete Dunne. WALTER then threw over the table and cut a fiery promo on Undisputed Era and how Imperium would restore the honor of the sport.

– Tom Phillips and Aiden English were our commentators. Nigel McGuinness will be back in March. They ran down the two cruiserweight qualifying matches.

Worlds Collide qualifying match: Jordan Devlin pinned Ligero after Devlinside (12:00)

Good match. Ligero ran wild early when Devlin pulled at his mask. Devlin then came back and both men hit all their big spots. Ligero got a near fall off a DDT. Devlin hit a cutter from the apron, then finished Ligero off with Devlinside.

– Radzi Chinyanganya interviewed Kay Lee Ray about TakeOver and her upcoming match with Mia Yim at Worlds Collide. Imperium walked up and harassed Radzi, then Mark Andrews & Flash Morgan Webster marched in the frame. Imperium ridiculed them in German and WALTER announced they’d talk “to the boss” about it.

– A video aired where Finn Balor talked about Ilja Dragunov and said he sees that Dragunov believes he belongs in the ring with him. He said Dragunov better not miss when he comes for him at Worlds Collide.

Ilja Dragunov pinned Josh Terry after Torpedo Moscow (2:24)

Dragunov won a quick squash with Torpedo Moscow.

– Dragunov addressed Balor after the match before Gallus interrupted. Joe Coffey told him they have some business to get to after Worlds Collide due to Dragunov costing him his match against WALTER at UK TakeOver: Blackpool II.

– Imperium walked up to the GM office to get a match with Andrews & Webster. They got a six-man tag next week with Marcel Barthel, Fabian Aichner & Alexander Wolfe facing Andrews, Webster, and a partner of Andrews and Webster’s choosing.

Worlds Collide qualifying match: Travis Banks pinned Brian Kendrick after the Kiwi Crusher (12:15)

Very good match. Banks injured his hand and Kendrick worked it over. Banks kicked out of Sliced Bread #2, then hit Slice of Heaven and the Kiwi Crusher for the win and the final spot in the fatal four-way. It will be NXT Cruiserweight Champion Angel Garza defending his title against Banks, Devlin, and Isaiah “Swerve” Scott.

Next week —

  • Eddie Dennis speaks out.
  • Danny Burch & Oney Lorcan vs. The Hunt (Primate & Wild Boar)
  • Imperium (Marcel Barthel, Fabian Aichner & Alexander Wolfe) vs. Mark Andrews, Flash Morgan Webster, and a mystery partner

Worlds Collide qualifying matches announced for NXT UK

Posted on by Joseph Currier

WWE has announced how the remaining two wrestlers for the Cruiserweight title match at Worlds Collide will be decided.

NXT Cruiserweight Champion Angel Garza is defending his title in a fatal four-way match at the Royal Rumble weekend Worlds Collide special. After defeating Tyler Breeze and Lio Rush in a triple threat match on NXT last night, Isaiah “Swerve” Scott will be one of Garza’s challengers.

There will be qualifying matches on next week’s NXT UK to determine the other two challengers for Worlds Collide. The qualifiers will be Jordan Devlin vs. Ligero and Travis Banks vs. Brian Kendrick.

NXT UK’s post-TakeOver: Blackpool II television tapings are being held in York, England this Friday and Saturday.

Worlds Collide is taking place at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas on Saturday, January 25. Here’s what’s been announced for the show thus far:

  • Undisputed Era (Adam Cole, Kyle O’Reilly, Bobby Fish & Roderick Strong) vs. Imperium (WALTER, Marcel Barthel, Fabian Aichner & Alexander Wolfe)
  • NXT Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley defending against Toni Storm
  • DIY (Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano) vs. Moustache Mountain (Trent Seven & Tyler Bate)
  • Finn Balor vs. Ilja Dragunov
  • NXT Cruiserweight Champion Angel Garza defending against Isaiah “Swerve” Scott and the winners of the NXT UK qualifiers in a fatal four-way match

Two tournament matches set for next week’s WWE 205 Live

Posted on by Bryan Rose

The first two matches for the upcoming 205 Live #1 Contender tournament have been announced.

Next week on 205 Live, Kalisto will face Tony Nese and Brian Kendrick will face Drew Gulak in the opening matches of the tournament, which is a single elimination eight man tournamentThe remaining four participants have yet to be announced.

On tonight’s episode of 205 Live, two matches took place that 205 General Manager Drake Maverick said would have big implications coming out of the tournament. In those matches, Humberto Carrillo defeated TJP while Mike Kanellis defeated Cedric Alexander. It seems based on those two wins, they will likely be a part of the tournament.

The eventual winner of the tournament will receive a title match against Buddy Murphy at WrestleMania 35. Murphy has been champion since October 6, winning the title at WWE Super Show-Down in Australia. Most recently, he defeated Akira Tozawa at Elimination Chamber.

205 Live next week will take place at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Tag team street fight, Lio Rush set for next week’s WWE 205 Live

Posted on by Joseph Currier

A stipulation match and an appearance by Lio Rush are set for next week’s episode of 205 Live.

During last night’s 205 Live, it was announced that Brian Kendrick & Akira Tozawa will face Drew Gulak & Jack Gallagher in a tag team street fight next week. Kendrick and Tozawa have been paired together as a team since shortly after the storyline where Gulak and Gallagher turned against Kendrick in October.

It was also announced that Lio Rush will return to 205 Live next week. It will be the first time he’s been on the show since he lost to Cedric Alexander on the November 14 episode.

Alexander will challenge for Buddy Murphy’s Cruiserweight Championship at TLC this Sunday.

Though the finals of Mixed Match Challenge season two are taking place at TLC, WWE plans to keep 205 Live as a taped show airing on Wednesdays for the last two episodes of the year. Dave Meltzer notes that a decision for 2019 will be made after that.

Updated lineups for tonight’s WWE SmackDown and 205 Live

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Another segment for SmackDown and two matches for 205 Live are set for tonight.

Ahead of their SmackDown Women’s Championship match at Money in the Bank on June 17th, WWE is advertising that Carmella will unmask Asuka by revealing a “never-before-told truth” about her. Charlotte Flair vs. Becky Lynch, Naomi & Jimmy Uso vs. Lana & Aiden English, and a contract signing for AJ Styles and Shinsuke Nakamura’s last man standing match at Money in the Bank will also take place tonight.

On 205 Live, Mustafa Ali vs. Buddy Murphy and Brian Kendrick vs. Lince Dorado have been announced. Ali and Murphy have been positioned as the two top challengers for Cedric Alexander’s Cruiserweight Championship. Murphy defeated Ali on the May 8th edition of 205 Live before losing a title match to Alexander last week.

Kendrick & Jack Gallagher have been feuding with the Lucha House Party and defeated Dorado & Kalisto last Tuesday with the help of Drew Gulak.

Brian Kendrick suffered broken nose, orbital bone on WWE Raw

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Brian Kendrick will be out of action for a bit after suffering a broken nose and orbital bone on Monday night.

Kendrick was accidentally hit in the face by a GTS from Hideo Itami at the end of their match on Raw. WWE put out a video before SmackDown noting that Kendrick had been injured, with Dr. Chris Amann telling WWE.com that a CT scan confirmed Kendrick suffered “an orbital wall fracture and a minimally displaced nasal bridge fracture.” Amann said that it appears Kendrick won’t need surgery since the orbital fracture didn’t cause any muscle or nerve entrapment when it penetrated the maxillary sinus.

No timetable for Kendrick’s return was given in the article, though Nigel McGuinness said Kendrick would be out for two months on 205 Live last night.

Itami faced Jack Gallagher (Kendrick’s tag team partner) last night and won by submission instead of using the GTS. The match against Kendrick was Itami’s third since being called up to the cruiserweight division.